Abstract P858: The Impact of a Dedicated Stroke Program Quality Coordinator Registered Nurse on the Volume of Performance Improvement Projects

• Published in: Stroke (1970) 2021-03, Vol.52 (Suppl_1), p.AP858-AP858
• Main Authors: Gaffney, Denise, Punsalang, Lorina, Mkrtumyan, Alvina, Dhanji, Raeesa, McCartney, David L, Ajani, Zahra, Le, Duy, Cline, Trevor E, Sangha, Navdeep S
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0039-2499; 1524-4628
• DOI: 10.1161/str.52.suppl_1.P858

BackgroundPerformance Improvement (PI) enhances processes, services, and outcomes. The Joint Commission (TJC) standards require a comprehensive approach to PI. This can be challenging due to variability of staffing within a stroke program. The stroke coordinator is often left to manage PI projects, which can be arduous due to the multiple demands of their role. A dedicated Stroke Quality Coordinator RN (SQCRN) manages quality improvement activities solely for the stroke program. It is a unique position that requires clinical knowledge of stroke, neuro-interventional and neurosurgical procedures, as well as, comprehension of regulatory requirements, PI and data analysis. PurposeTo determine if having an SQCRN dedicated to a stroke program results in an increased number of PI Projects implemented. MethodsThe SQCRN initiative was implemented in 2020 with the objective of determining the impact of having a dedicated SQCRN on the number of projects completed. A survey was created consisting of 5 questions and sent to 328 individuals via email utilizing an anonymous Microsoft Forms Link. The survey was emailed to the Los Angeles Stroke Coordinator Network and National Stroke Coordinator group. Fifty-eight (17.6%) responded. Survey results were compared for stroke programs with a Dedicated SQCRN to those without. Data were analyzed using T-Test. ResultsIn stroke programs with a dedicated SQCRN, there were more respondents who reported 6 or greater PI projects than stroke programs who did not have a dedicated SQCRN. This was statistically significant when compared to both 2 or less (p=0.001) or 4 or less projects p=0.035. ConclusionA dedicated SQCRN improves the number of PI projects that a stroke program can implement. PI initiatives help to improve the safety, treatments, services and quality of care in order to improve patient outcomes.