Abstract W P353: Stroke Beat the Clock: A Lesson in Staff Engagement for Quality Stroke Care

Abstract

Background and Purpose: The introduction and continued growth in electronic medical record use introduced overall challenges in filtering critical information on stroke and TIA patients, and an opportunity for improvement in chart navigation in the care of stroke patients. The purpose for the game was to improve the ease of navigating the patient’s course of treatment from arrival through discharge in a timely and efficient manner. Methods: The game was developed to familiarize the stroke unit staff nurses with pertinent information in the electronic medical record. The navigational guide was distributed to the staff for study or review prior to the onset of the game. Each day tracers were completed using designated charts for speed, accuracy and care plan development. Prizes were given for participation, champions posted daily and the overall winners were recognized by the department as well as a hospital board member, a local stroke champion. Results: Every participating nurse improved in both time and accuracy during the eight week period. There was an increased participation of this new process as it afforded the staff the ability to independently summarize a patient’s course of treatment in a shortened period of time. Subsequently, there were requests for similar tools for additional disease processes. Concurrent chart reviews showed better documentation in plan of care development, increased productivity, and improved connection with patient and family members. Conclusions: Stroke Beat the Clock proved to be an effective tool in teaching the nurses how to navigate the electronic medical record for pertinent information from patient arrival to discharge accurately. Improvements in speed with consistency provided the nurses a better understanding of patient care as they coordinate with the multidisciplinary team involved in stroke care and recovery.