Background:
In evaluating the acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patient, targeting time intervals for imaging and treatment times are paramount in optimizing outcomes. Initial evaluation by skilled providers who can facilitate the extension of a tertiary care facility can positively influence patient outcomes. A collaborative approach with a hospital based Critical Care Transport (CCT) Team can extend primary stroke program care out to a referring facility’s bedside. In the Cleveland Clinic Health System, the suspicion of a large vessel occlusion causing AIS in patients at an outside hospital triggers an “Auto Launch” process, bypassing typical transfer processes to expedite care transitions for patients with time sensitive emergencies. Referring facilities contact a CCT Coordinator, with immediate launching of the transport team that consists of an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) who evaluates the patient at outside facility, performs NIHSS and transitions the patient directly to CT/MRI upon return to Cleveland Clinic facility. Patient is met by the Stroke Neurology Team at CT scanner for definitive care. A CCT Team with an ACNP on board can augment not only door to CT and MRI times, but also time to evaluation by a stroke neurologist and time to intervention, bypassing the Emergency Department upon their arrival and proceeding directly to studies and/or time sensitive intervention as appropriate.
Objective:
To describe a stroke program with a coordinated approach with a CCT Team to facilitate rapid care transitions as well as decreased time to imaging in patients with AIS by having an ACNP on board during transport and throughout the continuum of care.
Methods:
A retrospective audit of a database of patients undergoing hyperacute evaluation of acute ischemic stroke symptoms from April 30, 2010 to July 31, 2011 was performed. Demographic information, types of imaging performed, hyperacute therapies administered and time intervals to imaging modalities and treatment were collected and analyzed.
Results:
107 patients total, 28 males, and 36 females with a mean age of 70 were included in the analysis. 60% [64] of patients transferred via the CCT Team over 26.42 average nautical miles. The mean time of call to arrival was 1 hr and 19 min. The CCT Team monitored tPA infusion in 27 patients and initiated tPA infusion in 2 patients. 64 patients had CT imaging performed and 64 had MRI performed following the CT. [The average door to CT completion was 22 min, the average door to MRI completion was 1 hr and 29 min, compared to 1 hr and 8 min and 2 hr and 36 min, respectively, in patients not arriving by CCT Team], p<0.05.
Conclusion:
Collaboration between the Stroke Neurology Team and CCT Team has allowed acute ischemic stroke patients to be taken directly to CT/MRI scanner, allowing for rapid evaluation, definitive treatment decisions, and the potential for improved patient outcomes by decreasing the door to imaging time.
Republished: Society for Neuroscience in Anesthesiology and Critical Care Expert Consensus Statement: Anesthetic Management of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke*
