Abstract DP108: Confidence in Action: How Confidence Shapes Stroke Screening Tool Utilization Among Texas EMS Providers

Background: Stroke screening tools are essential for timely recognition and triage of patients with suspected stroke in the prehospital setting. Despite widespread adoption, variability remains in which tools EMS providers use, how often they receive training, and their confidence in tool performance. Understanding these factors is critical to guide targeted interventions that can improve early stroke detection and patient outcomes. Methods: We conducted a statewide Texas EMS survey to assess associations among provider confidence, training frequency, tool selection, and utilization of stroke screening tools. Confidence was reported as very confident, confident, somewhat confident, or not confident. Utilization frequency was categorized as 75%, or never. Training frequency was classified as never, one-time, every 2–5 years, or annually. Associations were analyzed using chi-square tests with Cramér’s V to estimate effect size. Results: Confidence was the most important predictor of utilization frequency. Among providers using a stroke screening tool more than 75% of the time, 66% were very confident and 34% confident, while only 28% of those using a tool