Abstract WP360: Use of a Care and Communication Bundle Can Improve Resource Utilization and Timeliness of Palliative Care for Severe Stroke Patients in the Neuroscience ICU

• Published in: Stroke (1970) 2018-01, Vol.49 (Suppl_1)
• Main Authors: Toumbs, Randi R, Taylor, Tracey L, Cossey, Tiffany D, Choi, HuiMahn A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0039-2499; 1524-4628
• DOI: 10.1161/str.49.suppl_1.WP360

Abstract only Background: Severe stroke patients have immediate palliative care (PC) needs and communication between families and clinical teams has been identified as a gap in PC delivery. Delays in care planning can increase length of stay (LOS) and cost of care (COC) which decreases efficient resource utilization. Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project is to evaluate whether standardizing the communication process between families and treatment teams using a communication bundle validated in the medical ICU improves LOS, COC, and time to PC consultation in severe stroke patients in a neuroscience ICU. Methods: The Care and Communication Bundle (CCB) was prospectively implemented in 22 consecutive patients from February-April 2017 and compared to a control arm of 22 consecutive patients via retrospective chart review from February-April 2016. Improvement in resource utilization was defined as a decrease in LOS and COC. Patients with a primary diagnosis of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, NIHSS score of ≥ 15, and an expected ICU LOS of ≥ 5 days were included. Descriptive statistics were analyzed using Chi Square, Mann-Whitney U , or t- test where appropriate. Significance was set at p