Acute stroke patients comparing outcomes with and without case management

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Healthcare Management
• Nursing

Background:

• Stroke poses significant societal and economic burdens.
• Interdisciplinary clinical pathways are recognized for optimizing stroke patient outcomes.
• Effective care delivery models are crucial for managing stroke patients in diverse healthcare settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a unit-based nursing case management model for stroke patients.
• To compare outcomes between unit-based case management and standard nursing care for non-hemorrhagic strokes.
• To evaluate the impact of case management on various aspects of stroke patient care and outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of 23 patients with non-hemorrhagic strokes.
• Comparison of unit-based nursing case management versus standard nursing care.
• Analysis of outcomes including interdisciplinary utilization, referral timeliness, patient education, discharge, and length of stay.

Main Results:

• Unit-based nursing case management demonstrated improved outcomes compared to standard care.
• Key differences were observed in interdisciplinary utilization, referral timeliness, and patient education.
• The case management model positively influenced discharge planning and communication.

Conclusions:

• A unit-based nursing case management model can effectively enhance stroke patient care in a rural hospital setting.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration is vital for maximizing positive stroke outcomes.
• This model shows promise for improving efficiency and patient satisfaction in stroke care.