Abstract TP358: Creation and Utilization of Stroke Teaching Tool Increases Compliance of Stroke Patient Education

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Providing patients with stroke education is vital in secondary stroke risk reduction. A database was utilized which included an education measure that reflected the Joint Commission’s (JC) 5 core components for stroke education. In order to increase consistency with providing stroke patient education, a plan was developed to improve the education process. This plan included development of a carbon print Patient Health Log . PURPOSE: The purpose of this project was to increase consistency in providing stroke patient education with an emphasis on modifiable stroke risk factors. METHODS: A tool titled the Patient Health Log was created to include the JC 5 core components of stroke education. Nurses on the stroke unit were educated on rationale for standardization of stroke patient education and the completion of the Patient Health Log . Educational processes included: case reviews, discussion and review at staff meetings and daily safety briefings, open forum for clarifying questions, and educational flyers. Auditing of stroke education documentation in the EMR identified a need for improving stroke patient education. Collaboration with the stroke clinical nurse leader allowed for one on one staff education on all shifts. The tool was incorporated into the stroke education packet. The neuroscience nursing staff implemented the Patient Health Log in January 2012 for all patients with diagnosis of stroke. RESULTS: Stroke patient education and documentation were reflected in a database at 80% compliance prior to implementation of the Patient Health Log and intense education processes. In June 2012, six months after implementation of the tool, data analysis supported increased compliance with stroke patient education at 93.9%. CONCLUSION: Creation and implementation of a stroke teaching tool, in conjunction with modified nursing stroke education programs, has a positive impact on stroke patient education. The tool’s carbon format provides the patient with an individualized stroke risk reduction action plan to take to all multidisciplinary follow up appointments potentially increasing communication between providers in the outpatient setting.