Abstract WP357: Transforming A Neuro Nai Facility Into A Comprehensive Stroke Center

Background: There are few Comprehensive Stroke centers in the Southern New Jersey region. Over four hundred patients in need of Comprehensive Stroke care were transferred out of this hospital throughout 2010 to other hospitals in the Philadelphia and Central New Jersey regions, requiring lengthy commutes and the loss of valuable time and progression of the patient’s stroke. The senior leadership recognized the need to provide the community with this much needed resource. A gap analysis resulted in development of a comprehensive program to advance stroke and neurosurgical care and meet the needs of the community. Purpose: The purpose of this abstract is to summarize the process involved in the development, implementation, and outcomes of a state designated comprehensive stroke center in a previously neurologically naive acute care facility. Methods: Care of the neurologically impaired patient is a new demographic for the multidisciplinary team at this facility. Development of a comprehensive educational and implementation plan for the multidisciplinary team was constructed. Although recently designated a primary stroke center, staff needed to participate in didactic, experiential and simulation driven educational sessions. Vital to the success of the program was the recruitment of experienced neurological nurses and ancillary staff. Staff participated in observational experiences at comprehensive stroke centers. Implementation of shadowing experienced neurological nurses with inexperienced nurses was initiated. A stroke algorithm was developed and implemented to streamline the triage process. Results: Between December 1, 2011 and July 31, 2012 three hundred fifty patients were admitted to the Comprehensive stroke program. Of these three hundred fifty stroke patients, sixty three received interventional treatment for stroke. Patients remained in their community receiving comprehensive, state of the art individualized stroke treatment. A review of patient outcomes will be summarized including length of stay, disposition, morbidity and mortality data. Conclusions: Refinement of current processes is ongoing. Planning is underway to develop a Neuroscience Clinic providing educational opportunities to the community served.