Abstract P149: Regional Transfer Protocols Can Improve Transfer Times and Reduce Length of Stay for Thrombectomy Candidates Seen on Telestroke

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michele M Joseph ◽  
Amanda L Jagolino-Cole ◽  
Alyssa D Trevino ◽  
Liang Zhu ◽  
Alicia M Zha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Emergency Rooms ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Arrival Times ◽  
Time Periods ◽  
Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽  
Stroke Center ◽  
One Year ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Transfer Times

Introduction: Our telestroke (TS) network instituted a regional transfer protocol (RTP) that allows for stroke patients in need of higher level of care to be pre-accepted and transferred to the nearest appropriate comprehensive stroke center (CSC). We studied the impact of the RTP on resource utilization and time metrics in patients transferred for evaluation of intra-arterial thrombectomy (IAT). Before the RTP, all potential IAT patients were transferred to one central CSC. After the RTP was initiated, the network had the capability to transfer to two additional CSCs within the same health system that are strategically located in the Houston area. Methods: We identified patients evaluated via TS in spoke emergency rooms that were subsequently transferred for IAT evaluation from 1/1/2016 to 12/31/2017 - one year prior and one year after the RTP. Baseline demographic characteristics, transfer and IAT metrics, and outcomes were compared for the two time periods. Results: Of 220 patients, 102 patients were transferred pre-RTP, and 120 were transferred to the three CSCs post-RTP. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics, except fewer patients received tPA post-RTP (Table 1). In total, 30 patients (29%) pre-RTP and 42 patients (35%) post-RTP underwent IAT (p=0.38). Post-RTP, there was a trend toward faster travel times (median 40 vs 32 minutes, p=.07) and transfer initiation times to hub arrival times (median 109 vs 100.5 minutes, p=0.09). Door to groin puncture times were not statistically different between the two time periods. Post-RTP patients had a significantly shorter length of stay (median 6 vs 5 days, p=0.03). Conclusions: Regional transfer protocols can potentially help reduce transfer times and length of stay for stroke patients at CSCs that were initially seen by TS at community hospitals; however, larger sample size is needed to study its impact on other IAT-related metrics and clinical outcomes.

Abstract TP310: Effect of an Extended Treatment Window on Transfer Times in Patients With Stroke

Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dawn K Beland ◽  
Ilene Staff ◽  
Jenna Beckwith ◽  
Amre Nouh
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Process Of Care ◽  
Patient Demographics ◽  
Complex Decision Making ◽  
Complex Decision ◽  
Stroke Type ◽  
Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽  
Stroke Center ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Transfer Times

STK-OP-1 examines transfer times for patients going to a higher level of care. Known as door in, door out or DIDO, certified stroke centers are required to report times for both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke patients transferred to a Primary or Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC). Purpose: Barriers to time-sensitive transfer and complex decision making are common. As a result, Hartford Healthcare (HHC) began a QI initiative to measure DIDO times while introducing advanced CTP imaging and treatment in the extended window, April 2018. This project evaluates the impact on DIDO. Methods: This multi-center QI project evaluated data pre and post implementation for stroke transfers to the CSC. Pre-implementation was May 2017 to April 2018, post-implementation May 2018 to March 2019. Patient and process of care data abstracted from Epic was entered into Excel. The main analysis compared median DIDO times using Wilcoxon Ranked Sum. Results: Data were collected on hospital, stroke type/severity and treatments administered; patient demographics, and key timing variables of door in/door out, EMS and CT. While there is no universal criterion for DIDO, 60 minutes is often the ultimate goal with 90 or 120 minutes as intermediate goals. Pre and post implementation median DIDO times for all hospitals were 117 and 139 minutes (p = 0.02), for HHC hospitals 115 and 137 minutes (p = 0.027) and for non-HHC hospitals 118 and 140.5 minutes (p = 0.423). Of the pre-implementation group, 7.8% had CTP imaging prior to transfer compared with 9.3% post. Extended times post-implementation include factors such as complex decision making, patient eligibility or hospital capacity issues. A new transfer algorithm was implemented April 2019. Future analyses will correlate DIDO with patient, stroke and treatment categories to better define delays and barriers. Relevance: A JC directive to CSCs are to develop supportive relationships with referring hospitals to facilitate efficient care. As decision making becomes more complex, the process for transfer needs to improve. DIDO goals need to be realistic to prevent secondary imaging at the CSC, i.e. the tradeoff for an extra 15 or 20 minutes should translate into shorter door to puncture times. Reducing the time to treatment may help improve patient outcomes.

Improving Transfer Times for Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients to a Comprehensive Stroke Center

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 192-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas V. Kodankandath ◽  
Paul Wright ◽  
Paul M. Power ◽  
Marcella De Geronimo ◽  
Richard B. Libman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽  
Stroke Center ◽  
Transfer Times

Abstract TP379: The Impact of a Nurse Navigator-Centered Discharge Plan on Care Transitions for Patients Discharged From a Comprehensive Stroke Center

Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Frances Jaime ◽  
Cristina Carillo-Gutierrez ◽  
Kim Smith ◽  
Marwah Elsehety ◽  
Peri Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Care Transition ◽  
Discharge Process ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Post Discharge ◽  
Home Discharge ◽  
Nurse Navigator ◽  
Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽  
Stroke Center ◽  
The Impact

Background: An effective care transition plan at the time of a stroke discharge impacts risk factor control, readmissions, and patient satisfaction. In our Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC), we assigned a registered nurse to be our Stroke Nurse Navigator (SNN). The SNN meets with patients and caregivers prior to discharge to address care transition needs and answers the Stroke Nurse Helpline to provide assistance after discharge. Purpose: To assess the impact of the SNN in meeting care transition needs of patients discharged home from a CSC Methods: Stroke patients in our CSC are called within 72 hours after home discharge, and a standard questionnaire is used to assess satisfaction with the discharge process. We compared post-discharge callback data from stroke patients during a 6-month period before (1/1/18 to 6/30/18) and after (7/1/18 to 12/31/18) designation of the SNN. Results: Among 413 stroke patients who completed questionnaires, 207 were pre-SNN and 206 were post-SNN, representing 55% and 47% of home discharges respectively. There was a 46% decrease in all concerns: 74% in non-clinical concerns, 70% in complaints about hospital experience, and 45% in reported early admissions (Table 1). There were fewer reported concerns about activity restrictions and assistive devices (100% decrease), outpatient therapy (76% decrease), prescriptions (75% decrease), outpatient testing (60% decrease), and other discharge information (29%). There were more concerns related to clinical symptoms after hospitalization (36% increase), establishing care with primary provider or neurologist (36% increase), and understanding home medications. Conclusion: SNNs may play a role in meeting care transition needs of stroke patients by providing assistance before and early after a home discharge. SNNs may foster heightened awareness among stroke patients and caregivers about following through on recommended post-hospital care for better recovery outcomes.

scholarly journals Prolonged Emergency Department Length of Stay as a Predictor of Adverse Outcomes in Patients with Intracranial Hemorrhage

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erica M. Jones ◽  
Amelia K. Boehme ◽  
Aimee Aysenne ◽  
Tiffany Chang ◽  
Karen C. Albright ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Adverse Outcome ◽  
Independent Predictor ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Significant Independent Predictor ◽  
Prolonged Length ◽  
Stroke Center ◽  
Shift Change

Objectives. Extended time in the emergency department (ED) has been related to adverse outcomes among stroke patients. We examined the associations of ED nursing shift change (SC) and length of stay in the ED with outcomes in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Methods. Data were collected on all spontaneous ICH patients admitted to our stroke center from 7/1/08–6/30/12. Outcomes (frequency of pneumonia, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at discharge, NIHSS score at discharge, and mortality rate) were compared based on shift change experience and length of stay (LOS) dichotomized at 5 hours after arrival. Results. Of the 162 patients included, 60 (37.0%) were present in the ED during a SC. The frequency of pneumonia was similar in the two groups. Exposure to an ED SC was not a significant independent predictor of any outcome. LOS in the ED ≥5 hours was a significant independent predictor of discharge mRS 4–6 (OR 3.638, 95% CI 1.531–8.645, and P = 0.0034) and discharge NIHSS (OR 3.049, 95% CI 1.491–6.236, and P = 0.0023) but not death. Conclusions. Our study found no association between nursing SC and adverse outcome in patients with ICH but confirms the prior finding of worsened outcome after prolonged length of stay in the ED.

How do treatment times impact on functional outcome in stroke patients undergoing thrombectomy in Germany? Results from the German Stroke Registry

2021 ◽  
pp. 174749302098526
Author(s):  
Juliane Herm ◽  
Ludwig Schlemm ◽  
Eberhard Siebert ◽  
Georg Bohner ◽  
Anna C Alegiani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Outcome ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Poor Functional Outcome ◽  
Stroke Registry ◽  
Primary Stroke Center ◽  
Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽  
Stroke Center ◽  
Center Time

Background Functional outcome post-stroke depends on time to recanalization. Effect of in-hospital delay may differ in patients directly admitted to a comprehensive stroke center and patients transferred via a primary stroke center. We analyzed the current door-to-groin time in Germany and explored its effect on functional outcome in a real-world setting. Methods Data were collected in 25 stroke centers in the German Stroke Registry-Endovascular Treatment a prospective, multicenter, observational registry study including stroke patients with large vessel occlusion. Functional outcome was assessed at three months by modified Rankin Scale. Association of door-to-groin time with outcome was calculated using binary logistic regression models. Results Out of 4340 patients, 56% were treated primarily in a comprehensive stroke center and 44% in a primary stroke center and then transferred to a comprehensive stroke center (“drip-and-ship” concept). Median onset-to-arrival at comprehensive stroke center time and door-to-groin time were 103 and 79 min in comprehensive stroke center patients and 225 and 44 min in primary stroke center patients. The odds ratio for poor functional outcome per hour of onset-to-arrival-at comprehensive stroke center time was 1.03 (95%CI 1.01–1.05) in comprehensive stroke center patients and 1.06 (95%CI 1.03–1.09) in primary stroke center patients. The odds ratio for poor functional outcome per hour of door-to-groin time was 1.30 (95%CI 1.16–1.46) in comprehensive stroke center patients and 1.04 (95%CI 0.89–1.21) in primary stroke center patients. Longer door-to-groin time in comprehensive stroke center patients was associated with admission on weekends (odds ratio 1.61; 95%CI 1.37–1.97) and during night time (odds ratio 1.52; 95%CI 1.27–1.82) and use of intravenous thrombolysis (odds ratio 1.28; 95%CI 1.08–1.50). Conclusion Door-to-groin time was especially relevant for outcome of comprehensive stroke center patients, whereas door-to-groin time was much shorter in primary stroke center patients. Clinical Trial Registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03356392 . Unique identifier NCT03356392

Abstract WP322: Inability to Identify Physician is Associated With Medication and Care Plan Knowledge Gaps Ii Stroke Patients

Stroke ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 47 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fred Cohen ◽  
Jeffrey M Katz ◽  
Jackie McCarthy ◽  
Ignacio Lopez ◽  
Paul Wright
Keyword(s):  
Medication Compliance ◽  
Care Plan ◽  
Medication Regimen ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
General Neurology ◽  
Patient Dissatisfaction ◽  
Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽  
Stroke Center ◽  
Knowledge Deficits ◽  
Attending Physician

Introduction: Patient dissatisfaction and medication non-compliance correlate with patient misunderstanding of their medications and care plan. We aimed to assess the degree of these gaps and their associations in hospitalized stroke patients. Methods: A 5-question survey was administered to patients hospitalized on the neuroscience ward of a comprehensive stroke center. Patient understanding of their condition leading to admission, care plan, medications, primary attending physician, and follow-up plan was assessed. If the patient was unable to communicate, then their health care representative was interviewed. Results: A total of 146 patients (55 stroke and 91 general neurology and neurosurgery (non-stroke) patients) or their representatives were interviewed. Stroke patients were less likely to properly identify their primary attending physician (33/55 (60.0%) stroke patients versus 35/91 (38.5%) non-stroke patients; p=0.011). Inability to identify the attending physician was associated with lack of medication and care plan knowledge and was more common in stroke patients, (23/33 (69.7%) stroke patients versus 14/35 (40.0%) non-stroke patients; p=0.014). Conclusion: Despite sharing a common pool of providers, the inability to identify the primary attending physician was significantly more common in stroke patients and was associated with patient knowledge deficits regarding their medication regimen and care plan. This correlation was significantly higher in stroke patients and suggests that stroke patients may require different, extra or more robust communication and education than the general neurology and neurosurgery population. Additionally, emphasis on attending physician identification may improve patient satisfaction and medication compliance.

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

Stroke ◽  
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.

Abstract 83: Etiology of Late Right-to-Left Shunting on Transcranial Doppler in Ischemic Stroke Patients

Stroke ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam de Havenon ◽  
Anne Moore ◽  
Nicholas Freeberg ◽  
Ali Sultan-Qurraie ◽  
David Tirschwell
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Transcranial Doppler ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Contrast Injection ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Stroke Etiology ◽  
Standard Component ◽  
Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽  
Stroke Center ◽  
Toast Classification

Background: An echocardiogram or transcranial Doppler (TCD) bubble study to test for a right-to-left shunt (RLS) is a standard component of an ischemic stroke workup. Because the pathway for an intracradiac RLS, such as a patent foramen ovale (PFO), is more direct, it has been proposed that the late appearance of a RLS suggests an extracardiac pathway. We sought to characterize a cohort of ischemic stroke patients with late RLS (LRLS) on TCD. Methods: We searched the medical record of a Comprehensive Stroke Center for patients with ischemic stroke who had a TCD and echocardiogram bubble study during 2011-2013. LRLS was defined as TCD bubbles appearing more than 18 cardiac cycles after contrast injection. TOAST stroke etiology classification was performed by a vascular neurologist blinded to TCD results. Results: 124 patients met inclusion criteria, of which 67/124 (54%) had RLS on TCD; and 32/67 (48%) had LRLS. In the 35/67 patients with normal RLS on TCD, 23% did not have RLS on echocardiography, consistent with prior reports of TCD’s superiority for detecting RLS. In the 32/67 patients with LRLS on TCD, 56% were negative for RLS by echocardiography. In the cohort of 124 patients, the percentage of TOAST classification 4 (stroke of other determined cause) was 26%, while in the 32 patients with LRLS the percentage of TOAST 4 was significantly higher at 52%(p=0.005) (Table 1). The increase in TOAST 4 in LRLS patients was created by an even distribution of decreases in the other TOAST categories. The most common TOAST 4 stroke etiology in LRLS patients was PFO with concurrent deep venous thrombosis. Conclusion: This preliminary data supports prior studies that have shown superiority of TCD over echocardiography for detection of RLS, and challenge the prevailing notion that extracardiac shunt, such as pulmonary AVM, is the most common cause of LRLS in ischemic stroke patients. This subgroup of patients warrants further research to clarify mechanisms of ischemic stroke in patients with RLS.

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

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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