Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.24141/2/10/1/6
From Call to Diagnosis: Improving Stroke Triage in the Medical Dispatch Unit
Stjepan Petričević
orcid.org/0000-0002-3402-4655
; Emergency Medical Institute of Zagreb County, Velika Gorica, Croatia
*
Igor Pelaić
orcid.org/0009-0003-4907-1264
; Emergency Medical Institute of Zagreb County, Velika Gorica, Croatia
Božidar Veljković
; Alma Mater Europaea ECM, Maribor, Slovenia
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Introduction. This study aimed to assess current
stroke triage practices in the Medical Dispatch Unit
(MPDJ) using the Croatian Emergency Call Reception
Index, in order to identify areas for improvement in
dispatcher training and caller awareness.
Methods. A retrospective analysis was conducted
using data from the e-Hitna system of the Zagreb
County Emergency Medical Institute for the year
2023. Triage categories “Headache” (A.18) and “Altered
consciousness/paralysis” (A.25) were analyzed
in relation to confirmed stroke diagnoses based on
ICD-10 codes (G45–G45.9, I60–I69.9). Statistical analysis
included chi-square and Welch’s t-test.
Results. A statistically significant association was
found between the triage category “Altered consciousness/
paralysis” and confirmed stroke diagnosis
(χ² = 11.82; p < 0.001). Many stroke patients were
initially categorized under non-specific symptoms.
No significant sex difference was observed in triage
allocation (p = 0.9508), while women were significantly
older than men (p < 0.001).
Conclusion. Findings highlight the need for enhanced
dispatcher education and public awareness
on stroke symptoms. Improvements in stroke recognition
protocols and follow-up with clinical outcomes
are recommended to ensure more accurate and timely
prehospital triage.
Keywords
stroke; emergency medical services; triage; retrospective studies; dispatch; education; medical; decision making
Hrčak ID:
345881
URI
Publication date:
27.3.2026.
Visits: 242 *