Abstract TP455: The Challenges and Successes of Mechanical Thrombectomy Implementation for Nurses in the United Kingdom

• Published in: Stroke (1970) 2019-02, Vol.50 (Suppl_1)
• Main Authors: Cluckie, Gillian, De Sousa, Ismalia, Bailey, Alastair
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0039-2499; 1524-4628
• DOI: 10.1161/str.50.suppl_1.TP455

Abstract only Introduction: Mechanical thrombectomy is a newly developing clinical area in UK stroke care with commissioning and payment decisions made by the NHS during 2018. Stroke and neuroradiology nurses are crucial to the developing thrombectomy services and patient care. This paper reports the challenges and successes of thrombectomy nursing in the UK. Method: A National thrombectomy nurse forum was established in 2018 involving senior stroke and neuroradiology nurses from every neuroscience center. Data on service provision, challenges and successes were obtained via standardized online surveys prior to forum meetings and from workshops conducted during the fora. Results: 84 delegates from 22 neuroscience centers attended forum meetings including England and all devolved Nations. Survey data confirmed that only 4 centers performed over 40 thrombectomies in the preceding year (range 0-145). Limitations to service provision were skilled interventional neuroradiologists and imaging capacity. 52% of respondents reported that nurses were involved in thrombectomy financial or service development. Only 33% of nurses reported working in a network with referral hospitals. Key challenges reported by nurses were staffing levels, training and education and post-thrombectomy nursing care. Successes in thrombectomy nursing were reported as joint working with neuroradiology nurses, thrombectomy competencies and education and protocol based post-procedure care. Conclusion: The development of mechanical thrombectomy services in the UK also requires nursing developments. Further work is needed Nationally to develop standardized thrombectomy education and competencies and to develop a National stroke nursing career structure.