INTERP: Interpreter requirements needed for tissue plasminogen activator evaluations and resulting performance: a retrospective review

To examine the influence of interpreter service needs (IS) on rt-PA administration time metrics. Retrospectively reviewed prospectively collected data from Comprehensive Stroke Center database (January 2011- April 1, 2021) and EMR. Subjects for whom a "stroke code" was activated. Excluded in-house strokes. Baseline characteristics, frequency of rt-PA, rt-PA exclusions and time metrics, NIHSS were compared between patients who did or did not require IS. Analyses utilized ANOVA, t-Test, Brown-Mood Median Test, or Pearson's Chi-squared test as appropriate. Of 2,191 patients with stroke code activations, 81 had a documented need for IS. Rt-PA was administered in 9 IS and 358 non-IS patients. Median baseline NIHSS was higher in rt-PA group (9±8 vs 3±9, p