Abstract TP375: Using Characteristics of Secondary Ischemic Stroke Events to Improve Stroke Education Initiatives

Abstract

Purpose: While it is common practice for nursing to perform the duty of stroke education,it is not common to use secondary stroke event data to determine what aspect of stroke education should be emphasized for the greatest impact on secondary stroke prevention. The purpose of this descriptive study is to exam the characteristics of secondary stroke events using the TOAST (Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment) criteria so future educational initiatives can be customized to the needs of the local high risk population. Methods: The team collected data characteristics on all ischemic stroke admissions with previous admitting diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke. The strokes were further characterized using the TOAST (Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment) classification to determine any emerging patterns of both risk factors and etiological types. Conclusions: A total of n=51 admissions were previous adult stroke survivors, (M=30, F=21). Pre-morbid risk factors were as follows: hypertension=78%, type 2 diabetes=39%, hyperlipidemia =54%, smoking=8%, atrial fibrillation=24%. TOAST classification results: Large Vessel Atherosclerosis=14%, Cardioembolic =17%, Small Vessel Disease=3%, Other Known Cause=2%, Cryptogenic=15%. Summary: The results reveal a striking pattern of the presence of premorbid hypertension. While the TOAST classification did not have a single dominant type, but nearly equal distribution of large vessel atherosclerosis, cardioembolic, and small vessel disease etiologies. Not surprising, the decline in stroke mortality is felt to be due to improved blood pressure control, but in discharge stroke education, hypertension is not necessarily emphasized over other perhaps less impactful risk factors. Yet, the most recent acute ischemic stroke clinical guidelines gave providers a first-time recommendation to start or restart antihypertensive therapy in stable patients with BP > 140/90. Nursing has enough encouragement to take the lead on hypertension prevention education in appropriate stable patients ready for discharge. The next goal will be to develop a multimedia educational effort in patient stroke education on hypertension as a risk factor for secondary stroke prevention in this Comprehensive Stroke Center.