Abstract WP294: Randomized Trial of an Attending Nurse Model of Care for Acute Stroke

Abstract

Introduction: Poor medication adherence and insufficient stroke related knowledge may contribute to worse outcomes. Hypothesis: A relationship-based attending nurse (AN) model of inpatient care for stroke patients will enhance medication adherence, stroke-related knowledge, and QOL after hospital discharge. Methods: We performed a pseudo-randomized trial of AN + standard care vs. standard care at a single comprehensive stroke center (CSC). We enrolled patients with ischemic stroke, TIA, or ICH. The AN intervention consisted of a dedicated nurse focused on individual patient goals, expectations, and disease related knowledge deficits. After discharge, subjects were consented and assessed via structured telephone interviews using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-4), Stroke Patient Education Retention tool (SPER), and Stroke Impact Scale (SIS). Results: We randomly allocated 278 subjects to AN and 392 to standard models of care; 47% and 43% consented to participate, respectively. Patients in the AN group tended to have more severe strokes and lower baseline health literacy on a single Health Read question (Table). Overall, no significant differences were observed in the MMAS-4, SPER, or SIS. However, among those with low baseline health literacy, medication adherence was nearly doubled in the AN group, but no significant effect was observed on other outcomes. Conclusion: Compared to standard nursing care alone, an attending nurse model did not improve medication adherence, stroke knowledge, or QOL in patients treated at a CSC. However, this intervention may hold promise and warrant further study in those with low baseline health literacy.