Abstract WP442: Process Improvement for Stroke/Cardiovascular Risk Factor Screening

Background and Purpose: Despite advances in the acute treatment of stroke, many patients are delayed in seeking care. While many factors contribute to delays, the principle factor continues to be a lack of public knowledge regarding stroke signs and symptoms. For several years, our Comprehensive Stroke team had been completing community stroke screenings independent of our CV team partners. As the risk factors for Stroke and myocardial infarction (MI) are very similar, we explored the possibility of combining our resources with our Neurological Institute staff and the Heart Institute staff. The purpose behind our process improvement project was to improve collaboration, enhance utilization of resources, and provide more comprehensive risk factor assessment and risk factor education for our participants. An additional goal included teaching the participants the signs/symptoms of Stroke and MI and the importance of calling 911 immediately. Methods: The first step was to create a team that included Neurological Institute and Heart Institute team members. We developed educational materials to be used during the events, including a comprehensive Stroke and Cardiovascular disease booklet, a Risk Factor Scorecard and other visual aids. As the project progressed, additional team members were added to meet the expanded needs identified during the screenings completed. Physician referral was incorporated for appropriate patients. Results: In 2017, the Stroke team completed 3 events and screened 180 participants with a total of 14 volunteers. In 2018, the Neurological/Heart teams completed 5 events with 180 participants screened by 57 volunteers. Thus far in 2019, the Neurological/Heart team has completed 5 events with 333 participants screened and 38 volunteers participating. Conclusions: An interdisciplinary team approach resulted in more comprehensive risk factor screening for participants, increased number of events and greater community outreach. In addition, 4 participants were referred for Cardiology appointments.