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Stroke Systems of Care: Evaluating Disparities after Stroke Legislation Implementation in Rhode Island

Teshome, A. A.; Feler, J. R.; Taman, M.; Porto, C.; Perelstein, E.; Cort, M.; Shaaya, E.; Moldovan, K.; Torabi, R.; Wolman, D. N.; Jayaraman, M. V.; Proulx, J. A.

2025-12-16 health policy
10.64898/2025.12.12.25342179 medRxiv
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IntroductionThe Rhode Island Stroke Prevention and Treatment Act aimed to establish a standardized system of care for stroke patients through designated stroke centers, revise emergency medical services (EMS) protocols, and establish a centralized stroke database. While Stroke Systems of Care (SSOC) laws have proven effective in reducing overall stroke mortality, their benefits among racial minorities and economically disadvantaged groups remain unclear. This study investigates the impact of the Act on stroke mortality rates across different racial groups. MethodsData from the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, CDC Atlas of Heart Disease and Stroke, and U.S. Census Bureau for 2005-2019 were analyzed. A difference-in-difference analysis compared mortality rates among White, Black, and Hispanic residents before and after the Acts implementation. Trends were further validated using a mixed-effects model. ResultsFollowing SSOC implementation, the White group had significant reductions in ischemic stroke mortality (-5.38 per 100,000, 95% CI [-6.63, -4.12]; P<0.001). Analysis did not identify a difference in ischemic stroke mortality in the Hispanic (-2.67, 95% CI [-1.49, 6.83]; P=0.174) or Black group (4.69, 95% CI [-25.40, 16.01]; P=0.638). After Act-driven field triage implementation, there was a decline in all-stroke mortality among Black (-15.9 per 100,000, 95% CI [-30.52, -1.19]; P=0.035) and Hispanic (-7.07 per 100,000, 95% CI [-11.81, -2.32]; P=0.005) groups. However, the Black group maintained higher all-stroke mortality compared to the White population (RR 1.34, 95% CI [1.27, 1.41]; P<0.001). ConclusionWhile SSOC significantly reduced overall stroke mortality in Rhode Island, the benefits were not equitably distributed across racial groups. These findings underscore the need for future stroke legislation to incorporate culturally competent, evidence-based strategies addressing social determinants of health to reduce disparities and ensure equitable care.

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