Stroke treatment and AI feature in NHS film

A Canterbury stroke patient who features in an NHS film about the use of Artificial Intelligence in urgent stroke treatment, has been speaking about the experience and care which ‘has given me a lifeline’.

The film, which was shot at the Kent and Canterbury hospital earlier this year, shows how patients have been benefitting from the technology of Prehospital Video Triage (PVT) and Artificial Intelligence.

One of them is Shawn Theoff, a 55-year-old retired former postman who had suffered a stroke a few years before but was a keen runner and gym goer, and had just returned from holiday when he remembers suddenly experiencing the symptoms of a stroke again.

He explains: “I was making a coffee and all of a sudden I was knocking things over and I couldn’t focus properly so I knew something wasn’t right. I couldn’t feel my hands and was struggling to use my phone. I eventually managed to get hold of my brother and he rang 999 for an ambulance.”

The ambulance crew contacted the stroke unit at the Kent and Canterbury Hospital, speaking to consultant stroke physician David Hargroves who assessed his slurred speech, inability raise his arms and other key issues. 

Upon arrival at hospital, Shawn was immediately taken to have a brain scan and thanks to AI decision support tools, doctors were rapidly able to diagnose his stroke and administer medication to dissolve the blood clot in his brain.

This timely access to treatment meant that Shaun was able to quickly regain movement and sensation. He was taken to the acute stroke unit at the K&C Hospital where he spent a few days before returning home to recover.

Shawn added: “I was out walking again within a few weeks and am starting to go to the gym again but I can’t thank the staff enough and I really feel that the speed of treatment I received has helped with my recovery.

“I was up and walking about in the ward really quickly and I feel so lucky – I could’ve had serious issues. The treatment I got has given me a lifeline and I’m so thankful for that.”

Shawn’s experience, alongside some other patients, can be seen on the NHS England YouTube channel at NHS England » How artificial intelligence is helping to speed up the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients

More than 1200 people a year in east Kent suffer from a stroke. According to latest figures, the Trust is one of the top performers in the country, consistently receiving the highest grade A score from the national audit programme (SSNAP) which measures how well stroke care is being delivered.

Dr David Hargroves, who is also the national clinical director for stroke care in England, said: “AI is used as a decision support tool, allowing rapid imaging processing, interpretation and the transfer of images between NHE employees caring for a particular patient.

“It is another resource we use to enable our hard working and dedicated stroke teams to deliver rapid high-quality care, improving the experience and outcomes for our patients.”

You can also read David’s blog about the use of AI at NHS England » How artificial intelligence is helping to speed up the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients