Abstract TP357: Use Your Stroke Clinic to Drive Process Improvement

• Published in: Stroke (1970) 2020-02, Vol.51 (Suppl_1)
• Main Authors: Handler, Diane L, Ross, Michelle, Printy, Kelly, Penn, Cathy
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0039-2499; 1524-4628
• DOI: 10.1161/str.51.suppl_1.TP357

Abstract only Background: Surveying of patients post stroke for quality of care is an accreditation and CMS requirement for Stroke Centers. However survey techniques can group responses, are often poorly returned and may not address specific concerns. Seeking original, meaningful information, we surveyed each stroke clinic patient with a simple two question survey to gain insight into the patient experience and understand how to make it better. Methods: From January 2017 to April 2019, patients and caregivers attended our Stroke Clinic 4-6 weeks post-discharge from our Joint Commission Primary Stroke Center. Two survey questions were asked. To insure 100% response, the discharge nurse encouraged and or assisted patients to complete. The questions were; 1. Do you know why you had a stroke? 2. What do you wish nurses, doctors or therapists had told you prior to going home after your stroke? Results: 295 patients attended clinic during that time span of which 172 (58%) said they knew why they had a stroke. Of the group who thought they knew why they had a stroke, 41% were incorrect (answer compared to TOAST classification at discharge). Thus 65% of patients overall were not aware of why they had a stroke. When asked what do you wish you had been told prior to discharge, 223 (75 %) had no need for additional information, 73 (25%) needed more information. Responses were qualitative and categorized into; medication, diagnosis, transition of care, symptoms, prevention, diet, driving, and equipment. Discussion: Specific, qualitative, patient centered surveying can drive process improvements. Our hospital stroke team developed four process improvement projects to assist with patient transition to home; Return to Driving after Your Stroke; Cryptogenic Stroke - Why Cardiac Monitoring After Discharge; Discharge Readiness Program on the Stroke Unit; REST and REPETITION a Message to Patients About Recovery After Stroke.