Stroke networks based on robotic telepresence.

In the USA, several telestroke networks have been successfully implemented in which a stroke centre of excellence provides expertise to community and rural hospitals via telemedicine. Stroke patients can thus receive round-the-clock access to stroke expertise. The Remote Presence (RP) system is used in several of these telestroke networks. The stroke expert uses a laptop and wireless Internet to connect to the RP robot in the peripheral emergency department. This improves the geographical reach of stroke specialist care, and improves patient outcomes as well as conforming with best practice. The stroke network concept combined with telemedicine is a powerful way of transforming stroke care.