Telestroke Services Market Research Report and Outlook by 2028

The telestroke services market is projected to expand significantly, increasing from US$ 1,546.79 million in 2022 to US$ 4,672.23 million by 2028, reflecting a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.2% during this period.

This growth is primarily driven by the rising incidence of stroke cases and the increasing number of patients with cardiac conditions. Furthermore, advancements in technology are anticipated to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the telestroke services market from 2022 to 2028. However, a lack of awareness regarding stroke symptoms and treatment options poses a challenge to market expansion.

Strokes occur when brain cells die due to insufficient oxygen supply. Timely intervention is critical; patients who receive treatment within 90 minutes of a stroke onset have a significantly lower risk of enduring permanent brain damage or death. Telestroke services are particularly beneficial for individuals in rural areas, where access to acute care hospitals can be limited. This service is a specialized branch of telemedicine, facilitating real-time consultations between neurocritical care specialists and patients, enabling accurate diagnoses and timely treatment.

Telestroke connects skilled vascular neurologists from specialized neurology centers with remote emergency facilities, allowing for effective management of stroke symptoms through telemedicine and remote monitoring technologies. Healthcare systems in both developed and emerging nations are leveraging telestroke services to enhance the speed of diagnosis and treatment for stroke patients, ultimately saving lives. The integration of telemedicine and mobile health (mHealth) devices into stroke care has made telestroke a vital component of connected healthcare, benefiting both urban and rural healthcare providers.

Globally, stroke remains a leading cause of mortality and disability. In 2016, the World Health Organization identified stroke as the second leading cause of death. The public health implications of stroke are profound, with significant economic and social repercussions. As demographics shift, particularly in developing nations, the burden of stroke is expected to escalate. Advances in treatment options, such as intravenous tissue plasminogen activator and mechanical thrombectomy, have improved clinical outcomes for patients with acute ischemic strokes. However, these treatments are time-sensitive, and disparities in access to neurologists and emergency care between urban and rural areas exacerbate the situation. Delays in diagnosis and treatment can lead to increased mortality and poor recovery outcomes.

Moreover, there is a growing shortage of neurologists, especially in underserved rural regions. Research indicates that the gap in neurologist availability is projected to rise from 11% in 2012 to approximately 19% by 2025, with vascular neurologists facing the most significant decline. Strokes can be categorized into two primary types: ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes occur when blood supply to the brain is obstructed, while hemorrhagic strokes result from blood vessel ruptures.

Despite advancements in understanding stroke epidemiology, quality of life, and pathophysiology, stroke remains a critical public health issue. In India, for instance, the incidence of stroke has surged by nearly 100% over recent decades, with approximately 1.8 million individuals experiencing strokes annually. Early intervention is crucial to mitigate morbidity and mortality rates. In the United States, stroke accounted for about 1 in 19 deaths in 2018, with an average of one stroke-related death occurring every 3 minutes and 33 seconds. In 2019, there were an estimated 460,000 strokes in the U.S., with two-thirds classified as ischemic, leading to 190,000 deaths and significant disability-adjusted life years lost.

The telestroke services market can be segmented by type and end user. The market is divided into ischemic and hemorrhagic categories, with the ischemic segment expected to dominate market share from 2022 to 2028. Ischemic strokes result from reduced blood flow to the brain, often due to blood clots or atherosclerosis, leading to symptoms such as numbness, headaches, and difficulties in speech and mobility. Various medical and lifestyle factors, including sedentary behavior, hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol, contribute to the rising prevalence of ischemic strokes, driving the growth of the telestroke services market.

Despite improvements in acute stroke care, stroke remains the fifth leading cause of death and a primary cause of long-term disability among adults globally. Telestroke services facilitate connections between experienced vascular neurologists and remote emergency facilities, enabling efficient management of stroke patients through telemedicine. This technology utilizes electronic communication methods, including video conferencing, to provide expert guidance and improve access to specialized care.

Telestroke programs are implemented in various settings, such as mobile stroke units, emergency rooms, and intensive care units, where on-site stroke specialists may not be available. As the population ages and chronic diseases become more prevalent, the demand for medical services is increasing, placing additional strain on healthcare systems. Telemedicine has been utilized for over three decades to treat stroke patients, beginning with basic audio-visual platforms for neurologist consultations. The Creating High-Quality Results and Outcomes Needed to Improve Chronic (CHRONIC) Care Act 2017 and the Furthering Access to Stroke Telemedicine (FAST) Act aim to enhance access to telestroke services, particularly in rural areas, thereby expanding telehealth services for stroke patients.

In conclusion, the telestroke services market is poised for significant growth, driven by increasing stroke incidences and technological advancements, despite challenges such as awareness and neurologist shortages. The ongoing development and implementation of telestroke services will play a crucial role in improving stroke care and outcomes globally.