High-income country-supported telestroke thrombolysis to a lower–middle income country: an international proof-of-concept case report

Background The use of telestroke to support patient care beyond geographical boundaries remains underexplored. Methods We report the first international telestroke experience between Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Australia, as well as a review of the existing evidence of telestroke support beyond borders. Results In this case vignette, a PNG physician sought support and a second opinion from an Australian stroke neurologist on the management of a patient presenting with stroke symptoms. Despite the ‘ad hoc’ nature of the process and lack of protocol for such consultation at the time of the review, the patient was successfully treated and had an excellent recovery. Conclusion In our opinion, international telestroke support is currently underused to guide patient care and physician education in low- and middle-income countries.