A recent study presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2025 suggests that simplicity may be key in communicating critical stroke warning signs. Researchers discovered that while both F.A.S.T. (Face, Arm, Speech, Time) and BE-FAST (Balance, Eye, Face, Arm, Speech, Time) acronyms effectively motivated people to call 911, the F.A.S.T. acronym demonstrated significantly better symptom recall.
With approximately 800,000 people in the United States experiencing a stroke annually, immediate recognition and response are crucial. Dr. Opeolu Adeoye, the study's lead author, emphasized that historically, healthcare professionals aim to provide comprehensive warning sign mnemonics. However, the research reveals that from a public perspective, adding extra letters can make stroke warning signs more challenging to remember.
The study's methodology involved a nationally representative online survey with participants randomly assigned to either the F.A.S.T. or BE-FAST groups. After watching a one-minute educational video, participants were assessed on their likelihood of calling 911 and their ability to recall stroke symptoms immediately and 30 days later.
Key findings showed that both acronyms increased the likelihood of calling 911 from approximately 70% to 90% immediately after the educational video. However, the F.A.S.T. acronym significantly outperformed BE-FAST in helping participants recall the core symptoms represented by the letters F, A, and S.
At the 30-day follow-up, while the 911 call likelihood remained elevated for both groups, the F.A.S.T. group demonstrated better long-term symptom recall. This suggests that a more concise, memorable acronym might be more effective in public health education.
The research underscores the critical importance of developing clear, easily remembered communication strategies for life-threatening medical conditions. As Dr. Adeoye noted, the more people are aware of stroke warning signs, the better the chances of activating rapid medical intervention.
While the study is preliminary and has not yet been peer-reviewed, it provides valuable insights into how public health messages can be crafted to maximize understanding and prompt action during medical emergencies.
