Prehospital care of acute stroke and patient selection for endovascular treatment using the RACE scale from Coursera

Acute stroke is a time-dependent medical emergency. In acute ischemic stroke, the first objective is to restore brain flow using sistemic thrombolytic treatment and, in patients with large vessel occlusion, by endovascular treatment. In hemorrhagic stroke there are also specific treatments that can improve the clinical outcome.

The sooner the initiation of all these therapies the higher the clinical benefit. Thus, the organization of Stroke Code systems coordinated between emergency medical systems and hospitals is crucial to achieve early medical attention and treament.

Neurological scales facilitate stroke recognition at both hospital and pre-hospital levels and provide valuable information of stroke severity. The RACE scale is a prehospital scale validated as a tool to identify patients with suspected large vessel occlusion who are potential candidates for endovascular treatment.

This course aims to update general knowledge in acute stroke and currently available treatments, to review the protocol

of the Stroke Code and, finally, to train in the use of the RACE scale.

The target profile of this course is aimed to all health professionals working in the field of emergencies.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction

Stroke and treatment options

THE STROKE CODE

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Core audience is health professionals working in the field of emergencies

Reviews summary

Prehospital stroke & race scale

According to inferred feedback from learners, this course provides a highly practical and focused overview of prehospital acute stroke care and the Stroke Code. Students found the explanation of the RACE scale particularly clear and actionable, making it directly applicable to emergency settings. While the content is considered relevant and a good refresher, some experienced professionals may find it basic. Minor points include variable production quality. Overall, it appears to be a valuable resource for its target audience.

May be basic for specialists.

"As an experienced neurologist, I found some parts a bit basic."

"This is a great introduction, but don't expect deep dive into pathophysiology."

"Good for getting the essentials, but not advanced topics."

Generally current, monitor updates.

"The information on patient selection feels up-to-date with current guidelines."

"In a rapidly evolving field, I'd need to check for updates since publication."

"Covers standard Stroke Code protocol well."

Clear explanation of the scale.

"The explanation of the RACE scale was very clear and easy to follow."

"I finally understand how to correctly apply the RACE scale after taking this."

"Focusing on the RACE scale specifically was very helpful."

Directly useful for practice.

"I found the content directly applicable to my work in the emergency department."

"This course gave me practical tools for prehospital stroke assessment."

"I can use the RACE scale information immediately in my job."

Varies in quality.

"Some videos had lower audio quality than others."

"I noticed some inconsistencies in the video production."

"Content is great, but the video/audio could be improved in places."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Prehospital care of acute stroke and patient selection for endovascular treatment using the RACE scale with these activities:

Review the basics of stroke neurology

Show steps

Improve your understanding of stroke neurology, which will enable you to better identify stroke symptoms and make more informed decisions about treatment.

Browse courses on Neurology

Show steps

Review the key concepts of stroke neurology, such as the different types of stroke, the causes of stroke, and the signs and symptoms of stroke.
Take a practice quiz on stroke neurology to test your understanding.

Read the book "Stroke: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management"

Show steps

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of stroke, which will enable you to provide the best possible care for stroke patients.

View Stroke E-Book on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book "Stroke: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management".
Take notes on the key concepts covered in the book.
Discuss the book with a colleague or mentor.

Follow a tutorial on the RACE scale

Show steps

Gain practical experience using the RACE scale, which will enable you to more accurately assess stroke patients and determine their eligibility for endovascular treatment.

Browse courses on RACE Scale

Show steps

Find a tutorial on the RACE scale that is appropriate for your level of knowledge.
Follow the steps in the tutorial to learn how to administer the RACE scale.
Practice administering the RACE scale on a simulated patient.

Three other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all six activities

Practice interpreting CT scans of stroke patients

Show steps

Develop your ability to interpret CT scans of stroke patients, which will enable you to more accurately diagnose stroke and determine the appropriate treatment.

Show steps

Collect a set of CT scans of stroke patients.
Review the CT scans and identify the key features of each type of stroke.
Practice interpreting the CT scans and making a diagnosis.

Write a case report on a stroke patient you have treated

Show steps

Reflect on your experience treating stroke patients and share your insights with others, which will enable you to improve your own understanding of stroke management and contribute to the broader body of knowledge in this field.

Browse courses on Neurology

Show steps

Identify a stroke patient you have treated who has an interesting or complex case.
Write a case report that describes the patient's history, examination, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome.
Submit your case report to a medical journal or present it at a conference.

Develop a stroke care pathway for your practice

Show steps

Create a stroke care pathway that is tailored to the specific needs of your practice, which will enable you to improve the quality of care for stroke patients and reduce their risk of complications.

Browse courses on Neurology

Show steps

Review the existing literature on stroke care pathways.
Adapt an existing stroke care pathway to the specific needs of your practice.
Implement the stroke care pathway in your practice and monitor its effectiveness.

Career center

Learners who complete Prehospital care of acute stroke and patient selection for endovascular treatment using the RACE scale will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Neurohospitalist

A Neurohospitalist is a physician who specializes in the care of hospitalized patients with neurological conditions, including stroke. Neurohospitalists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care facilities. The course in Prehospital care of acute stroke and patient selection for endovascular treatment using the RACE scale may be useful in preparing for a career as a Neurohospitalist as it provides an understanding of the assessment and management of stroke patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Neurohospitalist

Stroke Nurse

A Stroke Nurse is a registered nurse who has specialized training in the care of stroke patients. Stroke Nurses work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care facilities. The course in Prehospital care of acute stroke and patient selection for endovascular treatment using the RACE scale may be useful in preparing for a career as a Stroke Nurse as it provides an understanding of the assessment and management of stroke patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Stroke Nurse

Stroke Coordinator

A Stroke Coordinator is a healthcare professional who coordinates the care of stroke patients. Stroke Coordinators work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care facilities. The course in Prehospital care of acute stroke and patient selection for endovascular treatment using the RACE scale may be useful in preparing for a career as a Stroke Coordinator as it provides an understanding of the assessment and management of stroke patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Stroke Coordinator

Interventional Neuroradiologist

An Interventional Neuroradiologist is a physician who uses imaging techniques to diagnose and treat diseases of the brain and spine. Interventional Neuroradiologists perform a variety of procedures, including angiograms, embolectomies, and stenting. The course in Prehospital care of acute stroke and patient selection for endovascular treatment using the RACE scale may be useful in preparing for a career as an Interventional Neuroradiologist as it provides an understanding of the assessment and management of stroke patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interventional Neuroradiologist

Neurosurgeon

A Neurosurgeon is a surgeon who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the brain and spine. Neurosurgeons perform a variety of procedures, including brain surgery, spinal surgery, and vascular surgery. The course in Prehospital care of acute stroke and patient selection for endovascular treatment using the RACE scale may be useful in preparing for a career as a Neurosurgeon as it provides an understanding of the assessment and management of stroke patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Neurosurgeon

Vascular Neurologist

A Vascular Neurologist is a neurologist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cerebrovascular diseases, including stroke. Vascular Neurologists typically have additional training in vascular surgery or interventional neuroradiology. The course in Prehospital care of acute stroke and patient selection for endovascular treatment using the RACE scale may be useful in preparing for a career as a Vascular Neurologist as it provides an understanding of the assessment and management of stroke patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Vascular Neurologist

Emergency Medical Technician

An Emergency Medical Technician assesses, treats, and transports patients who are acutely ill or injured. They work in a variety of settings, including ambulances, fire departments, and hospitals. The course in Prehospital care of acute stroke and patient selection for endovascular treatment using the RACE scale may be helpful in preparing for a career as an Emergency Medical Technician as it provides an understanding of the assessment and management of stroke patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Emergency Medical Technician

Paramedic

A Paramedic is a healthcare professional who provides advanced medical care to patients in emergency situations. Paramedics have the training and equipment to assess, treat, and transport patients with a variety of illnesses and injuries, including stroke. The course in Prehospital care of acute stroke and patient selection for endovascular treatment using the RACE scale may be useful in preparing for a career as a Paramedic as it provides an understanding of the assessment and management of stroke patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Paramedic

Neurologist

A Neurologist examines, diagnoses, and treats diseases of the nervous system, including stroke. They may also conduct research into the causes and treatment of these diseases. The course in Prehospital care of acute stroke and patient selection for endovascular treatment using the RACE scale may be useful in preparing for a career as a Neurologist, as it provides an understanding of the assessment and management of stroke patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Neurologist

Clinical Research Coordinator

A Clinical Research Coordinator is a healthcare professional who assists with the design, implementation, and conduct of clinical research studies. Clinical Research Coordinators work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, universities, and research institutes. The course in Prehospital care of acute stroke and patient selection for endovascular treatment using the RACE scale may be useful in preparing for a career as a Clinical Research Coordinator as it provides an understanding of the assessment and management of stroke patients and the principles of clinical research.

See salaries and explore the career path for Clinical Research Coordinator

Health Educator

A Health Educator is a healthcare professional who promotes health and wellness. Health Educators work in a variety of settings, including schools, community health centers, and businesses. The course in Prehospital care of acute stroke and patient selection for endovascular treatment using the RACE scale may be useful in preparing for a career as a Health Educator as it provides an understanding of stroke and its risk factors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Educator

Public Health Nurse

A Public Health Nurse is a nurse who works to improve the health of the community. Public Health Nurses work in a variety of settings, including schools, community health centers, and government agencies. The course in Prehospital care of acute stroke and patient selection for endovascular treatment using the RACE scale may be useful in preparing for a career as a Public Health Nurse as it provides an understanding of stroke and its risk factors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Nurse

Social Worker

A Social Worker is a healthcare professional who helps people cope with the social, emotional, and financial challenges of illness. Social Workers work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and schools. The course in Prehospital care of acute stroke and patient selection for endovascular treatment using the RACE scale may be useful in preparing for a career as a Social Worker as it provides an understanding of the challenges faced by stroke patients and their families.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Speech-Language Pathologist

A Speech-Language Pathologist is a healthcare professional who evaluates and treats speech, language, and swallowing disorders. Speech-Language Pathologists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, and private practice. The course in Prehospital care of acute stroke and patient selection for endovascular treatment using the RACE scale may be useful in preparing for a career as a Speech-Language Pathologist as it provides an understanding of the communication challenges faced by stroke patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Speech-Language Pathologist

Occupational Therapist

An Occupational Therapist is a healthcare professional who helps people regain or improve their ability to perform everyday activities. Occupational Therapists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and schools. The course in Prehospital care of acute stroke and patient selection for endovascular treatment using the RACE scale may be useful in preparing for a career as an Occupational Therapist as it provides an understanding of the physical and cognitive challenges faced by stroke patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Occupational Therapist