Abstract NS7: Improving Emergency Department Hemorrhagic Stroke Management

Abstract

Background and Issues: The Emergency Department lacked a formal hemorrhagic stroke process for the management and care of non-traumatic hemorrhagic patients which resulted in increased length of stay in the department and poor patient outcomes. Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to develop and implement a standard process of care for hemorrhagic stroke in our emergency department. Methods: This project was aimed at improving the overall emergency department management of hemorrhagic stroke patients by developing a standard process of care for this patient population. Project analysis began by identifying care opportunities. Our action plan was aimed at: developing a hemorrhagic stroke algorithm of care, implementing a hemorrhagic stroke paging process, implement best practice care for hemorrhagic stroke, develop a consulting services process, develop a power plan for hemorrhagic stroke, develop a data gathering method for tracking, and develop a hemorrhagic stroke feedback method. Results: Lessons learned from this project were that developing a standard process of care around this patient population led to better adherence to hemorrhagic stroke goals, management, and patient care. Conclusion: In conclusion, developing an emergency department hemorrhagic stroke process of care led to decreased length of stay in our emergency department, better adherence to hemorrhagic stroke goals, better management of blood pressure in this patient population, early recognition and awareness by caregivers and stroke team, and clearly defined consultation guidelines for streamlined patient care. Development of such a process raised the standard of care for this patient population and leads to overall improvement in patient management.