Developing and Testing a Bedside Aspiration Screen to Protect Stroke Patients From Aspiration and Mortality: Expanding Nursing Practice and Partnership

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 117-124
Author(s):  
Edith K. Huhn-Matesic
Keyword(s):  
Acute Stroke ◽  
The United States ◽  
The Body ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Institute Of Medicine ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Stroke Population ◽  
Screening Protocol ◽  
Strategic Training

Stroke is the 4th leading cause of death in the United States at a rate of 1 death every 4 min. Stroke patients initially experience dysphagia 42%–76% of the time, putting them at high risk for developing aspiration pneumonia, increasing the risk of death three-fold in the first 30 days following onset of the condition. The Edith-Huhn-Matesic Bedside Aspiration Screen (EHMBAS) was developed as an evidence-based registered nurse (RN) bedside aspiration screening protocol. It represents an example where a strategic training program and multidisciplinary collaboration enabled nurses to broaden their education and scope of practice to improve care to the stroke population on the acute stroke unit. As recommended by the Institute of Medicine (2011) report, nurses advanced the health of stroke patients. The EHMBAS demonstrated strong validity (94% sensitivity) and high interrater reliability (Kappa = .92, p < .001). Pre- and poststaff training survey results verified a significant positive change in knowledge gained, preparedness, and satisfaction with teaching methods. Furthermore, 92.3% of patients surveyed had positive screening experiences. The multidisciplinary stroke team was highly effective at implementing stroke guidelines expeditiously, saving lives in this population. This study was significant in that it contributed to the body of work aimed at establishing a sustainable valid, and reliable evidence-based, bedside aspiration screen that can be promptly completed for acute stroke victims.

Abstract WP282: Protecting Stroke Patients from Aspiration and Mortality through a Bedside Aspiration Screen

Stroke ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Edith Matesic
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Learning ◽  
Aspiration Pneumonia ◽  
The Body ◽  
Kappa Statistics ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Rater Reliability ◽  
Stroke Treatment ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
The Impact

Background: Stroke patients initially experience dysphagia approximately 42-76% of the time, putting them at high risk for developing aspiration pneumonia and increasing the risk of death threefold in the first 30 days following onset of the condition. Interventions to identify risk for aspiration pneumonia are key to reducing mortality in hospitalized patients. However, no generally recognized bedside aspiration screen exists, and few have been rigorously tested. The Edith-Huhn-Matesic Bedside Aspiration Screen (EHMBAS) TM was developed as an evidence-based RN bedside aspiration screening protocol. Purpose: This study analyzed the sensitivity and inter-rater reliability of EHMBAS TM , assessed the efficacy of training methods, evaluated patient feedback, and looked at the impact of organizational learning. Methods: RNs were trained to apply the EHMBAS TM . An evaluation study assessed the sensitivity, specificity and predictability of the screen to detect aspiration in the stroke population study group. Cohen’s Kappa statistics was applied to test inter-rater reliability. Pre- and post-implementation Likert surveys examined patient and staff satisfaction on the education plan and screening process, respectively. Lastly, an analysis of organizational learning examined whether changes enhanced adherence to screening requirements. Results: Results showed that the EHMBAS TM demonstrated strong validity (94% sensitivity) and high inter-rater reliability (Kappa = .92, p<.001). Pre- and post- staff training survey results demonstrated a significant positive change in knowledge gained, feelings of preparedness, and satisfaction with teaching methods. Further, 92.3% of patients surveyed had positive screening experiences. The hospital received Silver recognition from The American Heart Association for following stroke treatment guidelines 85% of the time for at least 12 months, demonstrating the positive impact of the protocol on organizational change. Conclusions: This study contributes to the body of work aimed at establishing a reliable evidence-based, bedside aspiration screen. Patient safety is enhanced, because screen results help determine when patients can safely receive medication and nutrition by mouth.

Abstract TP350: Protecting Stroke Patients from Aspiration and Mortality through a Bedside Aspiration Screen

Stroke ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Edith Matesic
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Learning ◽  
Aspiration Pneumonia ◽  
The Body ◽  
Kappa Statistics ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Rater Reliability ◽  
Stroke Treatment ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
The Impact

Background: Stroke patients initially experience dysphagia approximately 42-76% of the time, putting them at high risk for developing aspiration pneumonia and increasing the risk of death threefold in the first 30 days following onset of the condition. Interventions to identify risk for aspiration pneumonia are key to reducing mortality in hospitalized patients. However, no generally recognized bedside aspiration screen exists, and few have been rigorously tested. The Edith-Huhn-Matesic Bedside Aspiration Screen (EHMBAS) TM was developed as an evidence-based RN bedside aspiration screening protocol. Purpose: This study analyzed the sensitivity and inter-rater reliability of EHMBAS TM , assessed the efficacy of training methods, evaluated patient feedback, and looked at the impact of organizational learning. Methods: RNs were trained to apply the EHMBAS TM . An evaluation study assessed the sensitivity, specificity and predictability of the screen to detect aspiration in the stroke population study group. Cohen’s Kappa statistics was applied to test inter-rater reliability. Pre- and post-implementation Likert surveys examined patient and staff satisfaction on the education plan and screening process, respectively. Lastly, an analysis of organizational learning examined whether changes enhanced adherence to screening requirements. Results: Results showed that the EHMBAS TM demonstrated strong validity (94% sensitivity) and high inter-rater reliability (Kappa = .92, p<.001). Pre- and post- staff training survey results demonstrated a significant positive change in knowledge gained, feelings of preparedness, and satisfaction with teaching methods. Further, 92.3% of patients surveyed had positive screening experiences. The hospital received Silver recognition from The American Heart Association for following stroke treatment guidelines 85% of the time for at least 12 months, demonstrating the positive impact of the protocol on organizational change. Conclusions: This study contributes to the body of work aimed at establishing a reliable evidence-based, bedside aspiration screen. Patient safety is enhanced, because screen results help determine when patients can safely receive medication and nutrition by mouth.

Abstract WP178: Acute Stroke Ischemic Symptom Onset-to-Arrival Time in Michigan Hospitals

Stroke ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 47 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad U Farooq ◽  
Kathie Thomas
Keyword(s):  
African American ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Patient Outcomes ◽  
Symptom Onset ◽  
Arrival Time ◽  
Heart Association ◽  
The United States ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
White Patients

Objectives: Stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death and the leading cause of disability in the United States. One of the primary goals of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association is to increase the number of acute stroke patients arriving at emergency departments (EDs) within 1-hour of symptom onset. Earlier treatment with thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke translates into improved patient outcomes. The objective of this abstract is to examine the association between the use of emergency medical services (EMS) and symptom onset-to-arrival time in patients with ischemic stroke. Methods: A retrospective review of ischemic stroke patients (n = 8873) from 25 Michigan hospitals from January 2012-December 2014 using Get With the Guidelines databases was conducted. Symptom onset-to-ED arrival time and arrival mode were examined. Results: It was found that 17.4% of ischemic stroke patients arrived at the hospitals within 1-hour of symptom onset. EMS transported 69.1% of patients who arrived within 1-hour of symptom onset. During this 1-hour period African American patients (22%) were less likely to use EMS transportation as compared to White patients (72%). The majority of patients, 41.8%, arrived after 6-hours of symptom onset. EMS transported only 40% of patients who arrived after 6-hours of symptom onset. As before, during this 6-hour period African American patients (20%) were also less likely to use EMS transportation as compared to White patients (75%). Symptom onset-to-ED arrival time was shorter for those patients who used EMS. The median pre-hospital delay time was 2.6 hours for those who used EMS versus 6.2 hours for those who did not use EMS. Conclusions: The use of EMS is associated with a decreased pre-hospital delay, early treatment with thrombolysis and improved patient outcomes in ischemic stroke patients. Community interventions should focus on creating awareness especially in minority populations about stroke as a neurological emergency and encourage EMS use amongst stroke patients.

Abstract 20: Acute Stroke Care and Thrombolysis at Critical Access Hospitals in Illinois

Stroke ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shyam Prabhakaran ◽  
Robin Hamann ◽  
Kathleen O’Neill ◽  
Michelle Gardner ◽  
Peggy Jones
Keyword(s):  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Stroke Care ◽  
The United States ◽  
Critical Access Hospitals ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Acute Stroke Care ◽  
Improvement Program ◽  
Discharge Disposition ◽  
Intravenous Tissue Plasminogen Activator

Background: Critical access hospitals (CAH) are the first point of stroke care in many rural regions of the United States (US). The Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN), a network of 51 CAH in Illinois, began a quality improvement program to address acute stroke care in 2009. We evaluated the performance on several metrics in acute stroke care at CAH between 2009 and 2011. Methods: Currently, 28 of 51 CAHs in Illinois currently participate in the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines - Stroke (GWTG-S) registry for quality improvement. The GWTG-S registry captured elements including demographics, diagnosis, times of arrival, imaging completion, and intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV tPA) administration, and final discharge disposition. We analyzed the change in percent of stroke patients receiving tPA, door-to-needle (DTN) time, and proportion of total stroke patients admitted versus transferred to another facility over the 3 years. Fisher’s exact and Mann-Whitney tests were used as appropriate. Results: In the baseline assessment (2009), there were 111 strokes from 8 sites which grew to 12 sites and 305 strokes in year 1 (2010) and 14 sites and 328 strokes in year 3 (2011). The rate of tPA use for ischemic stroke was 2.2% in 2009, 4.0% in 2010, and 6.2% in 2011 (P=0.20). EMS arrival (41.1%), EMS pre-notification (82.6%), door-to-CT times (median 35 minutes; 34.6% < 25 minutes), and DTN times (average 93 minutes; 13.3% DTN time < 60 minutes) were not different over time. The rate of transfer from CAH to another hospital (51.3%) was constant. Every patient that received tPA except 1 (96.9%) was transferred (drip-ship) for post-tPA care. Conclusions: Improving acute stroke care at CAHs is feasible and represents a significant opportunity to increase tPA utilization in rural areas. As stroke systems develop, it is vital that CAHs be included in quality improvement efforts. The ICAHN stroke collaborative provided the opportunity to coordinate resources, share best practices, participate in targeted educational programming, and utilize data for performance improvement through the funded GWTG-S registry.

Abstract TP205: Clinical Aspects Of First-ever Stroke In Patients With Permanent Pacemaker

Stroke ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiro Kitayama ◽  
Hiroshi Nakane ◽  
Hiromi Ishikawa ◽  
Masahiro Shijo ◽  
Masahiro Kamouchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Pacemaker Implantation ◽  
The United States ◽  
Permanent Pacemaker ◽  
Stroke Onset ◽  
Clinical Aspects ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Stroke Treatment ◽  
Stroke Registry ◽  
History Of

OBJECTIVES: Recently, increasing numbers of patients take pacemaker implantation: almost sixty thousands in Japan, and no less than two hundreds of thousands in the United States per year. Previous reports have indicated that prevalence of atrial fibrillation (Af) is high, and several coagulation markers are elevated in those with pacemaker. However, the precise features of stroke with implanted device are not clear. We, thus, examined the clinical aspects of stroke in pacemaker patients. METHODS: For the present study, we analyzed data from the Fukuoka Stroke Registry that is a multicenter epidemiological study database on acute stroke. From June 1999 to May 2011, 11376 ischemic stroke patients (72±12 years of age, female/male=4613/6763) who admitted to the hospital within seven days after onset were enrolled in the registry. Stroke subtypes were classified according to the diagnostic criteria of TOAST (Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment). RESULTS: A total of 207 patients (1.8% of registered stroke patients) were with pacemaker. Among them, 130 patients had no history of any stroke. They appeared to be a mean age of 81±9 (range 42 to 97) years, and female/male ratio of 77/53. Mean duration from pacemaker implantation to stroke onset was 8±7 (median 6, quartile 3-11) years. 32 patients (25%) were given oral anticoagulant prior to stroke onset; 60 (46%) were on antiplatelet. Prevalence of Af in pacemaker patients was 48% (n=63). In those with Af, 48 patients (76%) were diagnosed as cardioembolic stroke, but only 22 (35%) were on anticoagulation before onset. Even in those without Af, 33 cases (49%) were also diagnosed as cardioembolic. The percentage of subjects with increased plasma D-dimer (≥1.5 μg/ml) was significantly higher in pacemaker group than no-pacemaker group, regardless of the presence or absence of Af (75% vs. 45% with Af; p<0.0001, 74% vs. 25% without Af; p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In our current study, stroke in pacemaker patients revealed to have higher incidence of cardiogenic embolism, with or without Af. In addition, the majority was elderly, and failed to receive anticoagulant prior to stroke. It is needed to re-consider therapeutic strategy, including anticoagulation, for prevention of stroke in those with permanent pacemaker.

scholarly journals Risk Factors and Characteristics of Falls Among Hospitalized Stroke Patients

2019 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Olivera Djurovic ◽  
Snezana Radovanovic ◽  
Nela Djonovic ◽  
Ivana Simic Vukomanovic ◽  
Gordana Gajovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Acute Stroke ◽  
The Body ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Levels Of Care ◽  
Hospitalization Period ◽  
Neurological Patients ◽  
Fall Risks ◽  
Risk Factors For Falls ◽  
Healthcare Expenses

Abstract Falls and fall-related injuries during hospitalization may cause serious problems and consequences for patients, their quality of life as well as increased healthcare expenses. The aim of the paper were to assess fall risks and identify risk factors, related to falls among stroke patients. This was a retrospective cohort study that included 217 neurological patients with acute stroke who have experienced fall during hospitalization. Morse Fall Scale was used to estimate a likelihood of falling for hospitalized patients. In total, 1.4% patients with acute stroke experienced a fall during hospitalization. According to the fall risk assessment, 77% of the patients presented a high risk for falls. Women, older respondents and those who were hospitalized for period longer than 22 days and who had higher levels of care, had higher values of Morse score. The most common risk factors for falls are: the presence of other medical diagnosis, the use of disability aids while walking, the use of intravenous therapy, disorientation in time and space, and the largest contribution to Morse score comes from using disability aids while walking and transferring patients. Greater risk of falling was observed in older neurological patients with ischemic type of stroke and weakness on the left side of the body, patients with longer hospitalization period and those with higher level of care.

Abstract TP180: Markedly Elevated High-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) Predicts Early Mortality Among Stroke Patients

Stroke ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Itrat ◽  
Shazia Alam ◽  
Esteban Walker ◽  
Irene Katzan
Keyword(s):  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Early Mortality ◽  
Mortality Data ◽  
C Reactive Protein ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Social Security Death Index ◽  
All Cause Mortality ◽  
Very High

Background: High-sensitive C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP) levels are correlated with risk of vascular disease and cardiovascular mortality. The clinical implications of markedly elevated hsCRP levels in the setting of acute stroke are less understood as they are often excluded from studies. Objective: To determine the association of very high admission hsCRP levels (> 10mg/L) on all-cause mortality in patients with acute stroke Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients admitted to our institution with acute stroke (8/2003- 11/2011) who had at least one hsCRP assay drawn < 7 days of stroke diagnosis. Mortality data was obtained using Social Security Death Index. Differences in survival were determined using Kaplan-Meier curves. Cox proportional analysis was used to determine hazard ratios of death among patients with hsCRP values > 10 mg/L after adjusting for age, sex, race and the following co-morbid conditions: cancer, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, hypertension, myocardial infarction Results: There were 293 stroke patients identified with hsCRP levels drawn < 7 days of stroke admission. Median age was 65.7 years (SD 15.3), and 55% were male. All-cause mortality was 18% (n=53) with a median follow-up of 2.2 years. Median hsCRP level was 5.5 mg/L, [IQR 1.8 - 14.6] with 31.7% patients having hsCRP > 10 mg/L. Patients with hsCRP > 10 mg/L had a 2.7 times higher risk of mortality than those with hsCRP < 10 mg/L (p=0.004). The increased risk was steepest in the first months after stroke (Figure). The only other significant variable affecting hazard for death was age; each year increased the hazard ratio by 3.3%. Of the cases in which cause of death was known (n=31), stroke was the most common cause (71%) Conclusion: Very high level of hsCRP (>10 mg/L) at the time of admission is associated with increased early mortality among patients presenting with acute strokes. This finding may help stratify risk of death in stroke.

Abstract P85: Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Hospitalizations and Outcomes of Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients, Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Program (pcnasp)

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin Tong ◽  
Sallyann Coleman King ◽  
Erika Odom ◽  
Quanhe Yang
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Reperfusion Therapy ◽  
The United States ◽  
Emergency Department Visits ◽  
National Institutes Of Health ◽  
Hospital Death ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Stroke Treatment

Introduction: Studies suggest a significant reduction in emergency department visits and hospitalizations for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Few studies have examined AIS hospitalizations, treatments, and outcomes during the pandemic period. The present study compared the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients hospitalized with AIS before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (weeks 11-24 in 2019 vs. 2020). Method: We identified 42,371 admissions with a clinical diagnosis of AIS, from 370 participating hospitals who contributed data during weeks 11-24 in both 2019 and 2020 to the Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Program (PCNASP). Results: During weeks 11-24 of the COVID-19 period, AIS hospitalizations declined by 24.5% compared to the same period in 2019 (18,233 in 2020 vs. 24,138 in 2019). In 2020, the percentage of individuals aged <65 years who were hospitalized with AIS was higher compared with the same period in 2019 (34.6% vs. 32.7%, p<0.001); arriving by EMS were higher in 2020 compared with 2019 (47.7% vs. 44.8%, p<0.001). Individuals admitted with AIS in 2020 had a higher mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score compared with 2019 (6.7 vs. 6.3, p<0.001). In 2020, the in-hospital death rates increased by 16% compared to 2019 (5.0% vs. 4.3%, p<0.001). However, there were no differences in rates of alteplase use, achievement of door to needle in 60 minutes, or complications from reperfusion therapy between the two time periods. Conclusion: A higher percentage of younger (<65 years) individuals and more severe AIS cases were admitted to the participating hospitals during weeks 11 to 24 of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. The AIS in-hospital death rate increased 16% during the pandemic weeks as compared to the same weeks in 2019. Additional studies are needed to examine the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on stroke treatment and outcomes.

Abstract 196: Thrombolytic Treatment using Drip and Ship Treatment Paradigm among Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients in the United States: Outcomes and impact on regional thrombolytic utilization and referral patterns

Stroke ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 43 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wondwossen G Tekle ◽  
Saqib A Chaudhry ◽  
Habib Qaiser ◽  
Ameer E Hassan ◽  
Gustavo J Rodriguez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
The United States ◽  
Thrombolytic Treatment ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Referral Patterns ◽  
Hospital Outcomes ◽  
Treatment Paradigm

Background: While single center and regional estimates of thrombolytic administration using drip and ship treatment paradigm are available, patient outcomes, thrombolytic utilization, cost, and referral patterns has not been assessed in United States. Objective: To provide national estimates of patients treated with thrombolytics using drip and ship paradigm and determine the impact of drip and ship treatment on regional thrombolytic utilization, treatment cost, and referral patterns of acute stroke patients in a large cohort. Methods: We determined the proportion of patients treated with drip and ship paradigm among all acute ischemic stroke patients treated with thrombolytic treatment and obtained comparative in-hospital outcomes from the Nationwide Inpatient Survey (NIS) data files from October 2008 to December 2009. All the in-hospital outcomes were analyzed after adjusting for potential confounders using multivariate analysis. Thrombolytic utilization, hospitalization cost, and patterns of referral related to drip and ship treatment of acute stroke were estimated. Results: Of the 26,814 ischemic stroke patients who received thrombolytic treatment, 5144 (19%) were treated using drip and ship paradigm. Seventy nine percent of all the drip and ship treated patients were referred to urban teaching hospitals for further care, and 7% of them received follow up endovascular treatment at the referral facility. States with higher proportion of patients treated using the drip and ship paradigm had higher rates of thrombolytic utilization (3.1% vs. 2.4%, p<0.001). After adjusting for age, gender, presence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, renal failure, and hospital teaching status, outcomes of patients treated with drip and ship paradigm was similar to those who received thrombolytic and stayed in the same facility: self care (odds ratio [OR], 1.055, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.910-1.224, p=0.4779); death(OR , 0.821 95% CI, 0.619- 1.088, p=0.1688); and nursing home discharge (OR, 1.023, 95% CI, 0.880- 1.189, p=0.7659) at discharge. Drip and ship paradigm was associated with shorter hospital stay (mean [days, SE] 5.9± 0.18 vs. 7.4 ± 0.15, p<0.001), and lower cost of hospitalization (mean total charges [$, SE) 57,000 ± 3,324 vs. 83,000 ± 3,367, p<0.001). Conclusions: One out of every five patients who received thromboytic treatment in United States is currently treated using drip and ship paradigm with comparable adjusted rates of favorable outcomes. There was a higher rates of thrombolytic utilization in States where drip and ship was more commonly implemented.

Abstract 159: Acute Ischemic Stroke Quality Indicators: Implementation of Evidence-Based Practice to Improve Compliance

2012 ◽  
Vol 5 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Janine M Mazabob ◽  
Gerard Brown ◽  
Sarah Livesay ◽  
Jose Suarez ◽  
Eric Bershad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thrombolytic Therapy ◽  
Quality Indicators ◽  
The United States ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Standards Of Care ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Dramatic Improvement ◽  
Achievement Level ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Stroke Education

Background and Purpose: Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability in the United States. Compliance with the stroke quality indicators reinforces that a stroke center is adhering to the evidence based standards of care in acute stroke patients. Hardwiring a process in the delivery of care during hospitalization will ensure improved compliance of these quality indicators. Methods: A core multidisciplinary team was formed that included neurointensivists, neurologist, neurointerventional radiologist, pharmacist, emergency room and neuro intensive care staff along with neuroscience administration staff. Directors of the various services impacted by the stroke patients were invited on an ad hoc basis. Retrospective chart reviews were performed to collect data on a monthly basis for the following quality indicators: DVT prophylaxis Discharged on antithrombotics Patients with a-fib receiving anticoagulation Thrombolytic therapy administration Antithrombotic by end of day 2 Discharged on cholesterol meds Dysphagia screening Stroke education Smoking cessation education Assessed for Rehab Overall compliance with these indicators was on target but areas for improvement were noted in the following areas: stroke education, discharged on statin, thrombolytic therapy administration and patients with a-fib receiving anticoagulation. Aggressive action plans for each of these areas were developed and implemented. Initiatives included standardized electronic order sets, electronic admission, consult, history and physical templates with the quality indicators listed. Presentation of compliance results with a review of outliers were part of monthly section meetings. In order to understand process deviations further discussions with section chiefs resulted in investigation and resolution of issues that led to the variances. Hiring of a research registered nurse and a stroke coordinator were added to the existing stroke service team. Results: Dramatic improvement was achieved with no indicator falling below <85.2% (85.2 out 100) for an entire year. Gold Plus achievement level with the American Stroke Association was achieved within a three year period. Target Stroke Honor Role was also achieved during this time period. Conclusions: A cohesive project team was able to identify barriers, recommend process changes and ensure the implementation of change within the institution. Data collection and process revision is ongoing

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