Federal Grant Award Summary

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke awarded the University of Michigan a $233,280 Project Grant (CFDA 93.853, Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders) effective March 1, 2026 through February 28, 2031. The award supports research to identify modifiable systems factors and telestroke-specific determinants associated with delays in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) treatment delivery. Specifically, the research will analyze door-to-needle (DTN) times for intravenous thrombolysis and door-in-door-out (DIDO) times for interhospital transfer in patients receiving telestroke evaluation using national stroke registries and mixed-methods approaches.

The project will deliver a first-generation acute telestroke toolkit developed through systems engineering methods and participatory design to optimize treatment timelines and reduce permanent neurological impairment. Research activities include identifying modifiable systems factors using the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Registry, conducting sequential mixed-methods analysis through the Paul Coverdell Michigan Acute Stroke Registry, and ranking delay-associated factors to inform evidence-based interventions. The deliverables are intended to advance clinical practice by addressing the prolonged DTN and DIDO times observed in telestroke evaluations compared to conventional in-person stroke care.