Abstract Body: Background and Purpose: Disparities in stroke treatment and outcomes across hospitals have posed significant challenges in ensuring equitable healthcare outcomes. This study examines the combined impact of the government-led Regional Cardio-cerebrovascular Disease Center (RCCVC) program and the academic stroke center certification on reducing inter-hospital disparities.
Methods: We investigated trends in defect-free care and reperfusion therapy times using data from the Korean Stroke Registry from 2012 to 2021. Utilizing data from Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service, and National Health Insurance Service from 2010 to 2018, we evaluated the RCCVC designation and stroke center certification on stroke treatment and outcomes, focusing on defect-free care rates and 1-year mortality rates.
Results: During the study period, the Gini coefficient for defect-free care remained below 0.2, indicating low disparity. However, the Gini coefficient for reperfusion therapy times consistently exceeded 0.3, indicating high inter-hospital disparity. RCCVCs showed a significant increase in defect-free care rates from 50.2% to 86.0% and a decrease in 1-year mortality rates from 16.4% to 14.4%. Stroke centers also demonstrated higher defect-free care rates compared to other hospitals (94.4% vs. 87.6%) and lower 1-year mortality rates (15.5% vs. 18.9%).
Conclusion: The combined efforts of the RCCVC program and stroke center certification have contributed to mitigating hospital disparities in stroke care across South Korea. By aligning government resources and academic standards, these projects have fostered a more equitable healthcare landscape, improving outcomes for stroke patients.