Abstract WP472: Improving Neurologic Follow-Up After Stroke Utilizing a Nurse Practitioner

Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Larry Dashefsky ◽  
Carol Hren ◽  
Tiffanie Munici ◽  
Melissa Richardson
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Hospital Discharge ◽  
Nurse Practitioner ◽  
Transitions Of Care ◽  
Post Discharge ◽  
Readmission Rates ◽  
Discharge Disposition ◽  
Increased Risk

Background: Patients who experience acute ischemic stroke are at increased risk for a secondary vascular event. Risk factor management as well as review of the medication regimen are important components to secondary prevention. Neurologic follow-up is an essential step during transitions of care to ensure these components are addressed. For a variety of reasons, stroke patients do not always complete follow up appointments. The literature suggests that such patients are at increased risk for readmission. Purpose: The purpose of this project was to improve access to neurologic follow-up for patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke after discharge from an acute care or rehabilitation setting. The secondary goal was to decrease readmission rates. Methods: A nurse practitioner (NP) was added to the inpatient stroke neurology service. The model of care was redesigned with the NP performing subsequent assessments after the initial evaluation was completed by the neurologist. The NP also organized the plan of care, including appropriate post discharge follow-up. Over time, due to challenges with access to appointments, the NP started an outpatient stroke clinic. Data were entered into Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke to identify the patients who had a neurology provider appointment scheduled prior to hospital discharge, regardless of discharge disposition. Results: Between the first quarter of 2018 and the second quarter of 2019, the percentage of patients with a neurologic follow-up appointment scheduled prior to hospital discharge improved from 23% to 61%. During this same time period, the readmission rates decreased from 14% to 9%. Conclusions: Adding the NP position to an inpatient stroke neurology service and using this role to lead an outpatient stroke clinic improves the percentage of patients who have appointments scheduled prior to hospital discharge. Improving access to follow-up care influences readmission rates.

Abstract T P341: Transitions of Care: Increasing Follow-up and Decreasing Readmission Rates After Hospitalization for Acute Ischemic Stroke

Stroke ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 46 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joyce Maygers ◽  
Erin Lawrence ◽  
Cheryl Woolford ◽  
Rafael H Llinas ◽  
Elisabeth B Marsh
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Hospital Readmissions ◽  
Case Manager ◽  
Stroke Survivors ◽  
Post Discharge ◽  
Readmission Rates ◽  
Discharge Plan ◽  
Neurology Clinic

Background: Acute ischemic stroke accounts for nearly 800,000 inpatient hospitalizations annually in the United States. Post-discharge disposition varies greatly among stroke survivors. The transition to home or nursing facilities post-hospitalization provides an opportunity to improve quality of life; but also increases the potential for miscommunication between patients, care givers, and health care providers. This may result in the need for hospital readmission, which further complicates patient care. A timely post-discharge neurology clinic visit would be the ideal forum to address miscommunication and reduce readmission. Without dedicated infrastructure, it is difficult to see patients quickly, resulting in a poor follow-up rate. Our Stroke Center sought to improve transitions for stroke survivors with the addition of a neurology nurse case manager, creation of a targeted post-discharge plan, and implementation of the Bayview Stroke Intervention Clinic (BaSIC). Methods: Beginning in September 2013, all patients admitted with acute ischemic stroke were assessed by our case manager prior to discharge and a specific post-discharge plan was developed including a plan for follow-up within 4-6 weeks. This was achieved with the implementation of a weekly neurology clinic dedicated to post-stroke care, staffed by two cerebrovascular neurologists. To gauge the effectiveness of our intervention to improve follow-up rates and decrease hospital readmissions, we retrospectively compared stroke patients discharged in fiscal year 2013 (prior to implementation) to those discharged in 2014. Annual readmission rates as well as follow-up rates in neurology clinic at 30, 60 and 90 day post-discharge intervals were assessed. Results: With implementation of targeted post-discharge planning and BaSIC clinic, the 30 day follow-up rate (2.6% pre versus 8.4% post; p=0.01), 60 day follow-up rate (8.3% pre versus 16% post; p=0.01), and 90 day follow-up rate (14.4% pre versus 20.6% post; p=0.10) all improved. Hospital readmissions fell from 10.5% to 8.7% (p=0.63). Conclusion: Implementation of a targeted post-discharge plan and specialized stroke follow-up clinic decreases readmissions and increases follow-up visits with neurology.

scholarly journals Impact of pharmacist-conducted anticoagulation patient education and telephone follow-up on transitions of care: a randomized controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lamis R. Karaoui ◽  
Elsy Ramia ◽  
Hanine Mansour ◽  
Nisrine Haddad ◽  
Nibal Chamoun
Keyword(s):  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Bleeding Event ◽  
Transitions Of Care ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Post Discharge ◽  
Readmission Rates ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background There is limited published data in Lebanon evaluating the impact of supplemental education for anticoagulants use, especially DOACs, on clinical outcomes such as bleeding. The study aims to assess the impact of pharmacist-conducted anticoagulation education and follow-up on bleeding and readmission rates. Methods This study was a randomized, non-blinded interventional study conducted between August 2017 and July 2019 in a tertiary care teaching Lebanese hospital. Participants were inpatients ≥18 years discharged on an oral anticoagulant for treatment. Block randomization was used. The control group received the standard nursing counseling while the intervention group additionally received pharmacy counseling. Phone call follow-ups were done on day 3 and 30 post-discharge. Primary outcomes included readmission rates and any bleeding event at day 3 and 30 post-discharge. Secondary outcomes included documented elements of education in the medical records and reported mortality upon day 30 post-discharge. Results Two hundred patients were recruited in the study (100 patients in each study arm) with a mean age of 73.9 years. In the pharmacist-counseled group, more patients contacted their physician within 3 days (14% versus 4%; p = 0.010), received explicit elements of education (p < 0.001) and documentation in the chart was better (p < 0.05). In the standard of care group, patients were more aware of their next physician appointment date (52% versus 31%, p < 0.001). No difference in bleeding rates at day 3 and 30 post-discharge was observed between the groups. Conclusions Although pharmacist-conducted anticoagulation education did not appear to reduce bleeding or readmission rates at day 30, pharmacist education significantly increased patient communication with their providers in the early days post-discharge. Trial registration Lebanon Clinical Trial Registry LBCTR2020033424. Retrospectively registered. Date of registration: 06/03/2020.

Abstract P25: Safety of Ticagrelor in Moderate to Severe Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Single-Center Retrospective Review

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen W English ◽  
David Landzberg ◽  
Nirav Bhatt ◽  
Michael Frankel ◽  
Digvijaya Navalkele
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Major Bleeding ◽  
Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Severe Bleeding ◽  
Large Artery ◽  
Inpatient Stay ◽  
Increased Risk

Introduction: Ticagrelor with aspirin has been recently shown to reduce the risk of stroke or death compared to aspirin alone in patients with high risk TIAs and mild strokes. However, this benefit is offset by increased risk of severe bleeding. We sought to evaluate the safety of ticagrelor in patients with moderate to severe ischemic stroke. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of adults discharged on ticagrelor after presenting with acute ischemic stroke and NIHSS > 5 from January 2016 to December 2019 at a large, urban, academic comprehensive stroke center. Patients were excluded if they underwent carotid or intracranial angioplasty and/or stenting, or carotid endarterectomy during admission. Baseline clinical characteristics, imaging, and outcomes were reviewed. Data was organized into continuous and categorical variables. Results: Sixty-one patients met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Median age was 61 (IQR, 52-68) years; 33 (54%) were men, and 33 (54%) were African American. Median NIHSS was 11 (IQR, 8-15). Fourteen (23%) patients received IV Alteplase and 35 (57%) patients underwent mechanical thrombectomy. Five (8%) patients received both IV Alteplase and mechanical thrombectomy. Median ticagrelor start date was hospital day 1 (IQR, 0-3). Large artery atherosclerosis was presumed etiology in 53 (87%) patients. No patients experienced neurologic worsening, recurrent stroke, sICH, or major bleeding during inpatient stay. Sixty (98%) patients were on aspirin and ticagrelor at discharge. Follow-up information was available for 53 (87%) patients for a median duration of 3 (IQR, 2-6) months. Following discharge, 3 (5%) patients experienced recurrent ischemic stroke despite being compliant. One (2%) patient experienced major bleeding—gastrointestinal hemorrhage requiring transfusion—two months after hospital discharge. Conclusions: This study highlights the potential expanding role for ticagrelor in secondary stroke prevention in patients with moderate to severe stroke. Early ticagrelor use did not result in sICH during inpatient stay—and only 1 major bleeding event on follow-up—in our cohort. While further research in this area is needed, these findings present an exciting opportunity for future prospective studies.

Abstract MP86: Effects of Immediate Blood Pressure Reduction on Death and Major Disability in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients by History of Hypertension and Use of Antihypertensive Medications

Circulation ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 131 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tan Xu ◽  
Yonghong Zhang ◽  
Yingxian Sun ◽  
Chung-Shiuan Chen ◽  
Jing Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Treatment Group ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Hospital Discharge ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Recurrent Stroke ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Antihypertensive Medications ◽  
History Of

Introduction: The effects of blood pressure (BP) reduction on clinical outcomes among acute stroke patient remain uncertain. Hypothesis: We tested the effects of immediate BP reduction on death and major disability at 14 days or hospital discharge and 3-month follow-up in acute ischemic stroke patients with and without a previous history of hypertension or use of antihypertensive medications. Methods: The China Antihypertensive Trial in Acute Ischemic Stroke (CATIS) randomly assigned patients with ischemic stroke within 48 hours of onset and elevated systolic BP (SBP) to receive antihypertensive treatment (N=2,038) or to discontinue all antihypertensive medications (N=2,033) during hospitalization. Randomization was stratified by participating hospitals and use of antihypertensive medications. Study outcomes were assessed at 14 days or hospital discharge and 3-month post-treatment follow-up. The primary outcome was death and major disability (modified Rankin Scale score≥3), and secondary outcomes included recurrent stroke and vascular events. Results: Mean SBP was reduced 12.7% in the treatment group and 7.2% in the control group within 24 hours after randomization (P<0.001). Mean SBP was 137.3 mmHg in the treatment group and 146.5 in the control group at day 7 after randomization (P<0.001). At 14 days or hospital discharge, the primary and secondary outcomes were not significantly different between the treatment and control groups by subgroups. At the 3-month follow-up, recurrent stroke was significantly reduced in the antihypertensive treatment group among patients with a history of hypertension (odds ratio 0.43, 95% CI 0.24-0.75, P=0.003) and among patients with a history of use of antihypertensive medications (odds ratio 0.41, 95% CI 0.20-0.84, P=0.01). All-cause mortality (odds ratio 2.84, 95% CI 1.11-7.27, P=0.03) was increased among patients without a history of hypertension. Conclusion: Immediate BP reduction lowers recurrent stroke among acute ischemic stroke patients with a previous history of hypertension or use of antihypertensive medications at 3 months. On the other hand, BP reduction increases all-cause mortality among patients without a history of hypertension.

Abstract 202: The NIH Stroke Scale Can Miss Improvement After IV tPA For Acute Ischemic Stroke

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabeth B Marsh ◽  
Erin Lawrence ◽  
Rafael H Llinas
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Post Treatment ◽  
Functional Improvement ◽  
Stroke Severity ◽  
Post Discharge ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Iv Tpa

Background and Objective: The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) is the most commonly used metric to evaluate stroke severity and improvement following intervention. Despite its advantages as a rapid, reproducible screening tool, it may be too insensitive to adequately capture functional improvement following treatment. We evaluated the difference in rate of improvement by previously accepted criteria (change of ≥4 NIHSS points) versus physician documentation in patients receiving IV tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) for acute ischemic stroke. Methods: Prospectively collected data on all patients receiving IV tPA over a 15 month period were retrospectively reviewed. NIHSS 24 hours post-treatment and on discharge were extrapolated based on examination and compared to NIHSS on presentation. NIHSS scores at post-discharge follow-up were also recorded. Two reviewers evaluated the medical record and determined improvement based on physician documentation. Using tests of proportion, ‘significant improvement’ by NIHSS was compared to physician documentation at each time point. Results: Forty-one patients were treated with IV tPA. The mean admission NIHSS was 8.6 and improved to 6.4 24 hours post-tPA. Twenty-nine of 41 patients (79%) were “better” by documentation; however only 11/41 (27%) met NIHSS criteria for improvement (p compared to documentation <0.001). On discharge, 20/41 patients (49%) met NIHSS criteria for improvement; however a significant difference between physician documentation remained (p=0.04). The mean post-discharge follow-up NIHSS score was 2.0. 20/21 patients (95%) were “better” compared to 16/21 (76%) meeting NIHSS criteria (p=0.08). Conclusion: The NIHSS may inadequately capture functional improvement post-treatment, especially in the days immediately following intervention.

scholarly journals Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) Patient Management in French Stroke Units and Impact Estimation of Thrombolysis on Care Pathways and Associated Costs

2015 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 94-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aurélie Schmidt ◽  
Chérif Heroum ◽  
Didier Caumette ◽  
Katell Le Lay ◽  
Stève Bénard
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Hospital Discharge ◽  
Treated Patient ◽  
Care Pathways ◽  
Post Discharge ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Stroke Units ◽  
Rehabilitative Care ◽  
The Impact

Background: Stroke is the second leading cause of death and a first leading cause of acquired disability in adults worldwide. This study aims to evaluate the current management and associated costs of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) for patients admitted in stroke units in France and over a one-year follow-up period as well as to assess the impact of improved thrombolytic management in terms of increasing the proportion of patients receiving thrombolysis and/or treated within 3 h from the onset of symptoms. Methods: A decision model was developed, which comprises two components: the first corresponding to the acute hospital management phase of patients with AIS up until hospital discharge, extracted from the national hospital discharge database (PMSI 2011), and the second corresponding to the post-acute (post-discharge) phase, based on national treatment guidelines and stroke experts' advice. Five post-acute clinical care pathways were defined. In-hospital mortality and mortality at 3 months post-discharge was taken into account into the model. Patient journeys and costs were determined for both phases. Improved thrombolytic management was modeled by increasing the proportion of patients receiving thrombolysis from the current estimated level of 16.7 to 25% as well as subsequently increasing the proportion of patients treated within 3 h of the onset of symptoms post-stroke from 50 to 100%. The impact on care pathways was derived from clinical data. Results: Among 202,078 hospitalizations for a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA), 90,528 were for confirmed AIS, and 33% (29,999) of them managed within a stroke unit. After hospitalization, 60% of discharges were to home, 25% to rehabilitative care and then home, 2% to rehabilitative care and then a nursing home, 7% to long-term care, and 6% of stays ended with patient death. Of a total cost over 1 year of €610 million (mean cost per patient of €20,326), 70% concern the post-acute phase. By increasing the proportion of patients being thrombolyzed, costs are reduced primarily by a decrease in rehabilitative care, with savings per additional treated patient of €1,462. By adding improved timing, savings are more than doubled (€3,183 per additional treated patient). Conclusions: This study confirms that the burden of AIS in France is heavy. By improving thrombolytic management in stroke units, patient journeys through care pathways can be modified, with increased discharges home, a change in post-acute resource consumption and net savings.

scholarly journals Impact of Neurological Follow-Up on Early Hospital Readmission Rates for Acute Ischemic Stroke

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 127-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Allen ◽  
Todd Barron ◽  
Ashley Mo ◽  
Richard Tangel ◽  
Ruth Linde ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Hospital Readmission ◽  
Readmission Rates ◽  
Hospital Readmission Rates

scholarly journals Prevalence and predictors of Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome (PACS) after hospital discharge: A cohort study with 4 months median follow-up

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. e0260568
Author(s):  
Imad M. Tleyjeh ◽  
Basema Saddik ◽  
Nourah AlSwaidan ◽  
Ahmed AlAnazi ◽  
Rakhee K. Ramakrishnan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Emergency Room ◽  
Hospital Stay ◽  
Hospital Discharge ◽  
Post Discharge ◽  
Persistent Symptoms ◽  
Phone Calls ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Baseline Health

Background Post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS) is an emerging healthcare burden. The risk factors associated with PACS remain largely unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of new or persistent symptoms in COVID-19 patients post hospital discharge and identify associated risk factors. Methods Our prospective cohort comprised of PCR-confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted to King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between May and July 2020. The patients were interviewed through phone calls by trained physicians from 6 weeks up to 6 months post hospital discharge. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression models were used to examine for predictors associated with persistence of symptoms and non-return to baseline health. Results 222 COVID-19 patients responded to follow-up phone interviews after a median of 122 days post discharge. The majority of patients were men (77%) with mean age of 52.47 (± 13.95) years. 56.3% of patients complained of persistent symptoms; 66 (29.7%) experiencing them for >21 days and 64 (28.8%) reporting not having returned to their baseline health. Furthermore, 39 patients (17.6%) reported visiting an emergency room post discharge for COVID-19-related symptoms while 16 (7.2%) had required re-hospitalization. Shortness of breath (40.1%), cough (27.5%) and fatigue (29.7%) were the most frequently reported symptoms at follow-up. After multivariable adjustments, female gender, pre-existing hypertension and length of hospital stay were associated with an increased risk of new or persistent symptoms. Age, pre-existing lung disease and emergency room visits increased the likelihood of not fully recovering from acute COVID-19. Patients who were treated with interferon β-1b based triple antiviral therapy during hospital stay were less likely to experience new or persistent symptoms and more likely to return to their baseline health. Conclusions COVID-19 survivors continued to suffer from dyspnea, cough and fatigue at 4 months post hospital discharge. Several risk factors could predict which patients are more likely to experience PACS and may benefit from individualized follow-up and rehabilitation programs.

scholarly journals White Matter Hyperintensity, Immediate Antihypertensive Treatment, and Functional Outcome After Acute Ischemic Stroke

Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (5) ◽  
pp. 1608-1612
Author(s):  
Shiguang Zhu ◽  
Sifan Qian ◽  
Tan Xu ◽  
Hao Peng ◽  
Ruiguo Dong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
White Matter ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Functional Outcome ◽  
Hospital Discharge ◽  
Scale Score ◽  
Antihypertensive Treatment ◽  
White Matter Hyperintensity ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Increased Risk

Background and Purpose— It remains unknown that whether white matter hyperintensity (WMH) severity influences the effect of antihypertensive treatment in acute ischemic stroke. We aimed to investigate the effects of early antihypertensive treatment on death and disability among patients with acute ischemic stroke according to WMH severities. Methods— This study was a secondary analysis of the data from CATIS (China Antihypertensive Trial in Acute Ischemic Stroke). Severity of WMH was evaluated using Fazekas rating scale score among 303 participants with available magnetic resonance imaging data and was categorized into none-mild WMH (Fazekas score 0–2) and moderate-severe WMH (Fazekas score 3–6). Functional outcome was death or major disability (modified Rankin Scale score of ≥3) at 14 days or hospital discharge and within 3 months. Results— WMH severity was significantly associated with an increased risk of death or major disability. Each 1 score increase in Fazekas score was associated with an adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) of 1.25 (1.03–1.51) for 14 days or hospital discharge and 1.39 (1.12–1.72) for 3-month functional outcome. There were no significant interactions between antihypertensive treatment and WMH severity (both P >0.1) on functional outcome at 14 days or hospital discharge and within 3 months. The neutral effects of immediate antihypertensive treatment were observed both in patients with moderate-severe WMH and none-mild WMH. Conclusions— Participants with higher WMH burden had increased risk of death or major disability after acute ischemic stroke. Early antihypertensive treatment had a neutral effect on clinical outcomes among acute ischemic stroke patients with a variety of WMH severities. Registration— URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov ; Unique identifier: NCT01840072.

scholarly journals A241 PRICE: PREVENTING READMISSIONS IN IBD CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 118-119
Author(s):  
F Dang ◽  
P Habashi ◽  
Z Gallinger ◽  
G C Nguyen
Keyword(s):  
Medication Adherence ◽  
Hospital Discharge ◽  
Hospital Readmission ◽  
Practice Nurse ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Post Discharge ◽  
Readmission Rates

Abstract Background Hospital readmission rates are high in the IBD population, with 20% of patients readmitted within the same calendar year. Hospital discharge processes are not routinely standardized and deficiencies in the transition of care after discharge puts patients at increased risk of illness, hospital utilization and healthcare cost. In addition to increased healthcare expenditure, hospitalizations for IBD patients are associated with nosocomial complications such as venous thromboembolism and infection. Aims We hypothesize that implementing standardized follow-up by an IBD practice nurse and electronic health outcome monitoring through NoviSurvey can reduce the risk of hospital readmission compared to current approaches of hospital discharge alone. Methods This parallel randomized control trial is powered for N=400 and will include patients admitted for an IBD flare without requiring surgical intervention from the gastroenterology service or consulted from general internal medicine. Patients randomized to the control arm are discharged with usual standard of care. Patients in the intervention group will be eligible for usual post-discharge care in addition to organized telephone follow-up by an IBD practice nurse at 1, 7 and 30 days post-discharge. In addition, these patients will receive bi-weekly correspondence from NoviSurvey to complete a short questionnaire on clinical disease severity and medication adherence. Based on telephone interaction and survey scores, the IBD nurse may arrange readmission or expedited ambulatory visit for high-risk patients. Results 15 patients are currently enrolled into our study, with 7 randomized to the intervention and 8 to the control group. In the control group, 25% of patients were readmitted to hospital within 30 days of discharge and 13% failed to follow their steroid taper. There were no patients in the intervention group who were readmitted to hospital within 30 days and none who failed their steroid taper. In both the control or intervention group, there were no occurrences of deep vein thrombosis within 30 days post-discharge. Conclusions The preliminary findings in our small sample study indicate that a nurse led post-discharge intervention may translate to benefits including decreased readmission rates to hospital, better patient satisfaction and better medication adherence. Funding Agencies CCC

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