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Setting Up a Stroke Team Algorithm and Conducting Simulation-based Training in the Emergency Department - A Practical Guide
Published on: January 15, 2017
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Trends in yield of a code stroke program for enhancing thrombolysis.
Ahro Kim1, Ji Sung Lee2, Ji Eun Kim1
1Department of Neurology, Ilsan Paik Hospital, Inje University, 2240 Daewha-dong, Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang City, Gyeonggi-do 411-706, Republic of Korea.
Summary
Implementing a code stroke program improved thrombolytic therapy for acute ischemic stroke patients. While diagnosis and treatment rates increased, door-to-needle times require further optimization for faster patient care.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Emergency Medicine
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Thrombolytic therapy for acute ischemic stroke is time-sensitive.
- Code stroke programs aim to expedite treatment.
- Continuous evaluation is crucial for program improvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the long-term yield and efficiency of a code stroke program.
- To assess trends in stroke diagnosis and thrombolysis administration.
- To evaluate door-to-CT scan and door-to-needle times.
Main Methods:
- Prospective single-center registry analysis.
- Inclusion of patients with code stroke activation from May 2007 to December 2011.
- Assessment of stroke diagnosis rates, thrombolysis rates, and time metrics.
Main Results:
- Code stroke activations and thrombolytic therapy volumes increased significantly.
- Thrombolytic therapy rates among ischemic stroke patients rose from 33.3% to 59.2%.
- Door-to-CT scan times improved, but door-to-needle times showed no significant improvement.
Conclusions:
- The code stroke program successfully increased the detection of thrombolysis candidates and therapy administration.
- Collaborative efforts by stroke teams are vital for treating more patients faster.
- Further optimization of door-to-needle times is needed.
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