AHORA: a Spanish language tool to identify acute stroke symptoms

Abstract

ObjectiveTo develop a Spanish language tool for acute stroke identification.MethodsA Spanish language translation of the Balance-Eyes-Face-Arm-Speech-Time tool was developed within our emergency medical services agency.ResultsThe authors present a new prehospital stroke tool, Andar, Hablar, Ojos, Rostro and Ambos Brazos o Piernas (AHORA) (which means now in Spanish) to help combat the language barrier and reinforce the necessity to call 9-1-1 as soon as any stroke symptoms are noted.ConclusionAHORA is a Spanish language tool that aims to help Spanish-speaking individuals to identify an acute stroke and obtain prompt help.

VISIBL-MS: A bilingual educational framework to increase awareness of early multiple sclerosis

“…It has been shown that educational tools for patients in English cannot be translated literally into Spanish and there are benefits of creating dedicated tools for Hispanic patients. 38 Therefore, reinforcing the similarity of VISIBL mnemonic in English and Spanish has the potential to increase the likelihood of MS awareness and symptoms recognition among US-born Spanish speakers and also Spanish speakers in other countries.…”

Reflections on Obstacles to Stroke Awareness in Spanish-Speaking Hispanic Populations: Lost in Translation

“…Although the acronym translates to “now” in English, “ahora” alone does not emphasize urgency unless it is paired with the Spanish word “mismo,” because “ahora mismo” implies immediately or urgently. The word “ahora” on its own is more commonly used to mean “the present moment” or “in a minute.”10 Furthermore, additional text is necessary to indicate the need to activate emergency medical services quickly. The text associated with the acronym itself does not include the call to action.…”

“…The word "ahora" on its own is more commonly used to mean "the present moment" or "in a minute." 10 Furthermore, additional text is necessary to indicate the need to activate emergency medical services quickly. The text associated with the acronym itself does not include the call to action.…”

“…Researchers in the United States have created the acronym AHORA ,10 encompassing the elements of BE-FAST7 in Spanish. Although the acronym translates to “now” in English, “ahora” alone does not emphasize urgency unless it is paired with the Spanish word “mismo,” because “ahora mismo” implies immediately or urgently.…”