Drip-and-Ship versus Mothership Model in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Meta-Analysis Stratified by Stroke System Integration
When managing acute ischemic stroke, the evidence points toward adopting the Mothership model approach to systematically reduce time-to-treatment and improve functional status. While recanalization rates and mortality risk appear similar between models, prioritizing the MS workflow should be standard practice unless significant local barriers prevent its implementation. Remember that optimizing logistics is key, but don't let process adherence distract from core reperfusion therapy.
This meta-analysis directly compares the Drip-and-Ship (DS) versus Mothership (MS) models for managing acute ischemic stroke, adding valuable stratification based on the level of existing stroke system integration within a healthcare network. The authors concluded that the MS model is superior to the DS approach because it results in both shorter overall treatment times and better functional outcomes, and this benefit holds true regardless of how well integrated the local stroke systems are. Interestingly, while the operational flow seems to favor MS, the rates for major complications like hemorrhage, as well as the rates of successful recanalization and mortality, were comparable between the two models. This suggests that optimizing the logistical pathway itself is a key determinant of outcome.