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Ajmi SC, Kurz M, Lindner TW, Dalen I, Ersdal HL. Does clinical experience influence the effects of team simulation training in stroke thrombolysis? A prospective cohort study. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e086413. [PMID: 39009456 PMCID: PMC11253759 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-086413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES After introducing a team simulation training programme at our hospital, we saw a reduction in door-to-needle times (DNT) for stroke thrombolysis but persisting variability prompting further investigation. Our objective is to examine this gap through assessing: (1) whether there is an association between DNT and the clinical experience of neurology registrars and (2) whether experience influences the benefits from attending simulation. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis between January 2016 and 2020 at a Norwegian stroke centre. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Using DNT and prior intravenous thrombolysis administrations (case-based definition of clinical experience) as continuous variables, a mixed effects linear regression model was performed to examine the association between clinical experience, DNT and simulation attendance. For dichotomised analyses, neurology registrars with 15 or more prior treatments were defined as experienced. RESULTS A total of 532 patients treated by 36 neurology registrars from January 2016 to 2020 were included. There was a linear association between clinical experience and DNT (test for non-linearity p=0.479). Each prior intravenous thrombolysis administration was associated with a significant 1.1% decrease in DNT in the adjusted analysis (ΔDNT -1.1%; 95% CI, -2.2% to -0.0%; p=0.048). The interaction between effects of clinical experience and simulation on DNT was not statistically significant (p=0.150). In the dichotomised analysis, experienced registrars had similar gains from attending simulation sessions (mean DNT from 18.5 min to 13.5 min) compared with less experienced registrars (mean DNT from 22.4 min to 17.4 min). CONCLUSIONS Less experienced registrars had longer DNT in stroke thrombolysis. Attending team simulation training was associated with similar improvements for experienced and inexperienced neurology registrars. We suggest a focus on high-quality onboarding programmes to close the experience-related quality gap. Our findings suggest that both inexperienced and experienced neurology registrars might benefit from team simulation training for stroke thrombolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soffien Chadli Ajmi
- Department of Neurology, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
- Faculty of Health Sciences University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Martin Kurz
- Department of Neurology, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Thomas Werner Lindner
- Department of Simulation-based Learning, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
- Regional Centre for Emergency Medical Research and Development, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Ingvild Dalen
- Department of Research, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Hege Langli Ersdal
- Faculty of Health Sciences University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
- Department of Simulation-based Learning, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
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Rodriguez N, Prasad S, Olson DM, Bandela S, Gealogo Brown G, Kwon Y, Gebreyohanns M, Jones EM, Ifejika NL, Stone S, Anderson JA, Savitz SI, Cruz-Flores S, Warach SJ, Goldberg MP, Birnbaum LA. Door to needle time trends after transition to tenecteplase: A Multicenter Texas stroke registry. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2024; 33:107774. [PMID: 38795796 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2024.107774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tenecteplase (TNK) is considered a promising option for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with the potential to decrease door-to-needle times (DTN). This study investigates DTN metrics and trends after transition to tenecteplase. METHODS The Lone Star Stroke (LSS) Research Consortium TNK registry incorporated data from three Texas hospitals that transitioned to TNK. Subject data mapped to Get-With-the-Guidelines stroke variables from October 1, 2019 to March 31, 2023 were limited to patients who received either alteplase (ALT) or TNK within the 90 min DTN times. The dataset was stratified into ALT and TNK cohorts with univariate tables for each measured variable and further analyzed using descriptive statistics. Logistic regression models were constructed for both ALT and TNK to investigate trends in DTN times. RESULTS In the overall cohort, the TNK cohort (n = 151) and ALT cohort (n = 161) exhibited comparable population demographics, differing only in a higher prevalence of White individuals in the TNK cohort. Both cohorts demonstrated similar clinical parameters, including mean NIHSS, blood glucose levels, and systolic blood pressure at admission. In the univariate analysis, no difference was observed in median DTN time within the 90 min time window compared to the ALT cohort [40 min (30-53) vs 45 min (35-55); P = .057]. In multivariable models, DTN times by thrombolytic did not significantly differ when adjusting for NIHSS, age (P = .133), or race and ethnicity (P = .092). Regression models for the overall cohort indicate no significant DTN temporal trends for TNK (P = .84) after transition; nonetheless, when stratified by hospital, a single subgroup demonstrated a significant DTN upward trend (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION In the overall cohort, TNK and ALT exhibited comparable temporal trends and at least stable DTN times. This indicates that the shift to TNK did not have an adverse impact on the DTN stroke metrics. This seamless transition is likely attributed to the similarity of inclusion and exclusion criteria, as well as the administration processes for both medications. When stratified by hospital, the three subgroups demonstrated variable DTN time trends which highlight the potential for either fatigue or unpreparedness when switching to TNK. Because our study included a multi-ethnic cohort from multiple large Texas cities, the stable DTN times after transition to TNK is likely applicable to other healthcare systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sidarrth Prasad
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, United States.
| | - DaiWai M Olson
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, United States
| | - Sujani Bandela
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, United States
| | | | - Yoon Kwon
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, United States
| | | | - Erica M Jones
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, United States
| | - Nneka L Ifejika
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, United States
| | - Suzanne Stone
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, United States
| | | | - Sean I Savitz
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, United States
| | | | - Steven J Warach
- Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, United States
| | - Mark P Goldberg
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, United States
| | - Lee A Birnbaum
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, United States
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Opare-Addo PA, Oppong C, Gyamfi RA, Aikins M, Nsohlebna Nsoh L, Asare-Bediako S, Attafuah E, Sarfo K, Sampah AK, Yiadom JB, Sarfo FS. Deciphering the contextual barriers to mainstreaming the implementation of stroke thrombolysis in a Ghanaian hospital: Findings from the activate mixed-methods study. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2023; 32:107394. [PMID: 37866294 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2023.107394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Each year, stroke-related death and disability claim over 143 million years of healthy life globally. Despite accounting for much of the global stroke burden, acute stroke care in Low-and-Middle-Income Countries remains suboptimal. Thrombolysis, an effective treatment option for stroke, is only received by a minority of stroke patients in these settings. AIM To determine the context-specific barriers and facilitators for the implementation of mainstream stroke thrombolysis in a Ghanaian hospital. METHODS We employed a mixed-methods approach involving key stakeholders (recipients, providers, and leaders) in the acute stroke care continuum. Surveys were administered to acute stroke patients, and in-depth key informant interviews were conducted with experts in stroke care, including a neurologist, medical director, neurology residents, a stroke nurse, emergency physicians, a radiologist, and a pharmacist. The data collected from these interviews were transcribed and analysed using content analysis with the CFIR (Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research) model as a guiding template. Two independent coders were involved in the analysis process to ensure reliability and accuracy. RESULTS The stroke thrombolysis rate over a 6-month period was 0.83% (2 out of 242), with an average door-to-needle time among thrombolyzed patients being 2 hours, 37 minutes. Only 12.8% of patients (31 out of 242) presented within 4.5 hours of stroke symptom onset. The most significant obstacle to the implementation of acute stroke thrombolysis was related to the characteristics of the individuals involved, notably delays in presenting to the hospital among stroke patients due to a lack of knowledge about stroke symptoms and cultural beliefs. Additionally, a significant bottleneck that contributed to the discrepancy between the number of patients who presented within the 4.5-6 hour window and the number of patients who actually received thrombolysis was the inability to pay for the cost of thrombolytic agents. This was followed by challenges in the implementation processes. CONCLUSIONS Addressing challenges related to stroke awareness, and financial constraints via multi-level stakeholder engagement, and enactment of stroke protocols are crucial steps in ensuring a successful implementation of a stroke thrombolysis program in a resource-limited setting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chris Oppong
- Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana; Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Kofi Sarfo
- Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | | | - Fred Stephen Sarfo
- Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana; Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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Koca G, Kumar M, Gubitz G, Kamal N. Optimizing acute stroke treatment process: insights from sub-tasks durations in a prospective observational time and motion study. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1253065. [PMID: 37965162 PMCID: PMC10641836 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1253065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Rapid treatment is critical in managing acute ischemic stroke (AIS) to improve patient outcomes. Various strategies have been used to optimize this treatment process, including the Acute Stroke Protocol (ASP) activation, and minimizing the duration of key performance metrices, such as door-to-needle time (DNT), CT-to-needle time (CTNT), CT-to-groin puncture time (CTGP), and door-to-groin puncture time (DGPT). However, identifying the delay-causing sub-tasks within the ASP could yield novel insights, facilitating optimization strategies for the AIS treatment process. Methods This two-phase prospective observational time and motion study aimed to identify sub-tasks and compare their respective durations involved in the treatment process for AIS patients within ASPs. The study compared sub-task durations between "routine working hours" and "evenings and weekends" (after-hours), as well as between stroke neurologists and non-stroke neurologists. Additionally, the established performance metrices of AIS were compared among the aforementioned groups. Results Phase 1 identified and categorized 34 sub-tasks into five broad categories, while Phase 2 analyzed the ASP for 389 patients. Among the 185 patients included in the study, 57 received revascularization treatment, with 30 receiving intravenous (IV) thrombolysis only, 20 receiving endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) only, and 7 receiving both IV thrombolysis and EVT. Significant delays were observed in sub-tasks including triage, registration, patient history sharing, treatment decisions, preparation of patients, preparation of thrombolytic agents, and angiosuite preparation. The majority of these significant delays (P < 0.05) were observed when were performed by a non-stroke neurologist and during after-hours operations. Furthermore, certain sub-tasks were exclusively performed during after-hours or when the treatment was provided by a non-stroke neurologist. Consequently, DNT, CTNT, and CTGP were significantly prolonged for both non-stroke neurologists and off-hours treatment. DGPT was significantly longer only when the ASP was conducted by non-stroke neurologists. Conclusions The study identified several sub-tasks that lead to significant delays during the execution of the ASP. These findings provide a premise to design targeted quality improvement interventions to optimize the ASP for these specific delay-causing sub-tasks, particularly for non-stroke neurologists and after-hours. This approach has the potential to significantly enhance the efficiency of the AIS treatment process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gizem Koca
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Mukesh Kumar
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Gord Gubitz
- Division of Neurology, QEII – Halifax Infirmary (HI) Site, Nova Scotia Health, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Noreen Kamal
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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Giorelli M, Leone R, Aniello MS, Altomare S, Colonna I, Liuzzi D, Plasmati I, Sardaro M, Fioretto N, Di Paola G, Tatò E, Scelzi A. Bringing door-to-needle times within the European benchmarks results in better stroke patients outcomes in a spoke hospital from the Apulian Region. Neurol Sci 2023; 44:3199-3207. [PMID: 37147535 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-06828-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Door-to-needle time (DNT) is a key factor in acute stroke treatment success. We retrospectively analysed the effects of a new protocol aimed at reducing treatment delays in our single-centre observational series over a 1-year period (from October 1st 2021 to September 30th 2022). METHODS The time frame was divided into two semesters as a new protocol was started at the beginning of the second semester to ensure a rapid evaluation, imaging, and intravenous thrombolysis in all stroke patients attending our spoke-hospital serving 200,000 inhabitants. Logistics and outcome measures were obtained for each patient and compared before and after implementation of the new protocol. RESULTS A total of 215 patients with ischemic stroke attended our hospital within a 1-year period (109 in the first semester, 96 in the second semester). Seventeen percent and 21% of all patients underwent acute stroke thrombolysis in the first and second semesters, respectively. DNTs were strongly reduced in the second semester (from 90 to 55 min), bringing this value below the Italian and European benchmarks. This resulted in better short-term outcomes (an average of 20%) as measured by both Δ NIHSS scores at 24 h and at discharge with respect to baseline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Giorelli
- Operative Unit of Neurology, 'Dimiccoli' Hospital, Barletta, ASL BT, Italy.
| | - Ruggiero Leone
- Operative Unit of Neurology, 'Dimiccoli' Hospital, Barletta, ASL BT, Italy
| | | | - Sergio Altomare
- Operative Unit of Neurology, 'Dimiccoli' Hospital, Barletta, ASL BT, Italy
| | - Isabella Colonna
- Operative Unit of Neurology, 'Dimiccoli' Hospital, Barletta, ASL BT, Italy
| | - Daniele Liuzzi
- Operative Unit of Neurology, 'Dimiccoli' Hospital, Barletta, ASL BT, Italy
| | | | - Michele Sardaro
- Operative Unit of Neurology, 'Dimiccoli' Hospital, Barletta, ASL BT, Italy
| | - Nicola Fioretto
- Operative Unit of Urgency Radiology, 'Dimiccoli' Hospital, Barletta, ASL BT, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Di Paola
- Operative Unit of MECAU, 'Dimiccoli' Hospital, Barletta, ASL BT, Italy
| | - Emanuele Tatò
- Operative Unit of Medical Direction, 'Dimiccoli' Hospital, Barletta, ASL BT, Italy
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Stamm B, Royan R, Giurcanu M, Messe SR, Jauch EC, Prabhakaran S. Door-in-Door-out Times for Interhospital Transfer of Patients With Stroke. JAMA 2023; 330:636-649. [PMID: 37581671 PMCID: PMC10427946 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2023.12739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Importance Treatments for time-sensitive acute stroke are not available at every hospital, often requiring interhospital transfer. Current guidelines recommend hospitals achieve a door-in-door-out time of no more than 120 minutes at the transferring emergency department (ED). Objective To evaluate door-in-door-out times for acute stroke transfers in the American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines-Stroke registry and to identify patient and hospital factors associated with door-in-door-out times. Design, Setting, and Participants US registry-based, retrospective study of patients with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke from January 2019 through December 2021 who were transferred from the ED at registry-affiliated hospitals to other acute care hospitals. Exposure Patient- and hospital-level characteristics. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was the door-in-door-out time (time of transfer out minus time of arrival to the transferring ED) as a continuous variable and a categorical variable (≤120 minutes, >120 minutes). Generalized estimating equation (GEE) regression models were used to identify patient and hospital-level characteristics associated with door-in-door-out time overall and in subgroups of patients with hemorrhagic stroke, acute ischemic stroke eligible for endovascular therapy, and acute ischemic stroke transferred for reasons other than endovascular therapy. Results Among 108 913 patients (mean [SD] age, 66.7 [15.2] years; 71.7% non-Hispanic White; 50.6% male) transferred from 1925 hospitals, 67 235 had acute ischemic stroke and 41 678 had hemorrhagic stroke. Overall, the median door-in-door-out time was 174 minutes (IQR, 116-276 minutes): 29 741 patients (27.3%) had a door-in-door-out time of 120 minutes or less. The factors significantly associated with longer median times were age 80 years or older (vs 18-59 years; 14.9 minutes, 95% CI, 12.3 to 17.5 minutes), female sex (5.2 minutes; 95% CI, 3.6 to 6.9 minutes), non-Hispanic Black vs non-Hispanic White (8.2 minutes, 95% CI, 5.7 to 10.8 minutes), and Hispanic ethnicity vs non-Hispanic White (5.4 minutes, 95% CI, 1.8 to 9.0 minutes). The following were significantly associated with shorter median door-in-door-out time: emergency medical services prenotification (-20.1 minutes; 95% CI, -22.1 to -18.1 minutes), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score exceeding 12 vs a score of 0 to 1 (-66.7 minutes; 95% CI, -68.7 to -64.7 minutes), and patients with acute ischemic stroke eligible for endovascular therapy vs the hemorrhagic stroke subgroup (-16.8 minutes; 95% CI, -21.0 to -12.7 minutes). Among patients with acute ischemic stroke eligible for endovascular therapy, female sex, Black race, and Hispanic ethnicity were associated with a significantly higher door-in-door-out time, whereas emergency medical services prenotification, intravenous thrombolysis, and a higher NIHSS score were associated with significantly lower door-in-door-out times. Conclusions and Relevance In this US registry-based study of interhospital transfer for acute stroke, the median door-in-door-out time was 174 minutes, which is longer than current recommendations for acute stroke transfer. Disparities and modifiable health system factors associated with longer door-in-door-out times are suitable targets for quality improvement initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Stamm
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Regina Royan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- Assistant Editor, JAMA Network Open
| | - Mihai Giurcanu
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Steven R. Messe
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Edward C. Jauch
- Department of Research, Mountain Area Health Education Center, Asheville, North Carolina
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Rangel DM, Feitosa AKN, Araújo FM, Pinheiro MCDS, Cidrão AADL. The effects of the healthcare line in a stroke unit: three years' experience of a center in the Northeast of Brazil. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2023; 81:707-711. [PMID: 37647904 PMCID: PMC10468246 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1770350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment at an organized stroke unit center (SUC) improves survival after stroke. Stroke mortality has decreased worldwide in recent decades. OBJECTIVE This study shows the experience of a SUC in the Northeast of Brazil, comparing its first, second, and third years. METHODS We compared data on the SUC prospectively collected from 31 July 2018 to 31 July 2019 (year 1), August 1st, 2019, to July 31st, 2020 (year 2), and August 1st to July 31st, 2021 (year 3). RESULTS There was an expertise evolution through the years, with good outcomes in spite of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in the 3rd year. Also, in the 1st year, the median (interquartile range) door-to-needle time was 39.5 (29.5-60.8) minutes evolving to 22 (17-30) minutes, and then to 17 (14-22) minutes in the last year. CONCLUSION This was the first report on a SUC's outcome in the Brazil's Central Arid Northeast countryside, and it shows the improvement in care for patients with stroke through an effective healthcare line.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Karuza Nogueira Feitosa
- Instituto de Saúde e Gestão Hospitalar, Hospital Regional do Sertão Central, Serviço de AVC, Quixeramobim CE, Brazil.
| | - Flaviane Melo Araújo
- Instituto de Saúde e Gestão Hospitalar, Hospital Regional do Sertão Central, Serviço de AVC, Quixeramobim CE, Brazil.
| | | | - Alan Alves de Lima Cidrão
- Instituto de Saúde e Gestão Hospitalar, Hospital Regional do Sertão Central, Serviço de AVC, Quixeramobim CE, Brazil.
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Chen CH, Bala F, Najm M, Alhabli I, Singh N, Kashani N, McDonough RV, Horn M, Stang J, Demchuk AM, Menon BK, Hill MD, Almekhlafi MA. Effect of Needle-To-Puncture Time on Reperfusion Outcome in Acute Ischemic Stroke. Cerebrovasc Dis 2023; 53:168-175. [PMID: 37494909 DOI: 10.1159/000532118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of time interval between start of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) to start of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) on stroke outcomes. METHODS Data from the Quality Improvement and Clinical Research (QuICR) provincial stroke registry from Alberta, Canada, were used to identify stroke patients who received IVT and EVT from January 2015 to December 2019. We assessed the impact of the time interval between IVT bolus to EVT puncture (needle-to-puncture times [NPT]) on outcomes. Radiological outcomes included successful initial recanalization (revised Arterial Occlusive Lesion 2b-3), successful initial and final reperfusion (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2b-3). Clinical outcomes were 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and mortality. RESULTS Of the 680 patients, 233 patients (median age: 73, 41% females) received IVT + EVT. Median NPT was 38 min (IQR, 24-60). Arrival during working hours was independently associated with shorter NPT (p < 0.001). Successful initial recanalization and initial and final reperfusion were observed in 12%, 10%, and 83% of patients, respectively. NPT was not associated with initial successful recanalization (OR 0.97 for every 10-min increase of NPT, 95% CI: 0.91-1.04), initial successful reperfusion (OR 1.01, 95% CI: 0.96-1.07), or final successful reperfusion (OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 0.97-1.08). Every 10-min delay in NPT was associated with lower odds of functional independence at 90 days (mRS ≤2; OR: 0.93; 95% CI, 0.88-0.97). Patients with shorter NPT (≤38 min) had lower 90-day mRS scores (median 1 vs. 3; OR: 0.54 [0.31-0.91]) and had lower mortality (6.1% vs. 21.2%; OR, 0.23 [0.10-0.57]) than the longer NPT group. CONCLUSION Shorter NPT did not impact reperfusion outcomes but was associated with better clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Hao Chen
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada,
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan,
| | - Fouzi Bala
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology Department, University Hospital of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Mohamed Najm
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ibrahim Alhabli
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nishita Singh
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Internal Medicine-Neurology Division, Health Sciences Center, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Nima Kashani
- Department of Neurosurgery, Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Rosalie V McDonough
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - MacKenzie Horn
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jilian Stang
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Health Services, Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Andrew M Demchuk
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brian Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Bijoy K Menon
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brian Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Michael D Hill
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brian Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mohammed A Almekhlafi
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brian Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Vaajanen VKE, Vuorinen PET, Setälä PA, Autio R, Hoppu SE. Impact of the first response unit on prehospital on-scene time among paramedic-suspected stroke patients: a retrospective before-after cohort study in Finland. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2023; 31:28. [PMID: 37312108 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-023-01089-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Revascularization of an occluded artery by either thrombolysis or mechanical thrombectomy is a time-critical intervention in ischaemic stroke. Each link in the stroke chain of survival should minimize the delay to definitive treatment in every possible way. In this study, we investigated the effect of routine dispatch of a first response unit (FRU) on prehospital on-scene time (OST) on stroke missions. METHODS Medical dispatch of FRU together with an emergency medical service (EMS) ambulance was a routine strategy in the Tampere University Hospital area before 3 October 2018, after which the FRU has only been dispatched to medical emergencies on the decision of an EMS field commander. This study presents a retrospective before-after analysis of 2,228 paramedic-suspected strokes transported by EMSs to Tampere University Hospital. We collected data from EMS medical records from April 2016 to March 2021, and used statistical tests and binary logistic regression to detect the associations between the variables and the shorter and longer half of OSTs. RESULTS The median OST of stroke missions was 19 min, IQR [14-25] min. The OST decreased when the routine use of the FRU was discontinued (19 [14-26] min vs. 18 [13-24] min, p < 0.001). The median OST with the FRU being the first at the scene (n = 256, 11%) was shorter than in cases where the FRU arrived after the ambulance (16 [12-22] min vs. 19 [15-25] min, p < 0.001). The OST with a stroke dispatch code was shorter than with non-stroke dispatches (18 [13-23] min vs. 22 [15-30] min, p < 0.001). The OST for thrombectomy candidates was shorter than that for thrombolysis candidates (18 [13-23] min vs. 19 [14-25], p = 0.01). The shorter half of OSTs were associated with the FRU arriving first at the scene, stroke dispatch code, thrombectomy transportation and urban location. CONCLUSION The routine dispatch of the FRU to stroke missions did not decrease the OST unless the FRU was first to arrive at the scene. In addition, a correct stroke identification in the dispatch centre and thrombectomy candidate status decreased the OST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verna K E Vaajanen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.
- Emergency Medical Services, Centre for Prehospital Emergency Care, Department of Emergency, Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland.
| | - Pauli E T Vuorinen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Emergency Medical Services, Centre for Prehospital Emergency Care, Department of Emergency, Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Piritta A Setälä
- Emergency Medical Services, Centre for Prehospital Emergency Care, Department of Emergency, Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Reija Autio
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Sanna E Hoppu
- Emergency Medical Services, Centre for Prehospital Emergency Care, Department of Emergency, Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
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10
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Worthmann H, Winzer S, Schuppner R, Gumbinger C, Barlinn J. Telestroke networks for area-wide access to endovascular stroke treatment. Neurol Res Pract 2023; 5:9. [PMID: 36864498 PMCID: PMC9983226 DOI: 10.1186/s42466-023-00237-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endovascular therapy (EVT) offers a highly effective therapy for patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion. Comprehensive stroke centers (CSC) are required to provide permanent accessibility to EVT. However, when affected patients are not located in the immediate catchment area of a CSC, i.e. in rural or structurally weaker areas, access to EVT is not always ensured. MAIN BODY Telestroke networks play a crucial role in closing this healthcare coverage gap and thereby support specialized stroke treatment. The aim of this narrative review is to elaborate the concepts for the indication and transfer of EVT candidates via telestroke networks in acute stroke care. The targeted readership includes both comprehensive stroke centers and peripheral hospitals. The review is intended to identify ways to design care beyond those areas with narrow access to stroke unit care to provide the indicated highly effective acute therapies on a region-wide basis. Here, the two different models of care: "mothership" and "drip-and-ship" concerning rates of EVT and its complications as well as outcomes are compared. Decisively, forward-looking new model approaches such as a third model the "flying/driving interentionalists" are introduced and discussed, as far as few clinical trials have investigated these approaches. Diagnostic criteria used by the telestroke networks to enable appropriate patient selection for secondary intrahospital emergency transfers are displayed, which need to meet the criteria in terms of speed, quality and safety. CONCLUSION The few findings from the studies with telestroke networks are neutral for comparison in the drip-and-ship and mothership models. Supporting spoke centres through telestroke networks currently seems to be the best option for offering EVT to a population in structurally weaker regions without direct access to a CSC. Here, it is essential to map the individual reality of care depending on the regional circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Worthmann
- Klinik Für Neurologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30623, Hannover, Germany.
| | - S. Winzer
- grid.412282.f0000 0001 1091 2917Klinik Für Neurologie, Universitätsklinikum Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - R. Schuppner
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Klinik Für Neurologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30623 Hannover, Germany
| | - C. Gumbinger
- grid.5253.10000 0001 0328 4908Klinik Für Neurologie, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - J. Barlinn
- grid.412282.f0000 0001 1091 2917Klinik Für Neurologie, Universitätsklinikum Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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11
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Samavedam S. If Time is Neuron, What Are We Waiting for? Indian J Crit Care Med 2023; 27:87-88. [PMID: 36865521 PMCID: PMC9973065 DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10071-24412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
How to cite this article: Samavedam S. If Time is Neuron, What Are We Waiting for? Indian J Crit Care Med 2023;27(2):87-88.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinivas Samavedam
- Department of Critical Care, Virinchi Hospitals, Hyderabad, Telangana, India,Srinivas Samavedam, Department of Critical Care, Virinchi Hospitals, Hyderabad, Telangana, India, Phone: +91 8885543632, e-mail:
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12
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Ernst J, Storch KF, Tran AT, Gabriel MM, Leotescu A, Boeck AL, Huber MK, Abu-Fares O, Bronzlik P, Götz F, Worthmann H, Schuppner R, Grosse GM, Weissenborn K. Advancement of door-to-needle times in acute stroke treatment after repetitive process analysis: never give up! Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2022; 15:17562864221122491. [PMID: 36147621 PMCID: PMC9486271 DOI: 10.1177/17562864221122491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In acute ischemic stroke, timely treatment is of utmost relevance.
Identification of delaying factors and knowledge about challenges concerning
hospital structures are crucial for continuous improvement of process times
in stroke care. Objective: In this study, we report on our experience in optimizing the door-to-needle
time (DNT) at our tertiary care center by continuous quality
improvement. Methods: Five hundred forty patients with acute ischemic stroke receiving intravenous
thrombolysis (IVT) at Hannover Medical School were consecutively analyzed in
two phases. In study phase I, including 292 patients, process times and
delaying factors were collected prospectively from May 2015 until September
2017. In study phase II, process times of 248 patients were obtained from
January 2019 until February 2021. In each study phase, a new clinical
standard operation procedure (SOP) was implemented, considering previously
identified delaying factors. Pre- and post-SOP treatment times and delaying
factors were analyzed to evaluate the new protocols. Results: In study phase I, SOP I reduced the median DNT by 15 min. The probability to
receive treatment within 30 min after admission increased by factor 5.35
[95% confidence interval (CI): 2.46–11.66]. Further development of the SOP
with implementation of a mobile thrombolysis kit led to a further decrease
of DNT by 5 min in median in study phase II. The median DNT was 29
(25th–75th percentiles: 18–44) min, and the probability to undergo IVT
within 15 min after admission increased by factor 4.2 (95% CI: 1.63–10.83)
compared with study phase I. Conclusion: Continuous process analysis and subsequent development of targeted workflow
adjustments led to a substantial improvement of DNT. These results
illustrate that with appropriate vigilance, there is constantly an
opportunity for improvement in stroke care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Ernst
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg Strasse 1, Hannover 30625, Lower Saxony, Germany
| | - Kai F Storch
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Department of Anesthesiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Anh Thu Tran
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Maria M Gabriel
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Andrei Leotescu
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Anna-Lena Boeck
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Meret K Huber
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Omar Abu-Fares
- Department of Neuroradiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Paul Bronzlik
- Department of Neuroradiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Friedrich Götz
- Department of Neuroradiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Hans Worthmann
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ramona Schuppner
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Gerrit M Grosse
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Olson DM, Provencher M, Stutzman SE, Hynan LS, Novakovic S, Guttikonda S, Figueroa S, Novakovic-White R, Yang JP, Goldberg MP. Outcomes From a Nursing-Driven Acute Stroke Care Protocol for Telehealth Encounters. J Emerg Nurs 2022; 48:406-416. [PMID: 35487769 DOI: 10.1016/j.jen.2022.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nursing care is widely recognized to be a vital element in stroke care delivery. However, no publications examining clinical education and optimal workflow practices as predictors of acute ischemic stroke care metrics exist. This study aimed to explore the impact of a nurse-led workflow to improve patient care that included telestroke encounters in the emergency department. METHODS A nonrandomized prospective pre- and postintervention unit-level feasibility study design was used to explore how implementing nurse-driven acute stroke care affects the efficiency and quality of telestroke encounters in the emergency department. Nurses and providers in the emergency department received education/training, and then the Nursing-Driven Acute Ischemic Stroke Care protocol was implemented. RESULTS There were 180 acute ischemic stroke encounters (40.3%) in the control phase and 267 (59.7%) in the postintervention phase with similar demographic characteristics. Comparing the control with intervention times directly affected by the nurse-driven protocol, there was a significant reduction in median door-to-provider times (5 [interquartile range 12] vs 2 [interquartile range 9] minutes, P < .001) and in median door-to-computed tomography scan times (9 [interquartile range 18] vs 5 [interquartile range 11] minutes, P < .001); however, the metrics potentially affected by extraneous variables outside of the nurse-driven protocol demonstrated longer median door-to-ready times (21 [interquartile range 24] vs 25 [interquartile range 25] minutes, P < .001). Door-to-specialist and door-to-needle times were not significantly different. DISCUSSION In this sample, implementation of the nurse-driven acute stroke care protocol is associated with improved nurse-sensitive stroke time metrics but did not translate to faster delivery of thrombolytic agents for acute ischemic stroke, emphasizing the importance of well-outlined workflows and standardized stroke code protocols at every point in acute ischemic stroke care.
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14
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Olavarría VV, Hoffmeister L, Vidal C, Brunser AM, Hoppe A, Lavados PM. Temporal Trends of Intravenous Thrombolysis Utilization in Acute Ischemic Stroke in a Prospective Cohort From 1998 to 2019: Modeling Based on Joinpoint Regression. Front Neurol 2022; 13:851498. [PMID: 35463124 PMCID: PMC9028765 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.851498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The frequency of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is lower than it should be in several regions of the world. It is unclear what interventions can produce significant improvements in IVT utilization. We aimed to investigate the temporal trends in IVT in AIS and identify changes in time that could be associated with specific interventions. Methods We included patients with AIS who were admitted from January 1998 to December 2019 in our institution. To analyze trends in utilization and time points in which they changed, we performed a Joinpoint regression analysis. Interventions were assigned to a specific category according to the Behavior Change Wheel framework intervention function criteria. Results A total of 3,361 patients with AIS were admitted, among which 538 (16%) received IVT. There were 245 (45.5%) women, and the mean age and median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores were 68.5 (17.2) years and 8 (interquartile range, 4–15), respectively. Thrombolysis use significantly increased by an average annual 7.6% (95% CI, 5.1–10.2), with one Joinpoint in 2007. The annual percent changes were.45% from 1998 to 2007 and 9.57% from 2007 to 2019, concurring with the stroke code organization, the definition of door-to-needle times as an institutional performance measure quality indicator, and the extension of the therapeutic window. Conclusions The IVT rates consistently increased due to a continuous process of protocol changes and multiple interventions. The implementation of a complex multidisciplinary intervention such as the stroke code, as well as the definition of a hospital quality control metric, were associated with a significant change in this trend.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica V. Olavarría
- Unidad de Neurología Vascular, Servicio de Neurología, Departamento de Neurología y Psiquiatría, Clínica Alemana de Santiago, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Lorena Hoffmeister
- Escuela de Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carolina Vidal
- Escuela de Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alejandro M. Brunser
- Unidad de Neurología Vascular, Servicio de Neurología, Departamento de Neurología y Psiquiatría, Clínica Alemana de Santiago, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Arnold Hoppe
- Unidad de Neurología Vascular, Servicio de Neurología, Departamento de Neurología y Psiquiatría, Clínica Alemana de Santiago, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo M. Lavados
- Unidad de Neurología Vascular, Servicio de Neurología, Departamento de Neurología y Psiquiatría, Clínica Alemana de Santiago, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
- Unidad de Investigación y Ensayos Clínicos, Departamento de Desarrollo Académico e Investigación, Clínica Alemana de Santiago, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana Santiago, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
- *Correspondence: Pablo M. Lavados
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15
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Triage Nurse-Activated Emergency Evaluation Reduced Door-to-Needle Time in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Treated with Intravenous Thrombolysis. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:9199856. [PMID: 35280509 PMCID: PMC8913070 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9199856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Methods This was a retrospective analysis in a general hospital emergency department in Beijing, China. 212 adult AIS patients treated with thrombolysis who failed to use EMSs were included. In addition to DNT, door-to-vein open time (DVT), door-to-blood sample deliver time (DBT), and 7-day NIHSS scores were evaluated. Results 137 (64.6%) patients were in the triage nurse-activated group and 75 (35.4%) patients were in the doctor-activated group. The DNT of the triage nurse-activated group was significantly reduced compared with the doctor-activated group (28 (26, 32.5) min vs. 30 (28, 40) min, p=0.001). DNT less than 45 min was seen in 95.6% of patients in the triage nurse-activated group and 84% of patients in the doctor-activated group (p=0.011, OR 3.972, 95% CI 1.375–11.477). In addition, DVT (7 (4, 10) min vs. 8 (5, 12) min, P=0.025) and DBT (15 (13, 21) min vs. 19 (15, 26) min, p=0.001) of the triage nurse-activated group were also shorter than those of the doctor-activated group (p < 0.05). The 7-day NIHSS scores were not statistically different between the two groups. Conclusions Triage nurse-activated urgent emergency evaluation could reduce the door-to-needle time, which provides a feasible opportunity to optimize the emergency department service for AIS patients who failed to use emergency medical services.
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Improving Thrombolysis for Acute Ischemic Stroke: The Implementation and Evaluation of a Theory-Based Resource Integration Project in China. Int J Integr Care 2022; 22:9. [PMID: 35221825 PMCID: PMC8833266 DOI: 10.5334/ijic.5616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke remains underused in the developing countries. In 2016, a theory-based resource integration project was initiated at a major stroke center in China. This report describes the implementation process and results of the quality improvement project. Description: Eighteen environment-tailored interventions were implemented, including stroke code activation, electronic wristband bundling, structured information sharing, etc. The project was implemented from July 2016 to June 2017. A total of 519 acute ischemic stroke patients were included. After the intervention, median DNT decreased from 62 min to 37 min (P < 0.001). The percentage of cases treated within 30, 45 or 60 minutes increased from 2.5%, 17.4% and 44.6% to 27.4%, 69.4% and 84.7% respectively (P < 0.001). The median length of inpatient stay decreased from 10 days to 8 days (P < 0.001). The proportion of patients with severe disability decreased from 25.5% to 15.8% post-intervention. Discussion: Adequate pre-intervention activities are important conditions for the smooth implementation of the complex service integration initiative. The new treatment pathway has undergone a process of destruction, remodeling and solidification before stable and effective operation. In order to realize the full effect of service integration, whole society efforts are also required. Conclusions: Introduction of the theory-based resource integration project was associated with increased thrombolysis administrations, shorter DNT, and no statistically significant change in adverse outcomes. The basic principles of this project might be applicable to various resource settings.
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Hennebry J, Stoneman S, Jones B, Bambrick N, Stroiescu A, Crosbie I, Mulcahy R. Quality improvement project to improve patient outcomes by reducing door to CT and door to needle time and increasing appropriate referrals for endovascular thrombectomy. BMJ Open Qual 2022; 11:bmjoq-2021-001429. [PMID: 35017174 PMCID: PMC8753398 DOI: 10.1136/bmjoq-2021-001429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper describes a stroke quality improvement (QI) project in a primary stroke centre in a 431-bed hospital serving a local population of 114 000 people. Approximately 170 acute strokes are treated each year in a seven-bed stroke unit managed by three geriatricians with a subspecialty interest in stroke. 24-hour CT radiology service is available. Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is performed by neuro-interventional radiology at one of two comprehensive stroke centres located 90–120 min away. In 2018, as part of a national collaborative QI initiative a new national thrombectomy referral pathway was introduced with an aim that all eligible patients be referred for EVT. This initiative included maximising timely access to CT and thrombolysis. Review of local data highlighted significant deficits in these areas. A local QI team convened and a multidisciplinary approach was employed to map the existing process for CT access and time to thrombolysis decision. We describe how focused timesaving interventions such as; new emergency and radiology department ‘pre-alerts’, dedicated acute stroke pagers, new ‘FAST’ registration by clerical staff, new CT ordering codes and new ‘FAST packs’ (including tissue plasminogen activator, paper National Institute of Health Stroke Scale scoring tools, consent forms and EVT patient selection tools) were created and incorporated into a multidisciplinary detailed clinical stroke care pathway. We describe how we achieved our SMART aims; to reduce our door to CT time and to reduce our door to needle time to the national target of less than 30 min. A third aim was to increase the number of patients referred for EVT from our centre. This project is an accurate description of how a multidisciplinary approach combined with teamwork and effective communication can create sustainable improved patient care and is generalisable to all institutions that require timely referral to external centres for EVT.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sinead Stoneman
- Gerontology, University Hospital Waterford, Waterford, Ireland
| | - Breda Jones
- Gerontology, University Hospital Waterford, Waterford, Ireland
| | - Nicola Bambrick
- Emergency, University Hospital Waterford, Waterford, Ireland
| | | | - Ian Crosbie
- Radiology, University Hospital Waterford, Waterford, Ireland
| | - Riona Mulcahy
- Gerontology, University Hospital Waterford, Waterford, Ireland
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Chen Y, Nguyen TN, Wellington J, Mofatteh M, Yao W, Hu Z, Kuang Q, Wu W, Wang X, Sun Y, Ouyang K, Xu J, Huang W, Yang S. Shortening Door-to-Needle Time by Multidisciplinary Collaboration and Workflow Optimization During the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2022; 31:106179. [PMID: 34735901 PMCID: PMC8526426 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2021.106179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to evaluate shortening door-to-needle time of intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator of acute ischemic stroke patients by multidisciplinary collaboration and workflow optimization based on our hospital resources. MATERIALS AND METHODS We included patients undergoing thrombolysis with intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator from January 1, 2018, to September 30, 2020. Patients were divided into pre- (January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2019) and post-intervention groups (January 1, 2020, to September 31, 2020). We conducted multi-department collaboration and process optimization by implementing 16 different measures in prehospital, in-hospital, and post-acute feedback stages for acute ischemic stroke patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis. A comparison of outcomes between both groups was analyzed. RESULTS Two hundred and sixty-three patients received intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator in our hospital during the study period, with 128 and 135 patients receiving treatment in the pre-intervention and post-intervention groups, respectively. The median (interquartile range) door-to-needle time decreased significantly from 57.0 (45.3-77.8) min to 37.0 (29.0-49.0) min. Door-to-needle time was shortened to 32 min in the post-intervention period in the 3rd quarter of 2020. The door-to-needle times at the metrics of ≤ 30 min, ≤ 45 min, ≤ 60 min improved considerably, and the DNT> 60 min metric exhibited a significant reduction. CONCLUSIONS A multidisciplinary collaboration and continuous process optimization can result in overall shortened door-to-needle despite the challenges incurred by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimin Chen
- Department of Neurology and Advanced National Stroke Center, Foshan Sanshui District People's Hospital, No. 16, Guanghaidadaoxi, Sanshui District, Foshan, Guangdong Province 528100, China
| | - Thanh N Nguyen
- Thanh N. Nguyen Department of Neurology, Radiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jack Wellington
- School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Mohammad Mofatteh
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Weiping Yao
- Dean Office, Foshan Sanshui District People's Hospital, Foshan, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zhaohui Hu
- Medical Department, Foshan Sanshui District People's Hospital, Foshan, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Qiuping Kuang
- Department of Neurology and Advanced National Stroke Center, Foshan Sanshui District People's Hospital, No. 16, Guanghaidadaoxi, Sanshui District, Foshan, Guangdong Province 528100, China
| | - Weijuan Wu
- Department of Neurology and Advanced National Stroke Center, Foshan Sanshui District People's Hospital, No. 16, Guanghaidadaoxi, Sanshui District, Foshan, Guangdong Province 528100, China
| | - Xuejun Wang
- Department of Neurology and Advanced National Stroke Center, Foshan Sanshui District People's Hospital, No. 16, Guanghaidadaoxi, Sanshui District, Foshan, Guangdong Province 528100, China
| | - Yu Sun
- Department of Neurology and Advanced National Stroke Center, Foshan Sanshui District People's Hospital, No. 16, Guanghaidadaoxi, Sanshui District, Foshan, Guangdong Province 528100, China
| | - Kexun Ouyang
- Department of Radiology, Foshan Sanshui District People's Hospital, Foshan, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Junmiao Xu
- Department of Neurology and Advanced National Stroke Center, Foshan Sanshui District People's Hospital, No. 16, Guanghaidadaoxi, Sanshui District, Foshan, Guangdong Province 528100, China
| | - Weiquan Huang
- Medical Intern, Foshan Sanshui District People's Hospital, Foshan, Guangdong Province, China,School of Medicine, Shaoguan University, Shaoguan, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Shuiquan Yang
- Department of Neurology and Advanced National Stroke Center, Foshan Sanshui District People's Hospital, No. 16, Guanghaidadaoxi, Sanshui District, Foshan, Guangdong Province 528100, China,Corresponding author
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Bulmer T, Volders D, Blake J, Kamal N. Discrete-Event Simulation to Model the Thrombolysis Process for Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients at Urban and Rural Hospitals. Front Neurol 2021; 12:746404. [PMID: 34777215 PMCID: PMC8586711 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.746404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Effective treatment with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) critically relies on rapid treatment. Door-to-needle time (DNT) is a key measure of hospital efficiency linked to patient outcomes. Numerous changes can reduce DNT, but they are difficult to trial and implement. Discrete-event simulation (DES) provides a way to model and determine the impact of process improvements. Methods: A conceptual framework was developed to illustrate the thrombolysis process; allowing for treatment processes to be replicated using a DES model developed in ARENA. Activity time duration distributions from three sites (one urban and two rural) were used. Five scenarios, three process changes, and two reductions in activity durations, were simulated and tested. Scenarios were tested individually and in combinations. The primary outcome measure is median DNT. The study goal is to determine the largest improvement in DNT at each site. Results: Administration of tPA in the imaging area resulted in the largest median DNT reduction for Site 1 and Site 2 for individual test scenarios (12.6%, 95% CI 12.4–12.8%, and 8.2%, 95% CI 7.5–9.0%, respectively). Ensuring that patients arriving via emergency medical services (EMS) remain on the EMS stretcher to imaging resulted in the largest median DNT improvement for Site 3 (9.2%, 95% CI 7.9–10.5%). Reducing both the treatment decision time and tPA preparation time by 35% resulted in a 11.0% (95% CI 10.0–12.0%) maximum reduction in median DNT. The lowest median and 90th percentile DNTs were achieved by combining all test scenarios, with a maximum reduction of 26.7% (95% CI 24.5–28.9%) and 17.1% (95% CI 12.5–21.7%), respectively. Conclusions: The detailed conceptual framework clarifies the intra-hospital logistics of the thrombolysis process. The most significant median DNT improvement at rural hospitals resulted from ensuring patients arriving via EMS remain on the EMS stretcher to imaging, while urban sites benefit more from administering tPA in the imaging area. Reducing the durations of activities on the critical path will provide further DNT improvements. Significant DNT improvements are achievable in urban and rural settings by combining process changes with reducing activity durations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Bulmer
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - David Volders
- Interventional and Diagnostic Neuroradiology, QEII Health Sciences Centre, Nova Scotia Health, Halifax, NS, Canada.,Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - John Blake
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Noreen Kamal
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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20
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Abstract
The article reflects the current achievements in the field of reperfusion therapy for ischemic stroke. The data are presented that allow a practicing neurologist to make informed decisions about intravenous thrombolysis in difficult clinical situations: minor stroke, suspected stroke "mask", atypical clinical picture, patient's age over 80 years, posterior circulation stroke, isolated dizziness, severe neurological deficit, large artery occlusion, chronic neuroimaging changes, polymorbidity and low functional level before stroke. It has been shown that an increase in the number of candidates for intravenous thrombolysis can be achieved by intensifying the selection of patients within the 4.5-hour therapeutic window, which primarily implies the optimization of local stroke treatment protocols with a reduction in the door-to-needle time, as well as, in the short term, expanding the therapeutic window. Approaches to reduce the risk of symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation are discussed. We are also talking about a rare but life-threatening complication angioedema. Thus, the intensification of intravenous thrombolysis, as well as an increase in its effectiveness and safety are the primary tasks of each stroke department.
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21
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Toufic El Hussein M, Green T. Alphabetical Mnemonic to Assist in the Treatment of an Acute Ischemic Stroke. Crit Care Nurs Q 2021; 44:368-378. [PMID: 34437315 DOI: 10.1097/cnq.0000000000000373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Determining the treatment plan and how to successfully manage a patient suffering from an acute ischemic stroke can be challenging for a registered nurse (RN) in the emergency department. Using a mnemonic in the treatment process assists in reducing medical errors and increases the likelihood of making positive clinical outcomes. Mnemonics sum up complex strategies into relevant information that can be comprehensible for users. The authors have created a mnemonic strategy to provide RNs in the emergency department with a structured approach to the pharmacotherapeutic strategies used in treating patients with an acute ischemic stroke. All guidelines used throughout the article are in concurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Toufic El Hussein
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mount Royal University, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (Dr El Hussein and Ms Green); Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (Dr El Hussein); and NP Cardiology CCU, Alberta Health Services, Rockyview Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (Dr El Hussein)
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22
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Ajmi SC, Kurz MW, Ersdal H, Lindner T, Goyal M, Issenberg SB, Vossius C. Cost-effectiveness of a quality improvement project, including simulation-based training, on reducing door-to-needle times in stroke thrombolysis. BMJ Qual Saf 2021; 31:569-578. [PMID: 34599087 DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2021-013398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rapid revascularisation in acute ischaemic stroke is crucial to reduce its total burden including societal costs. A quality improvement (QI) project that included streamlining the stroke care pathway and simulation-based training was followed by a significant reduction in median door-to-needle time (27 to 13 min) and improved patient outcomes after stroke thrombolysis at our centre. Here, we present a retrospective cost-effectiveness analysis of the QI project. METHODS Costs for implementing and sustaining QI were assessed using recognised frameworks for economic evaluations. Effectiveness was calculated from previously published outcome measures. Cost-effectiveness was presented as incremental cost-effectiveness ratios including costs per minute door-to-needle time reduction per patient, and costs per averted death in the 13-month post-intervention period. We also estimated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios for a projected 5-year post-intervention period and for varying numbers of patients treated with thrombolysis. Furthermore, we performed a sensitivity analysis including and excluding costs of unpaid time. RESULTS All costs including fixed costs for implementing the QI project totalled US$44 802, while monthly costs were US$2141. We calculated a mean reduction in door-to-needle time of 13.1 min per patient and 6.36 annual averted deaths. Across different scenarios, the estimated costs per minute reduction in door-to-needle time per patient ranged from US$13 to US$29, and the estimated costs per averted death ranged from US$4679 to US$10 543. CONCLUSIONS We have shown that a QI project aiming to improve stroke thrombolysis treatment at our centre can be implemented and sustained at a relatively low cost with increasing cost-effectiveness over time. Our work builds on the emerging theory and practice for economic evaluations in QI projects and simulation-based training. The presented cost-effectiveness data might help guide healthcare leaders planning similar interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soffien Chadli Ajmi
- Department of Neurology, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway .,Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitetet i Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Martin W Kurz
- Department of Neurology, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Hege Ersdal
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitetet i Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway.,Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Thomas Lindner
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway.,The Regional Centre for Emergency Medical Research and Development, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Mayank Goyal
- Department of Radiology and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - S Barry Issenberg
- The Gordon Centre for Research in Medical Education, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Corinna Vossius
- Centre for Age-Related Medicine, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
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23
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Tu WJ, Yan F, Chao BH, Ma L, Ji XM, Wang LD. Thrombolytic DNT and fatality and disability rates in acute ischemic stroke: a study from Bigdata Observatory Platform for Stroke of China. Neurol Sci 2021; 43:677-682. [PMID: 34480243 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-021-05580-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether shorter door-to-needle times (DNT) with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) for acute ischemic stroke are associated with improved 1-year outcomes in Chinese patients. METHODS From August to September 2019, all first-ever ischemic stroke patients who were treated with intravenous tPA within 4.5 h of the time they were last known to be well from 232 hospitals in China were included. Patients were divided into four groups according to DNT time (≤ 45 min; 45-60 min; 60-90 min; > 90 min). All discharged patients would receive a telephone follow-up at 12-month after admission. Death and disability events were recorded. RESULTS Finally, 2370 patients were analyzed. The median age was 65 years, 66.6% were male, and 2.4% were of ethnic minorities. In the 1-year follow-up, 211 patients died (8.9%; 95%CI: 7.8-10.0%). The patients (53.1%) had DNT times of longer than 45 min, compared with those treated within 45 min, did not have significantly higher 1-year mortality (8.9% vs 8.9% [absolute difference, 0.03% {95% CI, - 0.05% to - 0.10%}, odd ratio {OR}, 1.00 {95% CI, 0.75 to 1.33}]). In addition, 385 patients (16.2%; 14.8-17.3%) out of those survivors had disability events. The patients had DNT times of longer than 45 min, compared with those treated within 45 min, did not have significantly higher 1-year disability rate (18.9% vs 16.7% [absolute difference, 1.9% {95% CI, 1.1% to 3.0%}, odd ratio {OR}, 1.22 {95% CI, 0.89 to 1.43}]). CONCLUSIONS The results did not show that shorter DNT for tPA administration was significantly associated with better 1-year outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Jun Tu
- The General Office of Stroke Prevention Project Committee, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, No. 118, Guang'anmen Inner Street, Beijing, 100053, China.,Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300192, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Yan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bao-Hua Chao
- The General Office of Stroke Prevention Project Committee, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, No. 118, Guang'anmen Inner Street, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Lin Ma
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xun-Ming Ji
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Long-De Wang
- The General Office of Stroke Prevention Project Committee, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, No. 118, Guang'anmen Inner Street, Beijing, 100053, China.
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24
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Althaus K, Dreyhaupt J, Hyrenbach S, Pinkhardt EH, Kassubek J, Ludolph AC. MRI as a first-line imaging modality in acute ischemic stroke: a sustainable concept. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2021; 14:17562864211030363. [PMID: 34471423 PMCID: PMC8404629 DOI: 10.1177/17562864211030363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Computed tomography (CT) scans are the first-line imaging technique in acute stroke patients based on the argument of rapid feasibility. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the first-line imaging technique is the exception to the rule, although it provides much more diagnostic information and avoids exposure to radiation. We evaluated whether an MRI-based acute stroke concept is fast, suitable, and useful to improve recanalization rates and patient outcomes. Methods: We performed a retrospective observational cohort study comparing patients treated at a comprehensive stroke center (Ulm/Germany) applying an MRI-based acute stroke concept with patients recorded in a large comprehensive stroke registry in Baden-Württemberg (Germany). We analyzed the quality indicators of acute stroke treatment, patient’s outcome, and the rate of transient ischemic attack (TIA) at discharge. Results: A total of 2182 patients from Ulm and 82,760 patients from the Baden-Württemberg (BW) stroke registry (including 29,575 patients of comprehensive stroke centers (BWc)) were included. Intravenous thrombolysis rate was higher in Ulm than in BW or the BWc stroke centers (Ulm 27.4% versus BW 20.9% versus BWc 26.1; p < 0.01), while a door-to-needle time <30 min could be achieved more frequently (Ulm 73.6% versus BW 44.1% versus BWc 47.1%; p < 0.01). Thrombectomy rate in patients with a proximal vascular occlusion was higher (Ulm 69.2% versus BW 50.7% versus BWc 59.3; p < 0.01). The number of TIA diagnoses was lower (Ulm 16.2% versus BW 24.6% versus BWc 19.9%; p < 0.01). More patients showed a shift to a favorable outcome (Ulm 21.1% versus BW 16.9% versus BWc 15.3; p < 0.01). Complication rates were similar. Conclusions: The MRI-based acute stroke concept is suitable, fast and seems to be beneficial. The time-dependent quality indicators were better both in comparison to all stroke units and to the comprehensive stroke units in the area. Based on the MRI concept, high rates of recanalization procedures and fewer TIA diagnoses could be observed. In addition, there was a clear trend towards an improved clinical outcome. A clinical trial comparing the effects of CT and MRI as the primary imaging technique in otherwise identical stroke unit settings is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Althaus
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Oberer Eselsberg 45, Ulm, Baden-Wuerttemberg 89075, Germany
| | - Jens Dreyhaupt
- Institute of Epidemiology and Medical Biometry, University of Ulm, Germany
| | - Sonja Hyrenbach
- Qualitätssicherung im Gesundheitswesen Baden-Württemberg, Stuttgart, Germany
| | | | - Jan Kassubek
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Germany
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25
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Phillips SJ, Stevens A, Cao H, Simpkin W, Payne J, Gill N. Improving stroke care in Nova Scotia, Canada: a population-based project spanning 14 years. BMJ Open Qual 2021; 10:e001368. [PMID: 34561278 PMCID: PMC8475131 DOI: 10.1136/bmjoq-2021-001368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Stroke is a complex disorder that challenges healthcare systems. An audit of in-hospital stroke care in the province of Nova Scotia, Canada, in 2004-2005 indicated that many aspects of care delivery fell short of national best practice recommendations. Stroke care in Nova Scotia was reorganised using a combination of interventions to facilitate systems change and quality improvement. The focus was mainly on implementing evidence-based stroke unit care, augmenting thrombolytic therapy and enhancing dysphagia assessment. Key were the development of a provincial network to facilitate ongoing collaboration and structured information exchange, the creation of the stroke coordinator and stroke physician champion roles, and the implementation of a registry to capture information about adults hospitalised because of stroke or transient ischaemic attack. To evaluate the interventions, a longitudinal analysis compared the audit results with registry data for 2012, 2015 and 2019. The proportion of patients receiving multidisciplinary stroke unit care rose from 22.4% in 2005 to 74.0% in 2019. The proportion of patients who received alteplase increased steadily from 3.2% to 18.5%, and the median delay between hospital arrival and alteplase administration decreased from 102 min to 56 min, without an increase in intracranial haemorrhage. Dysphagia screening increased from 41.4% to 77.4%. More patients were transferred from acute care to a dedicated in-patient rehabilitation unit, and fewer were discharged to residential or long-term care. These enhancements did not prolong length-of-stay in acute care. The network was a critical success factor; competing priorities in the healthcare system were the main challenge to implementing change. A multidimensional, multiyear, improvement intervention yielded substantial and sustained improvements in the process and structure of stroke care in Nova Scotia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Allison Stevens
- Cardiovascular Health Nova Scotia, Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Huiling Cao
- Cardiovascular Health Nova Scotia, Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Wendy Simpkin
- Cardiovascular Health Nova Scotia, Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Jennifer Payne
- Diagnostic Radiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Neala Gill
- Cardiovascular Health Nova Scotia, Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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26
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Holodinsky JK, Onaemo VN, Whelan R, Hunter G, Graham BR, Hamilton J, Schwartz L, Latta L, Peeling L, Kelly ME. Implementation of a provincial acute stroke pathway and its impact on access to advanced stroke care in Saskatchewan. BMJ Open Qual 2021; 10:bmjoq-2020-001214. [PMID: 34385186 PMCID: PMC8362703 DOI: 10.1136/bmjoq-2020-001214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background For ischaemic stroke, outcome severity is heavily time dependent. Systems of care need to be in place to ensure that patients with stroke are treated quickly and appropriately across entire health regions. Prior to this study, the province of Saskatchewan, Canada did not have a provincial stroke strategy in place. Methods A quality improvement project was undertaken to create and evaluate a provincial stroke strategy. The Saskatchewan Acute Stroke Pathway was created using a multidisciplinary team of experts, piloted at five stroke centres and then implemented provincially. The number of stroke alerts, door-to-imaging, door-to-needle, door-to-groin puncture times and treatment rates were collected at all centres. Improvements over time were analysed using run charts and individuals control charts. Results The number of stroke alerts province-wide trended upwards in the last 6 months of the study. There were no clear trends or shifts in the proportion of stroke alerts treated with alteplase or endovascular therapy. Across the province, the weighted mean door-to-imaging time decreased from 21 to 15 min, the weighted mean door-to-needle time decreased from 62 to 47 min and the mean door-to-groin puncture time decreased from 83 to 70 min. There was high variability in the degree of improvement from centre to centre. Conclusions The implementation of a province wide acute stroke pathway has led to improvement in stroke care on a provincial basis. Further work addressing intercentre variability is ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessalyn K Holodinsky
- Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Vivian N Onaemo
- Ministry of Health, Government of Saskatchewan, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Ruth Whelan
- Division of Neurology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Gary Hunter
- Division of Neurology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Brett R Graham
- Division of Neurology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Jessica Hamilton
- Saskatchewan Health Quality Council, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Laura Schwartz
- Saskatchewan Health Authority, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Lori Latta
- Ministry of Health, Government of Saskatchewan, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Lissa Peeling
- Division of Neurosurgery, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Michael E Kelly
- Division of Neurosurgery, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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27
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de Hond T, Keuning B, Oosterheert JJ, Blom-Ham W, Schoonhoven L, Kaasjager K. Differences in Documented and Actual Medication Administration Time in the Emergency Department: A Prospective, Observational, Time-Motion Study. J Emerg Nurs 2021; 47:860-869. [PMID: 34392956 DOI: 10.1016/j.jen.2021.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Retrospective studies suggest that a rapid initiation of treatment results in a better prognosis for patients in the emergency department. There could be a difference between the actual medication administration time and the documented time in the electronic health record. In this study, the difference between the observed medication administration time and documentation time was investigated. Patient and nurse characteristics were also tested for associations with observed time differences. METHODS In this prospective study, emergency nurses were followed by observers for a total of 3 months. Patient inclusion was divided over 2 time periods. The difference in the observed medication administration time and the corresponding electronic health record documentation time was measured. The association between patient/nurse characteristics and the difference in medication administration and documentation time was tested with a Spearman correlation or biserial correlation test. RESULTS In 34 observed patients, the median difference in administration and documentation time was 6.0 minutes (interquartile range 2.0-16.0). In 9 (26.5%) patients, the actual time of medication administration differed more than 15 minutes with the electronic health record documentation time. High temperature, lower saturation, oxygen-dependency, and high Modified Early Warning Score were all correlated with an increasing difference between administration and documentation times. DISCUSSION A difference between administration and documentation times of medication in the emergency department may be common, especially for more acute patients. This could bias, in part, previously reported time-to-treatment measurements from retrospective research designs, which should be kept in mind when outcomes of retrospective time-to-treatment studies are evaluated.
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28
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Hoyer C, Szabo K. Pitfalls in the Diagnosis of Posterior Circulation Stroke in the Emergency Setting. Front Neurol 2021; 12:682827. [PMID: 34335448 PMCID: PMC8317999 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.682827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Posterior circulation stroke (PCS), caused by infarction within the vertebrobasilar arterial system, is a potentially life-threatening condition and accounts for about 20–25% of all ischemic strokes. Diagnosing PCS can be challenging due to the vast area of brain tissue supplied by the posterior circulation and, as a consequence, the wide range of—frequently non-specific—symptoms. Commonly used prehospital stroke scales and triage systems do not adequately represent signs and symptoms of PCS, which may also escape detection by cerebral imaging. All these factors may contribute to causing delay in recognition and diagnosis of PCS in the emergency context. This narrative review approaches the issue of diagnostic error in PCS from different perspectives, including anatomical and demographic considerations as well as pitfalls and problems associated with various stages of prehospital and emergency department assessment. Strategies and approaches to improve speed and accuracy of recognition and early management of PCS are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Hoyer
- Department of Neurology and Mannheim Center for Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Kristina Szabo
- Department of Neurology and Mannheim Center for Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
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29
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Park PSW, Frost T, Tan S, Wong J, Pope A, Dewey HM, Choi PMC. The Quest to Reduce Stroke Treatment Delays at A Melbourne Metropolitan Primary Stroke Centre over the Last Two Decades. Intern Med J 2021; 52:1978-1985. [PMID: 34142750 DOI: 10.1111/imj.15429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reducing door-to-needle time (DNT) for intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischaemic stroke can lead to improved patient outcomes. Long-term reports on DNT trends in Australia are lacking in the setting of extension of the thrombolysis time window, addition of mechanical thrombectomy and increasing presentations. AIMS To examine 17-year trends of DNT and identify factors associated with improved DNT at a high-volume, metropolitan primary stroke centre. METHOD Retrospective study between 2003 and 2019 of all thrombolysis cases using departmental stroke database. Since most strategies were implemented from 2012 onwards, intervention period has been defined as period 2012-2019. Factors associated with DNT reduction were examined by regression modelling. RESULTS 15 strategies were identified including alterations to 'Code Stroke' processes. 1250 patients were thrombolysed, with 737 (58.8%) treated during the intervention period. The proportion of DNT ≤60- minutes rose from average of 22.5% during 2003-2012 to 63% during 2015-2018 and 71% in 2019. However, median DNT has only marginally improved from 58 to 51 minutes between 2015 and 2019. Faster DNT was independently associated with two modifiable workflow factors, 'Direct-to-CT' protocol (P < 0.001) and acute stroke nurse presence (P < 0.005). Over time, treated patients were older and less independent (P < 0.001), and the number of annual stroke admissions and 'Code Stroke' activations have risen by 4- and 10-fold to 748 and 1298 by 2019, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Targeted quality improvement initiatives are key to reducing thrombolysis treatment delays in the Australian metropolitan setting. Relative stagnation in DNT improvement is concerning and needs further investigation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter S W Park
- Department of Neurosciences, Box Hill Hospital, Eastern Health, Victoria, Australia.,Eastern Health Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tanya Frost
- Department of Neurosciences, Box Hill Hospital, Eastern Health, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shuangyue Tan
- Department of Neurosciences, Box Hill Hospital, Eastern Health, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joseph Wong
- Department of Neurosciences, Box Hill Hospital, Eastern Health, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alun Pope
- Eastern Health Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Helen M Dewey
- Department of Neurosciences, Box Hill Hospital, Eastern Health, Victoria, Australia.,Eastern Health Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Philip M C Choi
- Department of Neurosciences, Box Hill Hospital, Eastern Health, Victoria, Australia.,Eastern Health Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
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30
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Bulmer T, Volders D, Kamal N. Analysis of Thrombolysis Process for Acute Ischemic Stroke in Urban and Rural Hospitals in Nova Scotia Canada. Front Neurol 2021; 12:645228. [PMID: 33790851 PMCID: PMC8005571 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.645228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Stroke is a devastating disease, but it is treatable with alteplase or tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). The effectiveness of tPA is highly time-dependent, meaning rapid treatment is critical. Fast treatment with tPA has been reported in many urban hospitals, but hospitals in rural locations struggle to reduce treatment times. This qualitative study examines current thrombolysis processes in one urban and two rural hospitals in Nova Scotia, Canada, by mapping and comparing the treatment process in these settings for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients, and by analyzing the healthcare professionals views on various treatment topics. Methods: Structured interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals involved in stroke treatment across the three sites. The interviews focused on the various activities in the thrombolysis treatment at each site. Additionally, participants were asked about the following 10 topics: comfort treating acute ischemic stroke patients; perceptions about tPA; appropriate tPA treatment window; stroke patient priority; tPA availability; patient consent; urban-rural treatment differences; efficiency of their treatment process; treatment delays; and suggested process improvements. Results were analyzed using the Framework Method, as well as through the development of process maps. Results: Twenty three healthcare professionals were interviewed at 2 rural hospitals and 1 urban hospital. Acute ischemic stroke patients are triaged as the highest or urgent priority at each included site. Physicians are more hesitant to treat with tPA in rural settings. A total of 11 urban-rural treatment differences were noted by the rural sites. Additionally, 11 patient-related and 29 system treatment delays were described. A process map was developed for each site, representing the arrival by ambulance and by private vehicle pathways. Conclusions: Guidelines and clear protocols are critical in reducing treatment times and ensuring consistent access to treatment. The majority of treatment delays encountered are system delays, which can be appropriately planned for to reduce delays within the care pathway. There is a general consensus that there is an urban-rural treatment gap for acute ischemic stroke patients in Nova Scotia, and that continuing education is key in rural hospitals to improve Emergency Department (ED) physician comfort with treating patients with tPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Bulmer
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - David Volders
- Interventional & Diagnostic Neuroradiology, QEII Health Sciences Centre, Nova Scotia Health, Halifax, NS, Canada.,Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Noreen Kamal
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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Sather J, Littauer R, Finn E, Matouk C, Sheth K, Parwani V, Pham L, Ulrich A, Rothenberg C, Venkatesh AK. A Multimodal Intervention to Improve the Quality and Safety of Interhospital Care Transitions for Nontraumatic Intracerebral and Subarachnoid Hemorrhage. Jt Comm J Qual Patient Saf 2020; 47:99-106. [PMID: 33358659 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjq.2020.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regionalization of care has increased interhospital transfers (IHTs) of nontraumatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) to specialized centers yet exposes patients to the latent risks inherent to IHT. The researchers examined how a multimodal quality improvement intervention affected quality and safety measures for patients with ICH or SAH exposed to IHT. METHODS Pre and post analyses of timeliness, effectiveness, and communication outcome measures were performed for patients transferred to an urban, academic center with nontraumatic ICH/SAH following implementation of a multimodal intervention. Intervention components included clinical practice guideline dissemination, IHT process redesign, electronic patient arrival notification, electronic imaging exchange, and electronic health record improvements. Three months of preintervention outcomes were compared to six months of postintervention outcomes to assess impact and sustainability of the intervention; t-tests and chi-square tests were used to compare continuous and proportional outcomes, respectively. RESULTS The IHT study population included 106 patients (37 preintervention, 69 postintervention). Significant improvements were observed in timeliness outcomes, including emergency department (ED) time to admission order (preintervention median: 66 minutes vs. postintervention: 33 minutes, p = 0.008), ED boarding time (preintervention median: 223 minutes vs. postintervention: 93 minutes, p = 0.001), and ED length of stay (preintervention median: 300 minutes vs. postintervention: 150 minutes, p ≤ 0.0001). Verbal communication between ED and neurocritical care clinicians prior to IHT improved from 40.0% preintervention to 90.9% postintervention. CONCLUSION Application of scripted quality improvement interventions as part of the IHT process is feasible and effective at improving the timeliness of care and communication of critical information in patients with nontraumatic ICH/SAH.
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Reducing Door-to-Needle Time for Tissue Plasminogen Activator Administration in a Community Hospital: An Operations Study. Qual Manag Health Care 2020; 29:188-193. [PMID: 32991535 DOI: 10.1097/qmh.0000000000000268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The benefit of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in acute ischemic stroke is time dependent. A 15-minute decrease in door-to-needle (DTN) time has been associated with increased odds of ambulating independently, faster discharge, and decreased odds of death. We investigated common causes of delay in DTN times in a community hospital setting in order to identify areas for improvement. METHODS A retrospective medical record review was conducted at a 574-bed community hospital. This included 100 patients who received tPA from 2016 to 2019. Time segments were classified a priori to reflect key work elements from the time between hospital arrival to tPA and recorded for each chart. Linear regression models were used to identify work elements associated with increased DTN time. RESULTS Median DTN time was 54:29 minutes. Linear regression analyses determined that differences in NIHSS score (P = .030), triage to computed tomography (CT) start (P = .017), triage to stroke physician page (P = .016), and CT report to tPA administration (P < .001) were associated with increased DTN time. CT report to tPA administration was most strongly associated with a Pearson coefficient of 0.868 (P < .001) with increased DTN time. CONCLUSIONS The DTN time at our institution was above the recommended target. Our findings suggest that reducing the CT report time interval may decrease DTN time.
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Kamal N, Jeerakathil T, Stang J, Liu M, Rogers E, Smith EE, Demchuk AM, Siddiqui M, Mann B, Bestard J, Lang E, Shand E, Benard M, Collins L, Martin K, Hartley C, Reiber M, Valaire S, Mrklas KJ, Hill MD, Allen D, Anderson B, Angelstand J, Anokye E, Antymniuk C, Arsenault N, Ashman B, Baker K, Bakker J, Balenga D, Berg M, Berry LA, Betzner M, Black L, Blain D, Boutilier T, Brady J, Lynn Brewster S, Brown P, Buchynski K, Bugbee E, Bullard M, Burke D, Burnett C, Butcher K, Cackett P, Canham H, Chiovetti A, Chivers L, Cobb C, Cote M, Coutts S, Currie D, Eric Daniels J, Desouza N, Diebert M, Dixon T, Dotchin J, Duckett S, Dustow V, Dwyer R, Dymond M, Edmond C, Eesa M, Elias N, Elliott T, Empson S, Falls L, Forder M, Foreman R, Forsythe D, Fortier T, Fowler L, Franklin S, Garland J, Garon C, Gerl D, Ghauri I, Gough S, Mark KG, Mary-Lou Halabi G, Halldorson S, Harsch J, Hatcher C, Hebner K, Hemsley R, Holloway D, Holman D, Holsworth S, Holton S, Hull G, Hyciek B, Ibach R, Imoukhuede O, Jeal B, Jill D, Johnson M, Jones O, Kabaroff A, Kalashyan H, Kay F, Kaytor P, Keppy T, King P, Kiszszak S, Klick R, Koshurba E, Kruhlak R, Lacasse J, Lane M, Laughs T, Laut-Barss L, Lavalee P, Leclair T, Linden P, Linderman T, Livingstone J, Lodder M, Lundgard K, Lyle E, Mackenzie K, Malarczuk A, Malfair D, Malone J, Manosalva Alzate H, McCann K, McCarthy S, McKenzie M, McRobert L, Meroniuk D, Millar R, Miller R, Mir B, Montpetit J, Morissette J, Morrison L, Murray-Galbraith F, Mydeen F, Namagiri L, Neidig N, Neil G, Newcommon N, Newell C, Nichol C, Norris C, Norton D, Noseworthy S, O’Hara L, O’Neail S, Orr W, Panes E, Panes T, Paradis J, Parry T, Peacock D, Peebles T, Petersen S, Phelps I, Pooley R, Potvin N, Pryor R, Ramsahoye M, Rashead M, Reedyk K, Reynolds D, Rideout S, Rimmer K, Salih E, San Agustin P, Sandbeck D, Sattar S, Sauter N, Schmidt K, Seib E, Selzler J, Sevcik B, Sharman D, Shuaib A, Smith D, Snider B, Snider J, Stander J, Stephenson C, Stewart C, Stoyberg C, Suranyi Y, Tablin M, Taralson C, Throndson J, Traverse K, van der Nest D, Van Mulligan T, Van Vuuren C, Vanderlinde E, Vilneff R, Volk G, Wall K, Wang DJ(T, Warharft D, Watson J, Weir L, Weiss D, Welch D, Winder T, Winsor W, Woudstra D, Youn D, Young L, Zerna C. Provincial Door-to-Needle Improvement Initiative Results in Improved Patient Outcomes Across an Entire Population. Stroke 2020; 51:2339-2346. [DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.120.029734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background and Purpose:
Improving door-to-needle times (DNTs) for thrombolysis of acute ischemic stroke patients improves outcomes, but participation in DNT improvement initiatives has been mostly limited to larger, academic medical centers with an existing interest in stroke quality improvement. It is not known whether quality improvement initiatives can improve DNT at a population level, including smaller community hospitals. This study aims to determine the effect of a provincial improvement collaborative intervention on improvement of DNT and patient outcomes.
Methods:
A pre post cohort study was conducted over 10 years in the Canadian province of Alberta with 17 designated stroke centers. All ischemic stroke patients who received thrombolysis in the Canadian province of Alberta were included in the study. The quality improvement intervention was an improvement collaborative that involved creation of interdisciplinary teams from each stroke center, participation in 3 workshops and closing celebration, site visits, webinars, and data audit and feedback.
Results:
Two thousand four hundred eighty-eight ischemic stroke patients received thrombolysis in the pre- and postintervention periods (630 in the post period). The mean age was 71 years (SD, 14.6 years), and 46% were women. DNTs were reduced from a median of 70.0 minutes (interquartile range, 51–93) to 39.0 minutes (interquartile range, 27–58) for patients treated per guideline (
P
<0.0001). The percentage of patients discharged home from acute care increased from 45.6% to 59.5% (
P
<0.0001); the median 90-day home time increased from 43.3 days (interquartile range, 27.3–55.8) to 53.6 days (interquartile range, 36.8–64.6) (
P
=0.0015); and the in-hospital mortality decreased from 14.5% to 10.5% (
P
=0.0990).
Conclusions:
The improvement collaborative was likely the key contributing factor in reducing DNTs and improving outcomes for ischemic stroke patients across Alberta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noreen Kamal
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada (N.K.)
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences (N.K., E.E.S., A.M.D., M.D.H.), University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Thomas Jeerakathil
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (T.J., M.S.)
| | - Jillian Stang
- Data Analytics, Alberta Health Services, Canada (J.S., M.L.)
| | - Mingfu Liu
- Data Analytics, Alberta Health Services, Canada (J.S., M.L.)
| | - Edwin Rogers
- Strategic Management Branch, Government of Saskatchewan, Regina, Canada (E.R.)
| | - Eric E. Smith
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences (N.K., E.E.S., A.M.D., M.D.H.), University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences (E.E.S., K.J.M., M.D.H.), University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Andrew M. Demchuk
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences (N.K., E.E.S., A.M.D., M.D.H.), University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Radiology (A.M.D., M.D.H.), University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Muzaffar Siddiqui
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (T.J., M.S.)
- Grey Nuns Community Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (M.S.)
| | - Balraj Mann
- Cardiovascular Health and Stroke, Strategic Clinical Network, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Canada (B.M., S.V.)
| | | | - Eddy Lang
- Department of Emergency Medicine (E.L.), University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Elaine Shand
- Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre, Alberta, Canada (J.B., E.S.)
| | | | - Lisa Collins
- North Zone, Alberta Health Services, Cold Lake, Canada (L.C.)
| | - Kevin Martin
- Chinook Regional Hospital, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada (K.M., C.H.)
| | - Corinna Hartley
- Chinook Regional Hospital, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada (K.M., C.H.)
| | - Marnie Reiber
- Lloydminster Hospital, Lloydminster, Alberta/Saskatchewan, Canada (M.R.)
| | - Shelley Valaire
- Cardiovascular Health and Stroke, Strategic Clinical Network, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Canada (B.M., S.V.)
| | - Kelly J. Mrklas
- Department of Community Health Sciences (E.E.S., K.J.M., M.D.H.), University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- System Innovation and Programs, Strategic Clinical Networks, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Canada (K.J.M.)
| | - Michael D. Hill
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences (N.K., E.E.S., A.M.D., M.D.H.), University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences (E.E.S., K.J.M., M.D.H.), University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Radiology (A.M.D., M.D.H.), University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Ernst M, Psychogios MN, Schlemm E, Holodinsky JK, Kamal N, Rodt T, Henningsen H, Kraemer C, Thomalla G, Fiehler J, Brekenfeld C. Modeling the Optimal Transportation for Acute Stroke Treatment : Impact of Diurnal Variations in Traffic Rate. Clin Neuroradiol 2020; 31:729-736. [PMID: 32676698 PMCID: PMC8463378 DOI: 10.1007/s00062-020-00933-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Prolonged transfer times between the primary stroke center (PSC) and the comprehensive stroke center (CSC) are one of the major causes of treatment delay for endovascular stroke treatment. We aimed to analyze the effect of the diurnal variations in traffic rates at weekdays and weekends on the catchment area size of three transportation paradigms, i.e. mothership, drip-and-ship (DS) and drip-and-drive (DD). Methods A conditional probability model that predicts the probability of good outcome for patients with suspected large vessel occlusion was used to analyze the prehospital stroke triage in northwest Germany and produce catchment area maps. Transportation times were calculated during each hour of a weekday and a Sunday using Google Maps. For comparison, real DD transportation times from our CSC in Hamburg-Eppendorf (blinded for review) to a PSC in Lüneburg were prospectively recorded. Result On weekdays, the mothership catchment area was the largest (≥40,000 km2, 63%) except for a decrease during morning rush hours, when the DD catchment area was highest (30,879 km2, 48%). The DS catchment area was higher than the DD catchment area during the afternoon rush hours both during the week as well as on Sundays. Conclusion Our study showed a considerable impact of the diurnal variations in traffic rate and direction of travel on optimal stroke transportation. Stroke systems of care should take real time traffic information into account. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00062-020-00933-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marielle Ernst
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Haus Ost 22 (O 22), Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Marios-Nikos Psychogios
- Department of Neuroradiology, Clinic for Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Eckhard Schlemm
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jessalyn K Holodinsky
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Noreen Kamal
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Thomas Rodt
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Klinikum Lüneburg, Lüneburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Götz Thomalla
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jens Fiehler
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Haus Ost 22 (O 22), Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Caspar Brekenfeld
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Haus Ost 22 (O 22), Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
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Jaffe TA, Goldstein JN, Yun BJ, Etherton M, Leslie-Mazwi T, Schwamm LH, Zachrison KS. Impact of Emergency Department Crowding on Delays in Acute Stroke Care. West J Emerg Med 2020; 21:892-899. [PMID: 32726261 PMCID: PMC7390586 DOI: 10.5811/westjem.2020.5.45873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Delays in identification and treatment of acute stroke contribute to significant morbidity and mortality. Multiple clinical factors have been associated with delays in acute stroke care. We aimed to determine the relationship between emergency department (ED) crowding and the delivery of timely emergency stroke care. Methods We used prospectively collected data from our institutional Get with the Guidelines-Stroke registry to identify consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients presenting to our urban academic ED from July 2016–August 2018. We used capacity logs to determine the degree of ED crowding at the time of patients’ presentation and classified them as ordinal variables (normal, high, and severe capacity constraints). Outcomes of interest were door-to-imaging time (DIT) among patients potentially eligible for alteplase or endovascular therapy on presentation, door-to-needle time (DTN) for alteplase delivery, and door-to-groin puncture (DTP) times for endovascular therapy. Bivariate comparisons were made using t-tests, chi-square, and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests as appropriate. We used regression models to examine the relationship after accounting for patient demographics, transfer status, arrival mode, and initial stroke severity by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. Results Of the 1379 patients with ischemic stroke presenting during the study period, 1081 (78%) presented at times of normal capacity, 203 (15%) during high ED crowding, and 94 (7%) during severe crowding. Median DIT was 26 minutes (interquartile range [IQR] 17–52); DTN time was 43 minutes (IQR 31–59); and median DTP was 58.5 minutes (IQR 56.5–100). Treatment times were not significantly different during periods of higher ED utilization in bivariate or in multivariable testing. Conclusion In our single institution analysis, we found no significant delays in stroke care delivery associated with increased ED crowding. This finding suggests that robust processes of care may enable continued high-quality acute care delivery, even during times with an increased capacity burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd A Jaffe
- Harvard Affiliated Emergency Medicine Residency at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Joshua N Goldstein
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Brian J Yun
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mark Etherton
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Neurology, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Lee H Schwamm
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Neurology, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kori S Zachrison
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
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Silsby M, Duma SR, Fois AF, Yin YWK, Koryzna J, Mahant N, Evans A, Fung VSC. Time to acute stroke treatment in-hours was more than halved after the introduction of the Helsinki Model at Westmead Hospital. Intern Med J 2020; 49:1386-1392. [PMID: 30887620 DOI: 10.1111/imj.14290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Management of acute ischaemic stroke is time critical. Reducing time to treatment with thrombolysis is strongly associated with improved outcomes in properly selected patients. However, there are barriers to ensuring timely treatment in the hospital setting. AIM To determine if simple, no-cost protocol changes could improve time to treatment for acute ischaemic stroke at a busy tertiary hospital. METHODS Prospectively collected routine clinical data were compared retrospectively before and after a protocol change designed to mirror the successful model from Helsinki University Central Hospital. Consecutive patients who activated a 'code stroke' (presentation consistent with acute stroke, eligible for acute stroke therapy) during working hours were included. RESULTS Prior to the protocol change, 143 patients activated a code stroke, and 30 patients received thrombolysis. Following the protocol change, 134 patients activated a code stroke, and 14 patients received thrombolysis. The median time to administer thrombolysis was reduced from 76 min (interquartile range 54-91) to 33 min (27-44), P < 0.01. The median time to perform diagnostic computed tomography was unchanged between the two groups, 23 (14-54) min versus 22 (9-49) min, P = 0.12. However, this was reduced on subgroup analysis of patients whose arrival was pre-notified by the ambulance service, 16 (9-22) min versus 8 (4-14) min, P < 0.01. CONCLUSION Time to treatment in acute stroke was dramatically improved with a simple intervention. This was achieved without a large stroke team or additional funding, making it highly accessible to other health services also seeking to improve their stroke service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Silsby
- Departments of Neurology Westmead Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephen R Duma
- Departments of Neurology Westmead Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alessandro F Fois
- Departments of Neurology Westmead Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Y W Katie Yin
- Departments of Neurology Westmead Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Joanna Koryzna
- Emergency Department, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Neil Mahant
- Departments of Neurology Westmead Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Victor S C Fung
- Departments of Neurology Westmead Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Hasnain MG, Paul CL, Attia JR, Ryan A, Kerr E, D'Este C, Hall A, Milton AH, Hubbard IJ, Levi CR. Door-to-needle time for thrombolysis: a secondary analysis of the TIPS cluster randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e032482. [PMID: 31843839 PMCID: PMC6924711 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-032482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of a multi-component in-hospital intervention on the door-to-needle time for intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischaemic stroke. DESIGN This study was a post hoc analysis of door-to-needle time data from a cluster-randomised controlled trial testing an intervention to boost intravenous thrombolysis implementation. SETTING The study was conducted among 20 hospitals from three Australian states. PARTICIPANT Eligible hospitals had a Stroke Care Unit or staffing equivalent to a stroke physician and a nurse, and were in the early stages of implementing thrombolysis. INTERVENTION The intervention was multifaceted and developed using the behaviour change wheel and informed by breakthrough collaborative methodology using components of the health behaviour change wheel. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome for this analysis was door-to-needle time for thrombolysis and secondary outcome was the proportion of patients received thrombolysis within 60 min of hospital arrival. RESULTS The intervention versus control difference in the door-to-needle times was non-significant overall nor significant by hospital classification. To provide additional context for the findings, we also evaluated the results within intervention and control hospitals. During the active-intervention period, the intervention hospitals showed a significant decrease in the door-to-needle time of 9.25 min (95% CI: -16.93 to 1.57), but during the post-intervention period, the result was not significant. During the active intervention period, control hospitals also showed a significant decrease in the door-to-needle time of 5.26 min (95% CI: -8.37 to -2.14) and during the post-intervention period, this trend continued with a decrease of 12.13 min (95% CI: -17.44 to 6.81). CONCLUSION Across these primary stroke care centres in Australia, a secular trend towards shorter door-to-needle times across both intervention and control hospitals was evident, however the TIPS (Thrombolysis ImPlementation in Stroke) intervention showed no overall effect on door-to-needle times in the randomised comparison. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Trial Registration-URL: http://www.anzctr.org.au/ Unique Identifier: ACTRN 12613000939796.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Golam Hasnain
- School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle (UoN), Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christine L Paul
- School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle (UoN), Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John R Attia
- School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle (UoN), Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), Clinical Research Design and Statistical Services, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Annika Ryan
- School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle (UoN), Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Erin Kerr
- John Hunter Hospital, Department of Neurology, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Catherine D'Este
- School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle (UoN), Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University (ANU), Acton, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Alix Hall
- Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), Clinical Research Design and Statistical Services, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Isobel J Hubbard
- School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle (UoN), Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christopher R Levi
- School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle (UoN), Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- The Sydney Partnership for Health, Education, Research & Enterprise (SPHERE), Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Toyoda K, Koga M, Iguchi Y, Itabashi R, Inoue M, Okada Y, Ogasawara K, Tsujino A, Hasegawa Y, Hatano T, Yamagami H, Iwama T, Shiokawa Y, Terayama Y, Minematsu K. Guidelines for Intravenous Thrombolysis (Recombinant Tissue-type Plasminogen Activator), the Third Edition, March 2019: A Guideline from the Japan Stroke Society. Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo) 2019; 59:449-491. [PMID: 31801934 PMCID: PMC6923159 DOI: 10.2176/nmc.st.2019-0177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kazunori Toyoda
- Department of Cerebrovascular Medicine, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center
| | - Masatoshi Koga
- Department of Cerebrovascular Medicine, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center
| | - Yasuyuki Iguchi
- Department of Neurology, The Jikei University School of Medicine
| | | | - Manabu Inoue
- Division of Stroke Care Unit, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center
| | - Yasushi Okada
- Department of Cerebrovascular Medicine and Neurology, National Hospital Organization Kyushu Medical Center
| | | | - Akira Tsujino
- Department of Neurology and Strokology, Nagasaki University Hospital
| | | | - Taketo Hatano
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kokura Memorial Hospital
| | - Hiroshi Yamagami
- Department of Stroke Neurology, National Hospital Organization Osaka National Hospital
| | - Toru Iwama
- Department of Neurosurgery, Gifu University School of Medicine
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Ernst M, Schlemm E, Holodinsky JK, Kamal N, Thomalla G, Fiehler J, Brekenfeld C. Modeling the Optimal Transportation for Acute Stroke Treatment: The Impact of the Drip-and-Drive Paradigm. Stroke 2019; 51:275-281. [PMID: 31735142 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.119.027493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background and Purpose- Health systems are faced with the challenge of ensuring fast access to appropriate therapy for patients with acute stroke. The paradigms primarily discussed are mothership and drip and ship. Less attention has been focused on the drip-and-drive (DD) paradigm. Our aim was to analyze whether and under what conditions DD would predict the greatest probability of good outcome for patients with suspected ischemic stroke in Northwestern Germany. Methods- Conditional probability models based on the decay curves for endovascular therapy and intravenous thrombolysis were created to determine the best transport paradigm, and results were displayed using map visualizations. Our study area consisted of the federal states of Lower Saxony, Hamburg, and Schleswig-Holstein in Northwestern Germany covering an area of 64 065 km2 with a population of 12 703 561 in 2017 (198 persons per km2). In several scenarios, the catchment area, that is, the region that would result in the greatest probability of good outcomes, was calculated for each of the mothership, drip-and-ship, and the DD paradigms. Several different treatment time parameters were varied including onset-to-first-medical-response time, ambulance-on-scene time, door-to-needle time at primary stroke center, needle-to-door time, door-to-needle time at comprehensive stroke center, door-to-groin-puncture time, needle-to-interventionalist-leave time, and interventionalist-arrival-to-groin-puncture time. Results- The mothership paradigm had the largest catchment area; however, the DD catchment area was larger than the drip-and-ship catchment area so long as the needle-to-interventionalist-leave time and the interventionalist-arrival-to-groin-puncture time remain <40 minutes each. A slowed workflow in the DD paradigm resulted in a decrease of the DD catchment area to 1221 km2 (2%). Conclusions- Our study suggests the largest catchment area for the mothership paradigm and a larger catchment area of DD paradigm compared with the drip-and-ship paradigm in Northwestern Germany in most scenarios. The existence of different paradigms allows the spread of capacities, shares the cost and hospital income, and gives primary stroke centers the possibility to provide endovascular therapy services 24/7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marielle Ernst
- From the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology (M.E., J.F., C.B.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Eckhard Schlemm
- Department of Neurology (E.S., G.T.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Jessalyn K Holodinsky
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (J.K.H.)
| | - Noreen Kamal
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada (N.K.)
| | - Götz Thomalla
- Department of Neurology (E.S., G.T.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Jens Fiehler
- From the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology (M.E., J.F., C.B.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Caspar Brekenfeld
- From the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology (M.E., J.F., C.B.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
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Tong X, Wiltz JL, George MG, Odom EC, Coleman King SM, Chang T, Yin X, Merritt RK. A Decade of Improvement in Door-to-Needle Time Among Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients, 2008 to 2017. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes 2019; 11:e004981. [PMID: 30557047 DOI: 10.1161/circoutcomes.118.004981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The clinical benefit of intravenous (IV) alteplase in acute ischemic stroke is time dependent. We assessed the overall temporal changes in door-to-needle (DTN) time and examine the factors associated with DTN time ≤60 and ≤45 minutes. METHODS AND RESULTS A total of 496 336 acute ischemic stroke admissions were identified in the Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Program from 2008 to 2017. We used generalized estimating equations models to examine the factors associated with DTN time ≤60 and ≤45 minutes, and calculated adjusted odds ratios and 95% CI. Between 2008 and 2017, the percentage of acute ischemic stroke patients who received IV alteplase including those transferred, increased from 6.4% to 15.3%. After excluding those who received IV alteplase at an outside hospital, a total of 39 737 (8%) acute ischemic stroke patients received IV alteplase within 4.5 hours of the time the patient last known to be well. Significant increases were seen in DTN time ≤60 minutes (26.4% in 2008 to 66.2% in 2017, P<0.001), as well as DTN time ≤45 minutes (10.7% in 2008 to 40.5% in 2017, P<0.001). Patients aged 55 to 84 years were more likely to receive IV alteplase within 60 minutes, while those aged 55 to 74 years were more likely to receive IV alteplase within 45 minutes, as compared with those aged 18 to 54 years. Arrival by emergency medical service, and patients with severe stroke were more likely to receive IV alteplase within 60 and 45 minutes. Conversely, women, black patients as compared with white, and patients with a medical history of diseases associated with stroke were less likely to receive DTN time ≤60 or 45 minutes. CONCLUSIONS Rapid improvements in DTN time were observed in the Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Program; however, opportunities to reduce disparities remain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Tong
- Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA (X.T., J.L.W., M.G.G., E.C.O., S.M.C.K., T.C., X.Y., R.K.M.)
| | - Jennifer L Wiltz
- Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA (X.T., J.L.W., M.G.G., E.C.O., S.M.C.K., T.C., X.Y., R.K.M.).,United States Public Health Service, Atlanta, GA (J.L.W., E.C.O., S.M.C.K.)
| | - Mary G George
- Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA (X.T., J.L.W., M.G.G., E.C.O., S.M.C.K., T.C., X.Y., R.K.M.)
| | - Erika C Odom
- Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA (X.T., J.L.W., M.G.G., E.C.O., S.M.C.K., T.C., X.Y., R.K.M.).,United States Public Health Service, Atlanta, GA (J.L.W., E.C.O., S.M.C.K.)
| | - Sallyann M Coleman King
- Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA (X.T., J.L.W., M.G.G., E.C.O., S.M.C.K., T.C., X.Y., R.K.M.).,United States Public Health Service, Atlanta, GA (J.L.W., E.C.O., S.M.C.K.)
| | - Tiffany Chang
- Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA (X.T., J.L.W., M.G.G., E.C.O., S.M.C.K., T.C., X.Y., R.K.M.).,IHRC, Inc., Atlanta, GA (T.C., X.Y.)
| | - Xiaoping Yin
- Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA (X.T., J.L.W., M.G.G., E.C.O., S.M.C.K., T.C., X.Y., R.K.M.).,IHRC, Inc., Atlanta, GA (T.C., X.Y.)
| | | | - Robert K Merritt
- Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA (X.T., J.L.W., M.G.G., E.C.O., S.M.C.K., T.C., X.Y., R.K.M.)
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Itabashi R, Shigehatake Y, Yazawa Y, Endo K, Saito T, Fukuma K, Furui E, Mori E. Phased changes in strategies can reduce delay of intravenous thrombolysis administration to 15 min. J Neurol Sci 2019; 403:59-64. [PMID: 31226551 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2019.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The present study aimed to determine whether phased changes in strategies including the Helsinki model affect the delay of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) using tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) to treat acute ischemic stroke. METHOD We retrospectively studied 516 consecutive patients treated with IVT in our department between October 2005 and December 2018. We implemented a system of hospital pre-notification in 2005, when IVT was initially implemented at our center. We then improved the IVT strategy by simplifying brain imaging (July 2011), premixing tPA (April 2014), locating a blood cell counter in the emergency room (June 2015), manually administering a tPA bolus before preparing a continuous infusion (January 2016), awarding a prize to members of the acute stroke team (November 2016), and completing registration before arrival and sending patients directly to computed tomography (February 2017). We analyzed the effects of these strategic changes on annual median door-to-needle times (DTN). RESULTS The DTN was annually reduced, from a median of 90 [interquartile range, 55-98] minutes in 2006 to 15 [12-24.25] minutes in 2017. By 2017, 94% of patients were treated within 60 min of arrival. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that initial NIHSS score ≤ 4 (OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.3-5.7) and anticoagulation before onset (OR 6.00, 95% CI 2.47-14.58) were independently associated with 20 min or more of DTN in 186 patients treated from 2016 to 2018. CONCLUSIONS Phased strategic change to reduce the delay in delivering IVT reduced median DTN to 15 min at a single Japanese stroke center.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Itabashi
- Departments of Stroke Neurology, Kohnan Hospital, Sendai, Japan; Department of Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry, Osaka University United Graduate School of Child Development, Suita, Japan.
| | | | - Yukako Yazawa
- Departments of Stroke Neurology, Kohnan Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Kaoru Endo
- Departments of Stroke Neurology, Kohnan Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Takuya Saito
- Departments of Stroke Neurology, Kohnan Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Kazuki Fukuma
- Departments of Stroke Neurology, Kohnan Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Eisuke Furui
- Departments of Stroke Neurology, Kohnan Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Etsuro Mori
- Department of Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry, Osaka University United Graduate School of Child Development, Suita, Japan
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Improving Door-to-needle Times in the Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke Across a Canadian Province: Methodology. Crit Pathw Cardiol 2019; 18:51-56. [PMID: 30747766 DOI: 10.1097/hpc.0000000000000173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alteplase is a proven medical treatment for acute ischemic stroke; however, the effectiveness of this treatment is highly time dependent. Therefore, it is imperative that hospitals treat acute ischemic stroke patients as quickly as possible. The measure, door-to-needle time, is the time from hospital arrival to when alteplase administration begins. OBJECTIVE The goal in the Canadian province of Alberta was to reduce the door-to-needle time to a median of 30 minutes and to increase the percent of patients treated within 60 minutes to 90%. OVERVIEW OF METHODOLOGY A modified version of Institute for Healthcare Improvement Breakthrough Series Collaborative was used. All stroke centers self-enrolled into the collaborative after initial contact, and sites created interdisciplinary teams to participate in the Collaborative. Leadership and faculty were highly experienced in quality improvement and acute stroke. There were 3 daylong face-to-face learning sessions that were attended by enrolled teams, which included presentation about the evidence, site presentations to promote cross-site learning, and time to plan changes with their teams. The sites were also supported by site visits, webinars, and data feedback.
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Kim SJ, Kim DW, Kim HY, Roh HG, Park JJ. Seizure in code stroke: Stroke mimic and initial manifestation of stroke. Am J Emerg Med 2018; 37:1871-1875. [PMID: 30598373 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2018.12.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 12/25/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although seizure is one of the common causes of stroke mimics and can be an initial manifestation of acute stroke, accurate diagnosis of seizure during acute stroke management is frequently difficult. The objective of this study was to analyze the frequency, characteristics and results of neuroimaging including CT perfusion in patients with seizures manifesting initially as stroke-like symptoms. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who were treated with code stroke alarming system. We studied the frequency and characteristics of patients who were finally diagnosed with seizures and further correlated their clinical features with the results of neuroimaging including CT perfusion. RESULTS Among the 4673 patients who were treated with code stroke alarming system, seizure was the third most frequent diagnosis (188 patients, 4.0%) among the causes of stroke mimics including 27 patients who manifested seizure as an initial manifestation of acute stroke. CT perfusion showed perfusion changes in more than 25% of them (49 of 188 patients, 26.1%). Thrombolysis was not performed in six patients who presented with seizure as an initial presentation of stroke for delayed diagnosis while one patient underwent thrombolysis for misdiagnosis of seizure. CONCLUSIONS Seizure is a frequent final diagnosis in acute stroke management. However, careful interpretation of clinical features and results of perfusion imaging is necessary to avoid unnecessary thrombolysis in patients with seizure as a stroke mimic and thrombolysis failure due to delayed diagnosis of seizure as an initial manifestation of stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Jeong Kim
- Department of Neurology, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Wook Kim
- Department of Neurology, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hahn Young Kim
- Department of Neurology, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Gee Roh
- Department of Radiology, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Jin Park
- Department of Neurology, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Liu Z, Zhao Y, Liu D, Guo ZN, Jin H, Sun X, Yang Y, Sun H, Yan X. Effects of Nursing Quality Improvement on Thrombolytic Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke. Front Neurol 2018; 9:1025. [PMID: 30555408 PMCID: PMC6281878 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.01025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose: Intravenous thrombolytic therapy significantly improves the outcomes of acute ischemic stroke patients in a time-dependent manner. The aim of this study was to investigate whether continuous nursing quality improvement in stroke nurses has a positive effect on reducing the time to thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke. Methods: The implementation of nursing quality improvement measures includes establishing full-time stroke nurses, pre-notification by emergency medical services (EMS), stroke team notification protocols, rapid triage, publicity and education, etc. Using a history-controlled approach, we analyzed acute ischemic stroke patients with intravenous thrombolysis during a pre-intervention period (April 1, 2015-July 31, 2016), trial period (August 1, 2016-October 31, 2016), and post-intervention period (November 1, 2016-September 30, 2017). This was done in accordance with the implementation of nursing quality improvement measures, including the general characteristics of the three groups, the time of each step in the process of thrombolysis, and the prognosis. Results: After the implementation of nursing quality improvement measures, the median door-to-needle time (DNT) was shortened from 73 min (interquartile range [IQR] 62–92 min) to 49 min (IQR 40-54 min; p < 0.001) in the post-intervention period. The median onset-to-needle time (ONT) was reduced from 193 min (IQR 155–240 min) to 167 min (IQR 125-227 min; p < 0.001). The proportion of patients with DNT ≤ 60 min increased from 23.94% (51/213) to 86.36% (190/220; p < 0.001) while the proportion of patients with DNT ≤ 40 min increased from 3.29% (7/213) to 25.00% (55/220; p < 0.001). The median time for door-to-laboratory results was decreased from 68 min to 56 min (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the fatality rate, 90-day modified Rankin score, length of stay or hospitalization expenses between the three groups of patients (p> 0.05). Conclusions: Implementation of nursing quality improvement measures in stroke nurses is an important factor in shortening the time of medication in patients with thrombolytic therapy, reducing the delay of intravenous thrombolysis in the hospital and helping to expedite presenting patients' arrival to the hospital post-stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Liu
- Cadre Ward, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yingkai Zhao
- Cadre Ward, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Dandan Liu
- Physical Examination Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhen-Ni Guo
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hang Jin
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xin Sun
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Huijie Sun
- Cadre Ward, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiuli Yan
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Schlemm L. Disability Adjusted Life Years due to Ischaemic Stroke Preventable by Real-Time Stroke Detection-A Cost-Utility Analysis of Hypothetical Stroke Detection Devices. Front Neurol 2018; 9:814. [PMID: 30327638 PMCID: PMC6174318 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Ischaemic stroke remains a significant contributor to permanent disability world-wide. Therapeutic interventions for acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) are available, but need to be administered early after symptom onset in order to be effective. Currently, one of the main factors responsible for poor clinical outcome is an unnecessary long time between symptom onset and arrival at a hospital (pre-hospital delay). In the future, technological devices with the capability of real-time detection of AIS may become available. The health economic implications of such devices have not been explored. Methods: We developed a novel probabilistic model to estimate the maximally allowable annual costs of different hypothetical real-time AIS detection devices in different populations given currently accepted willingness-to-pay thresholds. Distributions of model parameters were extracted from the literature. Effectiveness of the intervention was quantified as reduction in disability-adjusted life-years associated with faster access to thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy. Incremental costs were calculated from a societal perspective including acute treatment costs and long-term costs for nursing care, home help, and loss of production. The impact of individual model parameters was explored in one-way and multi-way sensitivity analyses. Results: The model yields significantly shorter prehospital delays and a higher proportion of acute ischaemic patients that fulfill the time-based eligibility criteria for thrombolysis or mechanical thrombectomy in the scenario with a real-time stroke detection device as compared to the control scenario. Depending on the sociodemographic and geographic characteristics of the study population and operating characteristics of the device, the maximally allowable annual cost for the device to operate in a cost-effective manner assuming a willingness-to-pay threshold of GBP 30.000 ranges from GBP 22.00 to GBP 9,952.00. Considering the results of multiway sensitivity analyses, the upper bound increases to GBP 29,449.10 in the subgroup of young patients with a very high annual risk of ischaemic stroke (50 years/20% annual risk). Conclusion: Data from probabilistic modeling suggest that real-time AIS detection devices can be expected to be cost-effective only for a small group of highly selected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludwig Schlemm
- Department of Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, United Kingdom
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Hebant B, Triquenot-Bagan A, Guegan-Massardier E, Ozkul-Wermester O, Maltête D. In-hospital delays to stroke thrombolysis: Out of hours versus regular hours and reduction in treatment times through the creation of a 24/7 mobile thrombolysis team. J Neurol Sci 2018; 392:46-50. [PMID: 30097154 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2018.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 07/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The main aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the implementation of a mobile thrombolysis team (MTT) on time to thrombolysis treatment depending on patient admission time: regular hours (RH) or out of hours (OH). METHODS 504 consecutive patients treated with IV tPA or with combined IV tPA and mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke were retrospectively included between 1st January 2013 and 31st December 2017. Three sub-periods were identified: 2013-2014, 2015-2016, and 2017 during which patients were treated with the usual care (UC), by the MTT or with UC according to their time of admission, or by the MTT, in the three time periods respectively. We compared in-hospital delays according to patient admission time. RESULTS In 2013-2014, 133 patients were included. Both median door-to-needle (DTN) and imaging to needle (ITN) times were shorter for patients admitted during RH than OH, respectively 75 min versus 85 min and 52 min versus 57 min (P < 0.05), and the proportion of patients with DTN ≤ 60 min was 23% versus 9% (P < 0.05), respectively. In 2015-2016, 223 patients were included. DTN and ITN times were shorter for patients admitted during RH and treated by the MTT than during OH with UC, respectively 54 min versus 78 min and 24 min versus 47 min (P < 0.001), and the proportion of patients with DTN ≤ 60 min was 64% versus 21% (P < 0.001), respectively. In 2017, there was no difference concerning in-hospital delays regardless of patient admission time (P > 0.05). DISCUSSION DTN time was significantly longer for patients admitted OH. We suggest that the implementation of an around-the-clock MTT would allow a reduction of in-hospital delays and similar times to thrombolysis treatment regardless of admission time.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - David Maltête
- Department of Neurology, Rouen University Hospital, France; INSERM U1239, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, University of Rouen, 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan, France; Normandy University, Normandy, France
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Vivanco-Hidalgo RM, Abilleira S, Salvat-Plana M, Ribera A, Gallofré G, Gallofré M. Innovation in Systems of Care in Acute Phase of Ischemic Stroke. The Experience of the Catalan Stroke Programme. Front Neurol 2018; 9:427. [PMID: 29928257 PMCID: PMC5997815 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Stroke, and mainly ischemic stroke, is the second cause of death and disability. To confront the huge burden of this disease, innovative stroke systems of care are mandatory. This requires the development of national stroke plans to offer the best treatment to all patients eligible for reperfusion therapies. Key elements for success include a high level of organization, close cooperation with emergency medical services for prehospital assessment, an understanding of stroke singularity, the development of preassessment tools, a high level of commitment of all stroke teams at Stroke Centres, the availability of a disease-specific registry, and local government involvement to establish stroke care as a priority. In this mini review, we discuss recent evidence concerning different aspects of stroke systems of care and describe the success of the Catalan Stroke Programme as an example of innovation. In Catalonia, reperfusion treatment rates have increased in recent years and currently are among the highest in Europe (17.3% overall, 14.3% for IVT, and 6% for EVT in 2016).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sònia Abilleira
- Stroke Programme, Agency for Health Quality and Assessment of Catalonia, CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Aida Ribera
- Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit, Cardiology Department, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
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Wu TY, Coleman E, Wright SL, Mason DF, Reimers J, Duncan R, Griffiths M, Hurrell M, Dixon D, Weaver J, Meretoja A, Fink JN. Helsinki Stroke Model Is Transferrable With "Real-World" Resources and Reduced Stroke Thrombolysis Delay to 34 min in Christchurch. Front Neurol 2018; 9:290. [PMID: 29760676 PMCID: PMC5937050 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Christchurch hospital is a tertiary hospital in New Zealand supported by five general neurologists with after-hours services provided mainly by onsite non-neurology medical residents. We assessed the transferrability and impact of the Helsinki Stroke model on stroke thrombolysis door-to-needle time (DNT) in Christchurch hospital. Methods Key components of the Helsinki Stroke model were implemented first in 2015 with introduction of patient pre-notification and thrombolysis by the computed tomography (CT) suite, followed by implementation of direct transfer to CT on ambulance stretcher in May 2017. Data from the prospective thrombolysis registry which began in 2012 were analyzed for the impact of these interventions on median DNT. Results Between May and December 2017, 46 patients were treated with alteplase, 25 (54%) patients were treated in-hours (08:00–17:00 non-public holiday weekdays) and 21 (46%) patients were treated after-hours. The in-hours, after-hours, and overall median (interquartile range) DNTs were 34 (28–43), 47 (38–60), and 40 (30–51) minutes. The corresponding times in 2012–2014 prior to interventions were 87 (68–106), 86 (72–116), and 87 (71–112) minutes, representing median DNT reduction of 53, 39, and 47 minutes, respectively (p-values <0.01). The interventions also resulted in significant reductions in the overall median door-to-CT time (from 49 to 19 min), CT-to-needle time (32 to 20 min) and onset-to-needle time (168 to 120 min). Conclusion The Helsinki stroke model is transferrable with real-world resources and reduced stroke DNT in Christchurch by over 50%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teddy Y Wu
- Department of Neurology, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Erin Coleman
- Department of Neurology, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Sarah L Wright
- Department of Neurology, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Deborah F Mason
- Department of Neurology, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Jon Reimers
- Department of Neurology, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Roderick Duncan
- Department of Neurology, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Mary Griffiths
- Department of Neurology, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Michael Hurrell
- Department of Radiology, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - David Dixon
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - James Weaver
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Atte Meretoja
- Department of Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - John N Fink
- Department of Neurology, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
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