A protocol for acute stroke unit care during the COVID-19 pandemic

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Acute Stroke Unit (ASU) care significantly reduces mortality and morbidity in stroke patients.
• The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted established ASU practices and physical units.
• Stroke patients with suspected COVID-19 were often isolated outside of ASUs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an adaptable Acute Stroke Unit (ASU) protocol for use during the COVID-19 crisis.
• To ensure continuity of high-quality stroke care despite pandemic-related disruptions.
• To provide a protocol usable by staff with minimal stroke care training in various settings.

Main Methods:

• Development of an adapted ASU protocol incorporating essential stroke care elements.
• Protocol designed for implementation in diverse settings by non-specialized staff.
• Minimal training required for staff to utilize the adapted protocol.

Main Results:

• The adapted protocol includes three core components: Acute Monitoring, Stroke Complications management, and Unified Team approach.
• Acute Monitoring covers neurological observations, vital signs, investigations, and post-reperfusion care.
• Stroke Complications focuses on five common issues, while Unified Team emphasizes communication, discharge planning, and patient support.

Conclusions:

• The detailed adapted protocol can be adopted by other healthcare centers facing similar challenges.
• Implementation of this protocol ensures that Acute Stroke Unit (ASU) care standards are maintained.
• This strategy aims to prevent compromise in stroke patient care during public health emergencies.