Abstract W P362: Stroke Coordinators: Surveys from the ASA Southwest Affiliate

Abstract

Background: Stroke coordinators (SC) in Colorado meet monthly to share best practice and collaborate with the ASA and industry representatives. Based on informal observation, we believed that many of the coordinators were new in their roles and desired additional information and education on how to be successful. We teamed with the ASA and hosted two conferences; one for Colorado SCs and a larger conference for ASA Southwest affiliates. Demographic data was collected at both conferences. Methods: For the CO conference, surveys were sent to all SCs in the state. For the ASA conference, only those who attended were given the survey. Results were combined and content included: educational preparation, hospital volumes, certification status, reporting structure, orientation plan, role responsibilities, data expectations, and job satisfaction. Partial responses were included. Results: 94 surveys were returned. 70% were SCs for less than 2 years but 40% worked in their hospital for 1 - 5 years and 38% for >5 years. 32/41 worked at a primary stroke center (PSC) and 6/41 worked at a comprehensive stroke center. The majority (81%) were nurses (36% Diploma, 64% Bachelor’s prepared). 18% were Master’s prepared (NP, CNS, and MS in nursing but not NP or CNS). 43% either had a mentor or a structured orientation plan and exactly the same (43%) made up their orientation. 45% reported to Nursing, 40% to Quality, and few (2%) to Neurology. Respondents liked the ability to be creative and affect change at their hospital but disliked the lack of clarity in their role and the number of job functions they are expected to perform. Conclusion: SCs in the Southwest affiliate are primarily nurses with less than 2 years of experience as a SC who had worked at their hospital for at least 1 year but many for over 5 years. Most hospitals are PSCs. They equally had mentorship and training versus developing their role without much direction. SCs enjoy the ability to be creative and affect change but would like additional clarity and expectations to succeed in their roles.