An acute stroke evaluation app: a practice improvement project.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Health Informatics
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Acute stroke evaluation requires standardized processes for optimal patient outcomes.
• Existing workflows may lack efficiency in documentation and provider handoffs.
• Point-of-care tools can potentially streamline clinical processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate a point-of-care iOS app checklist for standardizing acute stroke evaluation and documentation.
• To assess provider satisfaction with the app's usability and impact on workflow.
• To explore the app's effect on data abstraction and door-to-needle times.

Main Methods:

• An iOS app workflow checklist was implemented at two academic medical centers.
• Consecutive patients undergoing acute stroke evaluation were included.
• Provider satisfaction surveys were collected pre- and post-intervention.
• Data abstraction time and door-to-needle times were analyzed.

Main Results:

• 100% of residents reported increased satisfaction with performing acute stroke evaluations post-intervention.
• Staff neurologists noted improved resident presentations and decision-making.
• Clinical data specialists estimated a 50% reduction in data abstraction time.
• One site observed a 16-minute decrease in mean door-to-needle time compared to historical controls.

Conclusions:

• The point-of-care acute stroke workflow checklist app can standardize trainee presentations and reduce data abstraction.
• The app shows promise in potentially decreasing door-to-needle times, warranting further investigation.
• Implementation of such digital tools can enhance efficiency in acute stroke care.