Abstract TP391: Working Within a Stroke System of Care to Decrease Door to Transfer Times From Spoke to Hub

Background: Best practice recommends that hospitals treating acute stroke patients have protocols in place to ensure rapid transfer to an advanced facility for a higher level of care, if needed. Our system of hospitals consists of five primary stroke centers (PSC) and one comprehensive stroke center (CSC) in a major metropolitan area. PSCs utilize telemedicine for acute stroke decision-making and patients are transferred to the CSC for consideration of advanced treatments when deemed appropriate by the care team. Purpose: Our study objective was to streamline processes at our PSCs to decrease the door to transport time (DTT) to the CSC. Methods: Stroke coordinators from the six sister hospitals meet quarterly to collaborate and share best practices in patient care. Our team of nurse leaders determined potential strategies to eliminate wasted time in the transfer process. Team members went back to their home facilities with the goal of generating buy-in from individual caregivers to decrease the time to transport out to the CSC. An overall attitude of urgency was encouraged during meetings with stroke councils and providers. Preliminary imaging results were used to guide decision to transfer, rather than waiting for final results. Some hospitals chose to notify the flight team of potential transport earlier in the emergency department stay, while others are still in the process of affecting change. We collected data on transferred patients with a diagnosis of acute stroke between the dates of 2/1/15-7/31/15 (n=23) and compared against the same time period in 2014 (n=11). Results: A total of 34 patients were included in our retrospective chart review. The number of patients transferred for consideration of additional acute treatment increased from 11 in 2014 to 23 during the study period in 2015. When examining patients who transferred and actually received endovascular treatment for acute stroke (n=8 in 2014 versus n=11 in 2015), the mean DTT decreased from 84 minutes in 2014, to 77 minutes in 2015. We also noted that patient transfers were faster during day time hours when compared to night. Conclusions: A system-wide, collaborative approach between PSCs and CSCs can decrease DTT when nurse leaders and providers streamline processes.

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Abstract 3313: Outcomes of “Drip-and-Ship” Paradigm Among Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke. Results of a State Wide Study

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.43.suppl_1.a3313 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 43 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Saqib A Chaudhry ◽

Gustavo J Rodriguez ◽

M. Fareed K Suri ◽

Adnan I Qureshi

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator ◽

Population Based ◽

Primary Diagnosis ◽

Hospital Charges ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Frequency Distributions ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽

Stroke Center

Background: “Drip-and-ship” denotes patients in whom intravenous (IV) recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) is initiated at the emergency department (ED) of a community hospital, followed by transfer within 24 hours to a comprehensive stroke center. Although drip-and-ship paradigm has the potential to increase the number of patients who receive IV rt-PA, comparative outcomes have not been assessed at a population based level. Methods: State-wide estimates of thrombolysis, associated in-hospital outcomes and mortality were obtained from 2008-2009 Minnesota Hospital Association (MHA) data. Patient numbers and frequency distributions were calculated for state-wide sample of patients hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of ischemic stroke. Patients outcomes were analyzed after stratification into patients treated with IV rt-PA through primary ED arrival or drip-and-ship paradigm. Results: Of the 21,024 admissions, 602 (2.86%) received IV rt-PA either through primary ED arrival (n=473) or drip-and-ship paradigm (n=129). The rates of secondary intracerebral or subarachnoid hemorrhage were higher in patients treated with IV rt-PA through primary ED arrival compared with those treated with drip-and-ship paradigm (8.5% versus 3.1, p=0.038). The in-hospital mortality rate was similar among ischemic stroke patients receiving IV rt-PA through primary ED arrival or drip-and-ship paradigm (5.9% versus 7.0%). The mean hospital charges were $65,669 for primary ED arrival and $47,850 for drip-and-ship treated patients (p<0.001). Conclusions: The results of drip-and-ship paradigm compare favorably with IV rt-PA treatment through primary ED arrival in this state-wide study.

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Abstract WP429: A Nurse Driven Acute Stroke Alert Process Improves Treatment Times and Treatment Rates

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.51.suppl_1.wp429 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Daniel D'Amour ◽

Jayme Strauss ◽

Amy K Starosciak

Keyword(s):

Treatment Time ◽

Treatment Decision ◽

Treatment Rate ◽

Treatment Decision Making ◽

National Rate ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

Stroke Team ◽

Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽

Stroke Center ◽

Positive Effect

Introduction: Treatment time has gained sufficient popularity because it is now well-known that “Time is Brain”. Treatment rates, however, lag behind in importance even though more lives can be saved by treating more often. Our TJC Comprehensive Stroke Center has a nurse-led stroke alert process that focuses on multiple, rapid, parallel steps to reduce DTN for IV alteplase. The Baptist Emergency Stroke Team (BEST) responders are highly-trained and skilled nurses that assess, coordinate, and initiate processes to ensure the best times. We identified that our treatment rate was lower than the national rate for certified CSCs, so the BEST responders used a stepwise process to develop their own interventions to improve rates. Methods: First, the BEST responders started tracking our monthly rate. Next, they set a rate goal, and then brainstormed how to influence treatment decision-making. The BEST team initiated a monthly PI meeting that focused on the importance of treating disability rather than an NIHSS score. Then the team scripted and rehearsed critical conversations to have providers that advocated specifically for treating disability. The team adopted the motto, “Treat Disability, Not Numbers”. Results Conclusions: Our CSC observed a small decrease in median DTN but double the treatment rate after the BEST responder intervention. In comparison, these statistics did not change at the national CSC level. The sICH rate was reduced from Period A to C, meaning that increased treatment rate did not lead to increased hemorrhagic rate. Nursing initiatives can have a substantial positive effect on increasing the number of patients treated with IV alteplase for acute ischemic stroke.

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Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Incidence, Prehospital Evaluation, and Presentation of Ischemic Stroke at a Nonurban Comprehensive Stroke Center

Stroke Research and Treatment ◽

10.1155/2021/6624231 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-5

Author(s):

Cesar Velasco ◽

Brandon Wattai ◽

Scott Buchle ◽

Alicia Richardson ◽

Varun Padmanaban ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Urban Areas ◽

Stroke Care ◽

Final Diagnosis ◽

Medical Attention ◽

Presenting Symptoms ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

Community Transmission ◽

Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽

Stroke Center ◽

The Impact

Introduction. Many reports have described a decrease in the numbers of patients seeking medical attention for typical emergencies during the COVID-19 pandemic. These reports primarily relate to urban areas with widespread community transmission. The impact of COVID-19 on nonurban areas with minimal community transmission is less well understood. Methods. Using a prospectively maintained prehospital quality improvement database, we reviewed our hospital EMS transports with a diagnosis of stroke from January to April 2019 (baseline) and January to April 2020 (pandemic). We compared the volume of patients, transport/presentation times, severity of presenting symptoms, and final diagnosis. Results. In January, February, March, and April 2019, 10, 11, 17, and 19 patients, respectively, were transported in comparison to 19, 14, 10, and 8 during the same months in 2020. From January through April 2019, there was a 53% increase in transports, compared to a 42% decrease during the same months in 2020, constituting significantly different trend-line slopes (3.30; 95% CI 0.48–6.12 versus -3.70; 95% CI -5.76–-1.64, p = 0.001 ). Patient demographics, comorbidities, and symptom severity were mostly similar over the two time periods, and the number of patients with a final diagnosis of stroke was also similar. However, the median interval from EMS dispatch to ED arrival for patients with a final diagnosis of stroke was significantly longer in January to April 2020 ( 50 ± 11.7 min ) compared to the same time period in 2019 ( 42 ± 8.2 min , p = 0.01 ). Discussion/Conclusion. Our data indicate a decrease in patient transport volumes and longer intervals to EMS activation for suspected stroke care. These results suggest that even in a nonurban location without widespread community transmission, patients may be delaying or avoiding care for severe illnesses such as stroke. Clinicians and public health officials should not ignore the potential impact of pandemic-like illnesses even in areas of relatively low disease prevalence.

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Abstract TP373: Classification of sICH in Stroke Center Hospitals: Reliability in Question

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.44.suppl_1.atp373 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 44 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Victoria Swatzell ◽

Fern Cudlip ◽

Andrei V Alexandrov ◽

Anne W Alexandrov

Keyword(s):

Pay For Performance ◽

Reperfusion Therapy ◽

Hemorrhagic Transformation ◽

Quality Data ◽

Treatment Rate ◽

Team Members ◽

Common Definition ◽

Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽

Stroke Center ◽

Contrast Ct

Background: Measuring sICH is an important accountability of Stroke Centers. Since the NINDS rt-PA Study, the sICH definition has changed as knowledge of reperfusion-associated hemorrhagic transformation has grown. We aimed to determine what sICH definition was used by Stroke Centers and how this impacts sICH rates. Methods: Stroke Centers were invited to participate in a survey with the option to complete it via SurveyMonkey TM or by mail. Instructions to adhere to the sICH definition adopted in policies/procedures were provided, and to ask for clarification from Stroke Team members if needed. Data were assembled in SPSS, and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Student t-tests. Results: 229 responses were received representing 84% of U.S. states and the District of Columbia; 31% represented academic medical centers and 69% community hospitals. 64% of respondees were responsible for collecting the stroke quality data that supports certification. Overall tPA treatment rate for the sample was 8.7% + 6.4 (median 7%), with an overall reported sICH rate of 9.5% + 16.4 (median 5%). Official definitions supported sICH for 86% of responding hospitals, however the most common definition (48%) reported was, “any hemorrhage on non-contrast CT or MRI in combination with any clinical deterioration.” Only 17% identified the definition for sICH adopted by TJC for Comprehensive Stroke Center reporting. Among those that adhered to the TJC definition, sICH rates were significantly lower at 3%+2.3 (median 3%; t=4.7; mean difference = 7.7%; p<.0001, 95% CI 4.4-10.95), compared to 10.6%+17.5 (median 6%). Conclusions: Our study documents a significant need for education and inter-rater reliability monitoring of the use of sICH classification after intravenous tPA to ensure accuracy in local quality improvement processes, as well as the validity of data submitted to national stroke registries. Additionally, because sICH associated with reperfusion therapy is a new measure undergoing testing by TJC that could ultimately be tied to future pay-for-performance and public reporting, consensus on its definition as well as reliable sICH classification will be essential to future Stroke Center evaluation.

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Abstract WP240: Ultra-acute Diagnostics for Stroke: Large-scale Implementation of Prehospital Biomarker Sampling

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.47.suppl_1.wp240 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 47 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Olli S Mattila ◽

Heini Harve ◽

Saana Pihlasviita ◽

Juhani Ritvonen ◽

Gerli Sibolt ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Acute Stroke ◽

Large Scale ◽

Biomarker Discovery ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Blood Sampling ◽

Blood Samples ◽

And Performance ◽

Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽

Stroke Center ◽

Acute Diagnostics

Background and purpose: Blood-based biomarkers could enable early and cost-effective diagnostics for acute stroke patients in the prehospital setting to support early initiation of treatments. However, large prehospital sample sets required for biomarker discovery and validation are missing, and the feasibility of large-scale blood sampling by emergency medical services (EMS) has not been determined. We set out to establish extensive prehospital blood sampling of thrombolysis candidates in the catchment area of our comprehensive stroke center, with a 1.5 million population base. Methods: EMS personnel were trained to collect prehospital blood samples using a cannula-adapter technique. Time delays, sample quality and performance bottlenecks were investigated between May 20, 2013 and May 19, 2014. Results: Prehospital blood sampling and study recruitment were successfully performed in 430 thrombolysis candidates, of which 55.3% were admitted outside office hours. The median (interquartile range) emergency call to prehospital sample time was 33 minutes (25-41), and the median time from reported symptom onset or wake-up to prehospital sample was 53 minutes (38-85; n=394). Prehospital sampling was performed 31 minutes (25-42) earlier than admission blood sampling, and 37 minutes (30-47) earlier than admission neuroimaging. Quality control data from 25 participating EMS units indicated a 4-minute increase in median transport time (from arrival on-scene to hospital door) for study patients compared to patients of the preceding year. The hemolysis rate in serum and plasma samples was 6.5% and 9.3% for EMS samples, and 0.7% and 1.6% for admission samples collected with venipuncture. Conclusions: Prehospital biomarker sampling is feasible in standard EMS units and provides a median timesaving of over 30 minutes to obtain first blood samples. Large biobanks of prehospital blood samples will facilitate development of ultra-acute stroke biomarkers.

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Abstract P404: Causes of Recrudescent Stroke Symptoms in Emergent Stroke Evaluations

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.52.suppl_1.p404 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Jeffrey Quinn ◽

Mohammad Hajighasemi ◽

Laurie Paletz ◽

Sonia Figueroa ◽

Konrad Schlick

Keyword(s):

Los Angeles ◽

Medical Center ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Retrospective Chart Review ◽

Ischemic Lesion ◽

Tertiary Care Medical Center ◽

Stroke Mimic ◽

Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽

Stroke Center ◽

Rule Out

Introduction: Recrudescent symptoms of remote central nervous system lesions (primarily due to prior ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke) is a specific stroke mimic that is commonly in the differential diagnosis in patients presenting for emergent stroke evaluation. To date, best practices have yet to be established in terms of ensuring accurate diagnosis and the relative rates of causative systemic illnesses are not well described. We seek to better delineate the etiologies of recrudescent stroke symptoms seen at a tertiary care medical center via emergency stroke evaluation “Code Brain” (CB) as a first step towards clarifying diagnostic criteria for this entity. Methods: Data was obtained via retrospective chart review from consecutive patients via departmental database listing all CB consults seen at a tertiary care comprehensive stroke center in Los Angeles, California between the timeframe of January 2018- June 2020. Diagnoses for each case were adjudicated by faculty Vascular neurologists, in collaboration with Vascular neurology fellows and Neurology residents. Those cases with a diagnosis of stroke recrudescence were reviewed in detail for the extent of neuroimaging they underwent, as well as for identified causes of recrudescence. Results: Records of 3,998 consecutive CB activations were reviewed. 2.1% (n=85) were found after screening to have clinical diagnosis of recrudescence or chronic stroke. Of these 85 patients, 29.4% (n=25) were not found to have a causative etiology for recrudescent neurologic deficit. Of these 25 patients, 36.0% (n=9) did not undergo MRI to evaluate for interval ischemic lesion, as compared to 46.6% of those whom a causative etiology was identified. This difference (10.6%, 95% CI -12.30 to 30.67%, p=0.3719) was not significant. Discussion: At our comprehensive stroke center, recrudescent stroke is an uncommon diagnosis amongst all CB evaluations, despite being commonly considered. Despite a diagnosis of recrudescence, MRI brain is not always performed to rule out acute ischemic stroke. Standardized neuroimaging protocols should be considered in making the diagnosis of stroke recrudescence.

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Target Stroke: Best Practice Strategies Cut Door to Thrombolysis Time to <30 Minutes in a Large Urban Academic Comprehensive Stroke Center

The Neurohospitalist ◽

10.1177/1941874418801443 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 22-25 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Nirav Bhatt ◽

Erika T. Marulanda-Londoño ◽

Kunakorn Atchaneeyasakul ◽

Amer M. Malik ◽

Negar Asdaghi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Best Practice ◽

Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽

Stroke Center

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Stroke Simulation Improves Acute Stroke Management: A Systems-Based Practice Experience

Journal of Graduate Medical Education ◽

10.4300/jgme-d-17-00167.1 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 57-62 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Tapan Mehta ◽

Sara Strauss ◽

Dawn Beland ◽

Gilbert Fortunato ◽

Ilene Staff ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Medical Education ◽

Acute Stroke ◽

Simulation Training ◽

Stroke Registry ◽

Practice Experience ◽

Intravenous Tissue Plasminogen Activator ◽

Simulation Based ◽

Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽

Stroke Center

ABSTRACT Background Literature on the effectiveness of simulation-based medical education programs for caring for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients is limited. Objective To improve coordination and door-to-needle (DTN) time for AIS care, we implemented a stroke simulation training program for neurology residents and nursing staff in a comprehensive stroke center. Methods Acute stroke simulation training was implemented for first-year neurology residents in July 2011. Simulations were standardized using trained live actors, who portrayed stroke vignettes in the presence of a board-certified vascular neurologist. A debriefing of each resident's performance followed the training. The hospital stroke registry was also used for retrospective analysis. The study population was defined as all patients treated with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator for AIS between October 2008 and September 2014. Results We identified 448 patients meeting inclusion criteria. Simulation training independently predicted reduction in DTN time by 9.64 minutes (95% confidence interval [CI] –15.28 to –4.01, P = .001) after controlling for age, night/day shift, work week versus weekend, and blood pressure at presentation (> 185/110). Systolic blood pressure higher than 185 was associated with a 14.28-minute increase in DTN time (95% CI 3.36–25.19, P = .011). Other covariates were not associated with any significant change in DTN time. Conclusions Integration of simulation based-medical education for AIS was associated with a 9.64-minute reduction in DTN time.

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Prehospital Stroke Triage

Neurology ◽

10.1212/wnl.0000000000012792 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 97 (20 Supplement 2) ◽

pp. S25-S33

Author(s):

Anna Ramos ◽

Waldo R. Guerrero ◽

Natalia Pérez de la Ossa

Keyword(s):

Acute Stroke ◽

Randomized Clinical Trials ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Novel Technologies ◽

Maximum Benefit ◽

Prehospital Management ◽

Prehospital Triage ◽

Clinical Tools ◽

Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽

Stroke Center

Purpose of the ReviewThis article reviews prehospital organization in the treatment of acute stroke. Rapid access to an endovascular therapy (EVT) capable center and prehospital assessment of large vessel occlusion (LVO) are 2 important challenges in acute stroke therapy. This article emphasizes the use of transfer protocols to assure the prompt access of patients with an LVO to a comprehensive stroke center where EVT can be offered. Available prehospital clinical tools and novel technologies to identify LVO are also discussed. Moreover, different routing paradigms like first attention at a local stroke center (“drip and ship”), direct transfer of the patient to an endovascular center (“mothership”), transfer of the neurointerventional team to a local primary center (“drip and drive”), mobile stroke units, and prehospital management communication tools all aimed to improve connection and coordination between care levels are reviewed.Recent FindingsLocal observational data and mathematical models suggest that implementing triage tools and bypass protocols may be an efficient solution. Ongoing randomized clinical trials comparing drip and ship vs mothership will elucidate which is the more effective routing protocol.SummaryPrehospital organization is critical in realizing maximum benefit from available therapies in acute stroke. The optimal transfer protocols directed to accelerate EVT are under study, and more accurate prehospital triage tools are needed. To improve care in the prehospital setting, efficient tools based on patient factors, local geography, and hospital capability are needed. These tools would optimally lead to individualized real-time decision-making.

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Impact of COVID-19 on Acute Stroke Presentation at a Comprehensive Stroke Center

Frontiers in Neurology ◽

10.3389/fneur.2020.00850 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

Author(s):

Masaki Nagamine ◽

Daniel S. Chow ◽

Peter D. Chang ◽

Bernadette Boden-Albala ◽

Wengui Yu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Acute Stroke ◽

Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽

Stroke Center

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