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Evaluation of a critical pathway for stroke
G Ross1, D Johnson, M Kobernick
1Department of Quality Management, Macomb Hospital Center, Warren, Mich, 45093-3494, USA.
Summary
Implementing a stroke critical pathway reduced patient length of stay from 7.52 to 6.33 days. This quality improvement initiative also enhanced the timeliness of diagnostic imaging, improving stroke care delivery.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Healthcare Management
- Quality Improvement
Background:
- Stroke is a frequent diagnosis-related group (DRG 014) and a leading cause of hospitalization.
- Macomb Hospital Center experienced a prolonged average length of stay for stroke patients (7.52 days).
- Identified delays in care delivery presented opportunities for quality improvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and implement a stroke critical pathway to reduce excessive length of stay.
- To improve the timeliness of diagnostic procedures for stroke patients.
Main Methods:
- Initiated a critical pathway with interventions starting in the Emergency Department.
- Focused on improving the delivery time of carotid artery ultrasound examinations.
- Streamlined the process for obtaining head computed tomography (CT) scans and reports.
Main Results:
- Reduced average length of stay for stroke patients from 7.52 days to 6.33 days.
- Improved the delivery time for carotid artery ultrasound examinations.
- Enhanced the timeliness of head CT scans and report generation.
Conclusions:
- A stroke critical pathway effectively reduces length of stay.
- The implemented pathway improved the efficiency of diagnostic imaging services.
- Critical pathways are a valuable tool for enhancing stroke care quality and efficiency.