Medscape: Mobile stroke units appear cost effective
A new study suggests that mobile stroke units (MSUs) are cost effective and help reduce downstream stroke-related costs in addition to providing faster care for patients.
MSUs are specially equipped ambulances that are staffed with trained professionals, brain imaging equipment and medicine to deliver treatment to patients who are having a stroke before arriving at a hospital. UC Health launched the region's first MSU in 2020.
Christopher T. Richards, MD, assistant professor in the University of Cincinnati's Department of Emergency Medicine in the College of Medicine, medical director of the UC Health Mobile Stroke Unit and a UC Health emergency physician, reviewed the study for Medscape. He said the data indicate MSUs become most effective when treating patients with stroke who call 911 quickly, have severe stroke symptoms and are independent at baseline.
Richards said further study into MSUs' cost effectiveness should look into the difference in cost when a patient is able to receive tPA treatment for ischemic stroke in the MSU compared to those who do not.
Featured photo at top of UC Health's mobile stroke unit courtesy of UC Health.
Related Stories
Trial results support weekly buprenorphine treatment of opioid use disorder during pregnancy
March 16, 2026
Supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), researchers led by the University of Cincinnati's John Winhusen published clinical trial results in JAMA Internal Medicine that found administering weekly injectable extended-release buprenorphine for treatment of opioid use disorder during pregnancy led to higher rates of abstinence from illicit opioids than buprenorphine given daily under the tongue, one of the standard methods of treatment.
Aerospace engineer studying bio-inspired flight
March 16, 2026
Doctoral candidate Ahmed Elgohary chose the University of Cincinnati to further his education in aerospace engineering. Part of the Modeling, Dynamics, and Control Lab, he has conducted meaningful research work in the areas of nonlinear control systems and bio-inspired flight. Recently, he was named Graduate Student Engineer of the Month from the College of Engineering and Applied Science.
UC Board of Trustees approves $12 million for building design phase for new welcome gateway
March 13, 2026
The UC Board of Trustees approved $12 million at its Feb. 24 meeting for the design phase of a new Welcome Gateway Building for Uptown campus.