Evaluation of a critical pathway for stroke
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 1, 2026

Optimized Management of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Published on: January 18, 2018
G Ross1, D Johnson, M Kobernick
1Department of Quality Management, Macomb Hospital Center, Warren, Mich, 45093-3494, USA.
Abstract:
The diagnosis of stroke, which is diagnosis-related group (DRG) 014, is the fourth most frequent discharge DRG at Macomb Hospital Center, Warren, Michigan. The length of stay for stroke was 7.52 days before intervention. Quality improvement techniques identified areas of delay that presented opportunities for improvement. After the initiation of a critical pathway that begins its interventions in the Emergency Department, the length of stay decreased to 6.33 days. Quality of care was also improved in delivery time of carotid artery ultrasound examinations, as well as in timeliness of obtaining head computed tomography scans and reports. This article describes the development, implementation, and results of a stroke critical pathway that was implemented to address excessive length of stay.
Related Concept Videos
Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction
Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction
Stroke: Introduction and Types