Rapid Aspiration Screening for Suspected Stroke: Part 2: Initial and Sustained Nurse Accuracy and Reliability

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Clinical Nursing
• Diagnostic Tools

Background:

• Stroke is a leading cause of disability.
• Accurate and timely screening for aspiration is crucial in stroke patients.
• Existing screening tools require validation for use by registered nurses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess registered nurses' (RNs') accuracy and reliability in performing the Rapid Aspiration Screening for Suspected Stroke.
• To evaluate the maintenance of procedural skills and interpretive ability over time.

Main Methods:

• A prospective observational study was conducted at a primary stroke center.
• Fifteen RNs were trained to administer and interpret the screening tool.
• RNs completed 239 screenings over two years, with simultaneous interpretation by a speech-language pathologist for comparison.

Main Results:

• The average accuracy rate for administering the screening was 98.33%.
• Reliability for key items like dysarthria and water swallow was high (k=.817).
• Accuracy and reliability improved with experience, peaking at 20 screenings.

Conclusions:

• RNs demonstrated high accuracy and reliability in using the Rapid Aspiration Screening for Suspected Stroke.
• Skill maintenance is feasible through feedback and repeated practice opportunities.
• The tool is suitable for RNs to improve early stroke management.