Abstract T MP98: Stroke Coordinator Boot Camp: Training the Troops

Abstract

Background and Issues: The role of a Stroke Coordinator is multifaceted; demanding expertise in a number of areas including clinical competence, administrative aptitude, collaboration, team management, enhanced education skills, quality improvement, and data analysis proficiency. Few nurses possess all of these skills, and without them, are often frustrated and at risk to fail. Finding appropriate educational opportunities for professional development in this unique role is quite challenging. Purpose: To validate that new, as well as seasoned, stroke coordinators benefit from an intensive boot camp style conference geared to their diverse role. Conference content was designed to enhance programmatic skills, role development, provide best practices for improving their stroke organization, and promote networking with fellow professionals. Methods: Established a volunteer committee of national experts from the five state region with expertise in stroke program management and implementation: • Developed a pre-event survey to assess educational needs • Conducted an educational gap analysis • Conceptualized: & designed a comprehensive educational experience • Conducted a one-day intensive boot camp-style program at 3 different locations with following presentations: o ISC 2014 Hot Topics o Traditional and emerging role of the stroke coordinator o Quality: improvement/data analysis o Validating the stroke coordinator role o CMS, Affordable Care Act, Meaningful Use Results: Boot camp attendees were asked to complete a ten question post-event survey with six possible responses: No change, Strongly Disagree, Disagree, Agree, Strongly Agree, and N/A. Of the 325 attendees an impressive 74% response rate (240) was achieved. Our success was measured by those with a score of Agree or Strongly Agree. Overall for the 10 topics, we had a success rate of 95.56%. Attendees requested that this be repeated annually. Conclusions: The role of the stroke coordinator continues to evolve. It is imperative that those individuals not only have the clinical skills to perform those roles but also the key components described above in order to effectively lead quality stroke programs. This educational format was successful and can be replicated in other parts of the country.