Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Research Articles

Abstract WMP99: A Novel Network Analysis of County- and Individual-Level Factors Associated With Functional Outcomes After Stroke

Background: Social circumstances may contribute to health disparities in patients with stroke through indirect and interdependent mechanisms that are not well understood. Objective: This study used complexity science methodology to examine the interplay between county- and individual-level social and clinical factors influencing stroke functional outcomes. Methods: As part of the Get With the Guidelines-Stroke (GWTG-S) Data Challenge, the GWTG-S Registry was merged with county-level Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation data. Patients diagnosed with stroke (ischemic, subarachnoid, or intracerebral hemorrhage) were included. Multilayer networks were constructed by estimating mixed graphical models of 32 nodes across four layers, including social (county- and patient-level) and clinical (comorbidities and encounter) factors. Social determinant networks were estimated for patients with less favorable (ie., functional dependence or death, modified Rankin Score [mRS] 3-6) versus favorable outcomes (ie., functional independence, mRS 0-2). Network structure and node centrality were compared between mRS groups using bootstrap permutation analyses. Hub nodes were defined by betweenness centrality and facilitate effects across the network. Results: From 2013-2019, 990 721 (62.3%) stroke patients had mRS of 3-6 and 597 477 (37.6%) had mRS 0-2 at discharge. Compared to the mRS 0-2 group, the mRS 3-6 group’s social determinants network had greater global connectivity (p<0.001), and homelessness (p<0.001) and Black race (p<0.001) were hub nodes. Unique to the mRS 3-6 group, younger patients were more likely to identify as homeless (p=0.031), uninsured (p=0.001), and live in a county with lower per capita income (p<0.001). Conclusions: The effects of social determinants were significantly greater in patients with less favorable functional outcomes. Homelessness and race play critical roles in mediating the impacts of county- and individual-level social determinants on downstream disparities in stroke outcomes. Particularly among younger patients, housing, insurance status, and income may serve as a critical leverage point for county-level interventions to improve function after stroke.

Abstract TMP5: Intravenous Thrombolysis Influence After Successful Mechanical Thrombectomy For Large Vessel Occlusion; Not To Skip Tpa Yet!

Background: Despite the high rates of successful reperfusion in the randomized mechanical thrombectomy (MT) trials, only 27% of large vessel occlusion (LVO) patients treated successfully with MT achieved functional independence at 90 days. One proposed theory is impaired distal reperfusion with persistent small thrombi within the microcirculation despite complete recanalization “the no-Reflow phenomenon”. These distal small thrombi would be more suitable to dissolve by thrombolytics. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort obtained from Get with the guidelines stroke (GWGS) database available at Medical University of South Carolina Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC) for LVO patients presented within 4.5 hours of last known well (LNW) between January/2018- June/2022. We aim to investigate the influence of intravenous thrombolysis (IVTPA) on the functional independence mRS (0-2) after a successful MT defined as modified thrombolysis score (mTICI2c-3). Results: Of 188 LVO patients who achieved successful reperfusion (TICI2c-3) during the study period, 93 (49%) arrived at our CSC within 4.5 hours of LSW, of them 40 patients (43%) received IVTPA. There was no difference in age, gender, race and initial NIHSS between patients who received IVTPA and those who did not receive IVTPA. Patients received IVTPA arrived at the CSC earlier [median LNW 60 min IQR (51 - 151) vs 165 min (IQR 103- 214), p = <0.001), and had higher ASPECTS score [median 9, IQR (8-10) vs 7, IQR (7-10) p= 0.027]. There was no difference in the collaterals score, clot burden score, site of LVO, tandem nature, door to reperfusion times, post-procedural intracranial hemorrhage or stroke etiology between the two groups. Discharge functional independence mRS (0-2) was achieved more in IVTPA group 65% vs 42% p= 0.025. After adjusting for ASPECTS score, IVTPA patients had higher odds of achieving mRS (0-2) at discharge compared to patients who did not receive IVTPA within 4.5 hours of LNW [aOR 2.42, 95%CI (1.02- 5.75), p= 0.046]. Conclusion: Intravenous thrombolysis can still influence LVO stroke patients' outcomes with complete revascularization. This positive effect might be related to distal microthrombi thrombolysis and subsequent improvement of the microcirculation flow beyond the occlusion site

Abstract P877: Race-Ethnic Disparities in Intracerebral Hemorrhage Outcomes

Introduction: Prior literature has reported differences in outcomes following stroke by race/ethnicity. While more attention has been focused on ischemic stroke, we sought to identify race/ethnic disparities in hospital outcomes at discharge following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Methods: Data were obtained from the Florida Stroke Registry (FSR) consisting of stroke centers utilizing the Get With the Guidelines-Stroke (GWTG-S) tool. Pearson Chi-square and Kruskall-Wallis tests were used to compare descriptive statistics by race/ethnicity on 26,113 Florida cases with ICH discharged 2010-2018. Outcomes at discharge included in-hospital mortality, disposition, ambulation, modified Rankin Scale score & timing of initiation of comfort measures only (CMO). Generalized estimating equations logistic models accounted for age, sex, insurance, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, prior anti-coagulant/platelet use, history of stroke/TIA, admission NIHSS, ICH score, arrival mode, hospital size, teaching status & years in GWTG-S. Results: 65% were non-Hispanic White (NHW), 20% non-Hispanic Black (NHB) and 15% Hispanic. NHB were younger at ICH onset (median 60, IQR 52-71; NHW: 71, 58-81; Hispanic: 69, 52-80; p < 0.0001), had higher risk of hypertension (HTN; 74%; NHW: 66%; Hispanic: 64%; p < 0.0001), diabetes (29%; NHW: 20%; Hispanic: 27%; p < 0.0001), smoking (14%; NHW: 12%; Hispanic: 9%; p < 0.0001) and chronic renal insufficiency (8%; NHW: 4%; Hispanic: 4% ; p < 0.0001). NHW had higher risk of dyslipidemia (35%; NHB: 21%; Hispanic: 27%; p < 0.0001), atrial fibrillation/flutter (20%; NHB: 6%; Hispanic: 10%; p < 0.0001) and a higher use of prior anticoagulants (13%; NHB: 6%, Hispanic: 8%, p < 0.0001). NHB had lower odds of in-hospital mortality (adjusted OR=0.77, 95% CI=[0.61-0.96]) and CMO on days 0/1 (0.63, 0.45-0.87) compared to NHW. Conclusions: Differences in risk factor profiles, such as higher rates of HTN in NHB and greater use of anticoagulants among NHW, raises the possibility of tailoring preventive and acute care responses to ICH by race/ethnicity. Moreover, despite observing persistently lower odds of mortality and CMO among NHB after adjustment, more data are needed to identify the unobserved effects leading to these disparities.

Abstract 256: Length of Stay, Type of Stroke and NIHSS Score in Persons With Self-reported Diabetes

In the U.S., diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death and 65% of these deaths are attributable to cardiovascular disease or stroke or to both. Among patients admitted for acute stroke, diabetes was associated with a higher risk of death, functional dependency and stroke recurrence. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the relationship between length of stay (LOS), type of stroke [ischemic stroke (IS), Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH), Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH)] and the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) in patients admitted to the hospital with an initial diagnosis of stroke or TIA and self-reported diabetes. There were N=5105 subjects (2448 males and 2657 females) in our center’s Get With The Guidelines-Stroke (GWTG-S) database from April 2014 to March 2019. Age, race, sex, insurance type, lipids and lipoproteins, initial serum glucose on admission, blood pressure, stroke type, and initial stroke severity (NIHSS) were the variables analyzed in a multiple regression analysis, with p <0.05 considered statistically significant. Mean LOS was 7.4 days (d) (range 0-119 d). LOS was negatively associated with age (as age (years) increased, the length of stay decreased by 0.05 d). We found that LOS to be positively associated with NIHSS score. Compared to those with mild NIHSS (0-5), those with severe NIHSS (>10) had LOS increased by 4.3 d, whereas moderate NIHSS (6-10) had LOS increased by 1.9 d. When compared with IS, we found that TIA was associated with a 2.6 d decrease in LOS whereas SAH and ICH were associated with a 6.7 and 3 d increase, respectively. Insurance type also was associated with LOS. Those on Medicaid had a 2.7 d increase in LOS compared to those who had Medicare. No statistically significant difference was found between Medicare and private insurance. There was no difference between ethnicities and LOS among our subjects. As expected, higher initial serum glucose level was positively associated with increased LOS. Specifically, for every 1 unit increase in initial serum glucose level was an associated 0.01 d increase in LOS. Thus, in the current study, we demonstrated that diabetes and initial serum glucose level continue to be important criteria in estimating the LOS in person admitted with a stroke. We recommend that these variables be considered for discharge planning and length of stay benchmarks in persons with history of diabetes.

Abstract TP383: Ischemic Stroke Patients With Diabetes Looking for Practices in Need of Improvement

Background/Purpose: Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. Diabetes is an independent risk factor for stroke. Diabetes is a common co-morbidity in stroke patients and is associated with poor outcomes after stroke. Get with the Guidelines - Stroke (GWTG-S) Registry database provides a rich opportunity to look at disease-specific data and find opportunities for improving care. The purpose of this study was to examine specific elements of acute ischemic stroke care in patients with diabetes using the GWTG-S at Comprehensive and Primary Stroke Centers in Northeast of America. Methods: A retrospective, descriptive study at both a Comprehensive and Primary Stroke Center. The analysis focused on patients with ischemic stroke and diabetes entered in the GWTG-S from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2017. Data were analyzed looking at measures specific to stroke and the presence of diabetes. General demographic data were examined to compare populations and quality outcome measures. Results: The sample of patients with ischemic stroke and diabetes was over 1,000 patient’s at the two sites (Comprehensive site N = 804, Primary site N = 203) Incidence of ischemic stroke with diabetes at the two sites were 32% and 26%, respectively. Demographic data were similar in most categories including age, race, and gender. Significant differences were found in regard to the type of insurance. Stroke care outcomes indicated thrombolytic administration rates were the same at 8%. Diabetes care outcomes indicated patients discharged on insulin occurred in 18% to 26% of the sample. Conclusion/Implications for Practice: Ischemic stroke patients with diabetes were shown to receive similar care at both a comprehensive and primary care stroke center. There were no differences between centers in thrombolysis treatment for ischemic stroke patients with diabetes. Several opportunities for improvement in diabetes-related care need to be addressed.

Abstract TP364: Optimization of Data Abstraction and Quality Measure Reporting using EHR

Background and Purpose: Despite significant investment in EHR’s, most stroke centers continue to populate stroke registries, such as Get with the Guidelines - Stroke using manual abstraction. This is necessary because of a lack of EHR integration and persistence of non-discrete required data elements. Methods: American Heart Association (AHA) identified the need to offer a more interoperable version of Get with the Guidelines - Stroke (GWTG-S) as a strategic priority for 2016. AHA engaged a consultant to work with two pilot hospital locations to optimize stroke data collection in the EHR and allowing for automated data population into GWTG-S. The pilot work included: 1) Analysis of current documentation and abstraction methods to support reporting of performance data; 2) Design and implementation of improvement opportunities for a) Discrete capture of data elements for electronic reporting b) Improving clinical documentation and ordering c) Clinical decision support and d) Data structures and transmission. 3) Proof-of-concept data extract report; 4) ROI analysis for improvement opportunities and 5) Proposed implementation strategies and timelines for improvement opportunities. Results: The pilot sites implemented Epic tools including Orders, Notes, Narrators and Flowsheets to increase the percentage of discrete elements available for uploading into GWTG-S and to populate hospital quality reporting systems Conclusion: The optimization process improved stroke team ability to:1) Decrease manual abstraction, and allow the stroke team to conduct more concurrent review and handle additional patients without additional staff; 2) Quantify data collection; abstraction; and analysis processes for the emergency department team; neurology; interventional team; and stroke unit; 3) Leverage EHR tools for the clinical team to improve utilization; and 4) Demonstrated the critical collaboration between clinical operations and the information technology team.

Abstract TP298: Examining the Relationship Between Continuing Education in Communication and Stroke Patient Outcomes

Background and Objectives: Successful physician-patient meetings require effective communication between both the patient and the physician, which is linked to improved patient outcomes and increased patient satisfaction. Yet, communication is often not a focus of continuing education (CE). The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between physician CE and stroke patient outcomes. Methods: Archival data for the 2015 and 2016 calendar years was collected from two American Heart Association databases: The Professional Education Center (PEC) and Get With The Guidelines (GWTG) Stroke. Relative to the PEC, courses with communication competency as a learning objective were reviewed, and 284 Midwest (IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD, and WI) hospitals with attendees in these courses were analyzed. The GWTG Stroke database was used to collect stroke patient outcomes data on in-hospital mortality rate (MR), disability rate (DR), treatment related complication rate (TRCR), and average length of stay (ALOS). Readmission rate (RR) data as part of stroke patient outcomes was collected via Centers for Medicare and Medicaid database. Results: Quantitative analysis demonstrated that CE in communication and RR as an indicator of stroke patient outcomes were statistically significantly negatively correlated and the strength of the relationship doubled over the two-year study period. Hospital type influenced these findings, with non-profit hospitals having lower RR. This result suggests the number of CE classes offered at a hospital is an independent predictor of RR. There was no significant relationship between CE in communication and MR, DR, TRCR, and ALOS. Conclusions: This study was among the early investigations aimed at examining the relationship between CE in communication and stroke patient outcomes. These findings are important to improving leadership development of physicians, engagement and retention of physicians, engagement of patients, and enhancement of medical curricula. Finally, these findings may also inform healthcare policy makers, strategic decision makers, those providing direct clinical care, as well as academic program directors and course developers at universities with medical or healthcare programs.

Long-Term Impact of Implementation of a Stroke Protocol on Door-to-Needle Time in the Administration of Intravenous Tissue Plasminogen Activator

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of implementing a stroke protocol (SP) in improving door-to-needle time (DTNT) and door-to-computed tomography (DTCT) time from 2010 to 2014. Published data from the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke (GWTGS) participating hospitals showed that median DTNT = 75 minutes with 26.6% of the patients achieving the recommended DTNT of 60 minutes or less. Implementation of an SP, which specifies the role of nurses, physicians, and technicians during acute stroke evaluation, can improve DTNT. This longitudinal quality assurance study was designed to compare the DTNT and the DTCT time pre- and post implementation of an SP in our hospital. Patients' data before (2009-2010) and after (2010-2014) the implementation of an SP were collected each year during the same 6-month period and compared using statistical software SPSS 20.0 for Windows (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). Although our DTNT did not significantly improve over the years, the median DTNT (59 minutes) was much less than the reported 75 minutes of GWTGS hospitals. Our DTCT time diminished from 20.6 minutes in 2009 to 15.9 minutes in 2014. The percentage of patients with a DTNT of 1 hour or less did not differ among all years (P = .296) and was 55.8%. Our study suggests that our performance in evaluating acute ischemic stroke patients within the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association suggested time window is reachable for prolonged periods of time. Continuous monitoring and education of all players involved are crucial to ensure best possible outcomes in the timely administration of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator.

Abstract TMP76: Stroke Quality-of-care Metrics in Comprehensive and Primary Stroke Centers and Non-stroke Centers

Introduction: Measuring the quality of stroke care has become increasingly important, but real-world data are limited, especially because many hospitals do not track their own statistics. We sought to determine differences in quality-of-care metrics for ischemic stroke (IS) among non-stroke centers, primary stroke centers (PSC), and comprehensive stroke centers (CSC). Methods: The Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky (GCNK) Stroke Study measures temporal trends in the incidence of stroke in a biracial population of 1.3 million. Adult IS cases in 2010 from the GCNK region were ascertained from all local hospitals via ICD-9 codes 430-436 using retrospective chart review. Hospitals included 10 non-stroke centers, 2 PSCs, and 1 PSC that earned CSC status in 2013. Differences in IS patients’ demographics, medical histories, and quality measures were evaluated among hospital categories using chi-square, Fisher’s exact, and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Quality measures were matched to Get With The Guidelines-Stroke (GWTG-S) when possible, although data regarding the appropriateness for non-treatment were not available. Results: In 2010, there were 1,981 IS patients in our population (55% female, 21% black) with a median age of 71 years. Of these, 83 were transferred to a different hospital type. There were significant differences in the demographics and medical histories of IS patients, as well as the majority of quality measures, with the CSC and PSCs demonstrating greater compliance with most metrics. (Table) Conclusions: We found significant hospital-level differences in both premorbid patient characteristics and quality-of-care metrics depending on the hospital stroke certification status. To our knowledge, this is the first measurement of best-practice care specifically involving hospitals not participating in national quality improvement programs, such as GWTG-S. These differences may help inform quality improvement efforts across hospital types.

Abstract TP175: Migraines and the Risk of Hemorrhagic Stroke

Background and Objectives: Migraine is a common neurological disorder affecting 38 million people in the United States. Hemorrhagic stroke accounts for 13% of all stroke cases and the risk of having a hemorrhagic stroke is 94 in 100,000 or 0.94%. There are two types of hemorrhagic stroke; intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Previous research has investigated the association between migraine and vascular disease, with several studies demonstrating a possible link between migraines and ischemic stroke. The relationship between migraine and hemorrhagic stroke remains unclear. Methods: A retrospective review from January 2012-December 2014 of hemorrhagic stroke patients (n=3682) from 30 Michigan hospitals using a Get With the Guidelines (GWTG) database was conducted. Stroke subtypes and patient medical histories were examined. This sample set was comprised of 46.95% males and 53.05% females. Results: It was found that the risk for hemorrhagic stroke increased from 0.94% to 2.12% with a medical history of migraines. The risk of ICH with a history of migraine in this study was 1.41%, while the risk of SAH with a history of migraine was 3.11%. The median age for a hemorrhagic stroke in this sample set was 67 years. A patient with a medical history that included migraines, had a median hemorrhagic stroke age of 55 years. Of these patients with a history of migraine who developed a hemorrhagic stroke, 74.7% were female and 25.3% were male. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that a higher risk of hemorrhagic stroke is associated with a history of migraines. The median age for an individual with a hemorrhagic stroke and history of migraine was significantly lower (12 years) than the median age of the sample, which indicates that migraines as a risk factor for stroke might be more significant in middle age. Additionally, this risk seemed to impact females much more than males. A limitation of this study is that GWTG Stroke does not include whether the patient has a migraine with or without aura. Migraine with aura has been associated at a higher rate with ischemic stroke than migraine without aura. It would be beneficial for future studies regarding migraine and hemorrhagic stroke to include whether the migraine was associated with or without aura.

Abstract TP311: Does Age Affect Race/Ethnic Differences in Discharge Ambulation Status? Data From the Florida Puerto Collaboration to Reduce Stroke Disparities (FL-PR CReSD) Study - The NINDS Stroke Prevention Intervention Research Program

Background: Among stroke survivors, worse functional outcomes have been reported in race/ethnic minority groups. Race/ethnic differences in post-stroke independent ambulation may be evident early and largely influenced by age. Independent ambulation is defined as the ability to walk without supervision or assistance from another person. Discharge ambulation status may have implications for long term rehabilitation after stroke. We sought to determine the impact of age on race/ethnic differences in discharge ambulation status in the large NINDS-funded FL-PR CReSD Registry of Get With The Guidelines-Stroke (GWTG-S) data. Methods: Discharge ambulation status was analyzed for 51,859 acute ischemic stroke (AIS) survivors from 69 FL and 13 PR sites. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to test whether age modifies the relationship between race/ethnicity and independent ambulation at discharge (IAD). Stratified analyses were performed in 3 age groups: 18-64, 65-79, 80+. Models were adjusted for sex, vascular risk factors, independent ambulation status at admission and hospital characteristics. Results: IAD was achieved in 52%, of which 71% were non-Hispanic White (NHW), 13% NH Black (NHB), 12% FL Hispanic (FLH), and 4% PR Hispanic (PRH). IAD was most common in NHW (57%), followed by FLH (53%), NHB (47%), and PRH (40%). Older age was associated with lower odds of IAD (18-64: 68%, 65-79: 54%, 80+: 32%). After full adjustment, IAD was less likely in older [65-79 vs 18-64: OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.63-0.73; 80+: OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.32-0.39] and NHB vs. NHW patients [OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.78-0.92]. In age-stratified analyses, NHBs were less likely than NHWs to achieve IAD among those age 65-79 (47% vs. 57%) and 80+ (29% vs 34%) [OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.70-0.90; OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.65-0.88]. This association was not seen in the 18-64 age group (66% vs 69%), [OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.88-1.06]. Conclusions: About half of AIS survivors are unable to ambulate independently after stroke at discharge. Elderly NHB are less likely to IAD, though the disparity is not observed in working age adults. Post-stroke ambulation is a public health issue that substantially contributes to the economic burden of US healthcare. Further studies are warranted to identify causes of race/ethnic disparities in IAD.

Abstract TMP81: Regional, Race-Ethnic and Sex Disparities in Lifestyle Interventions: Data from the Florida Puerto Rico Collaboration to Reduce Stroke Disparities (FL-PR CReSD) Study - the NINDS Stroke Prevention Intervention Research Program

Background: As key components of the AHA Life’s Simple 7 campaign, lifestyle modifications play an integral role in the prevention of vascular disease. Little is known about the prevalence of lifestyle modification counseling in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We sought to investigate disparities in the delivery of lifestyle interventions to AIS patients in the large NINDS-funded FL-PR CReSD Registry of Get With The Guidelines-Stroke (GWTG-S) data. Methods: GWTG-S collects data on the provision of several lifestyle interventions including counseling on exercise/weight loss, Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) diet, diabetes (DM) education and antihypertensive (low sodium) diet. 80,598 AIS cases were prospectively included from 82 sites (69 FL; 13 PR) from 2010-2016. Multilevel logistic regression models adjusted for age, race, and aphasia were used to evaluate differences in the provision of lifestyle interventions as indicated for patients prior to hospital discharge. Results: Among AIS cases, 51% were men, 62% non-Hispanic White (NHW), 18% NH-Black (NHB), 13% FL-Hispanic (FLH), and 6% PR-Hispanic (PRH). Mean age was 71±14 years. The highest mean BMI was in PRH (29±7 kg/m 2 ), with the lowest in NHW (27±6 kg/m 2 ) and FLH (28±6 kg/m 2 ). Despite this, PRH were less likely to receive exercise/weight loss counseling compared to NHW (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.20-0.90) and FLH (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.22-0.97). PRH also had lower odds of receiving TLC diet counseling compared to NHW and FLH (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.15-0.68). Though NHB presented with higher rates of DM compared to NHW (38% vs. 25%), they were less likely to receive DM education (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.91-0.99). Women were less likely to receive TLC diet counseling (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.90-0.98) and DM education (OR 0.94, CI 0.92-0.97) compared to men. Despite higher HTN frequency in women and NHB (67% and 69%), both were less likely to receive low sodium diet recommendations as compared to men (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.92-0.97) and NHW (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.91-0.99). Conclusion: Overall, disparities were identified in the provision of several lifestyle interventions in AIS patients. These interventions can benefit all and providers should continue counseling patients regarding modifiable risk factors to prevent future stroke.

Abstract WP411: Evaluation of Strategies to Reduce Time to Revascularization in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background: There is growing support for the need for process improvement surrounding treatment of acute ischemic stroke, specifically, reducing time to reperfusion in endovascular therapy (EVT). Streamlining protocols from patient presentation to revascularization can lead to improved timelines to treatment and functional outcomes. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the impact on specific hospital based process improvement strategies in the acute ischemic stroke patient population undergoing endovascular therapy with specific intent to decrease median arrival to revascularization time, thus increasing the potential for good functional outcome. Methods: The study includes a pre- and post-intervention retrospective review of patients 18 years or older, hospital admission between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2015, who underwent EVT for treatment acute ischemic stroke. The primary outcome variable was time from arrival to revascularization during the acute ischemic stroke admission. The secondary outcome variables were specific to functional outcome analysis in the acute ischemic stroke patient. The data points were collected from the local America Heart Association’s Get with the Guidelines-Stroke (GWTG) dataset. Results: Twenty eight consecutive endovascular ischemic stroke patients were reviewed, pre process improvement (PI) (Group 1, n=10) and post PI (Group 2, n=18). There were no significant differences between baseline characteristics between the groups. The primary outcome analysis revealed significant improvement in door to revascularization between the pre and post PI groups, 2:56 and 2:11 (p=.002) respectively, a 45 minute decrease in time to treatment. Rates of good clinical outcomes (modified Rankin Scale 0-2 at 3 months) were similar in both groups, 33.3% pre PI and 46.2% post PI (p=0.59). Conclusions: Hospital based PI initiatives including: early notification, streamlined transport process, and utilization of feedback tool significantly improve door to revascularization times and can potentially lead to improved functional outcomes in the acute ischemic stroke patient undergoing EVT.

Abstract WP285: Sex Disparities in Stroke Care in Puerto Rico Hospitals Participating in the Florida-Puerto Rico Collaboration to Reduce Stroke Disparities (FL-PR CReSD) Study

Background: Sex is a contributing factor to inequalities in stroke care. In line with the aims of the FL-PR CReSD Study to assess Get With The Guidelines-Stroke (GWTG-S) quality improvement data, we sought to compare stroke performance metrics by sex among 9 GWTG-S participating Puerto Rico hospitals from 2010-2014. Methods: Age and NIHSS-adjusted hierarchical generalized linear models, stratified by sex, were evaluated for the following GWTG-S performance metrics: IV tPA treatment, early antithrombotic therapy, DVT prophylaxis, antithrombotic therapy at discharge, anticoagulation therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF) at discharge, statin medication at discharge, smoking cessation counseling, defect-free care (compliance with all performance measures), in addition to CT scan ≤25 minutes and door-to-IV tPA administration ≤60 minutes of hospital arrival. Results: Among 3,277 acute ischemic stroke cases, 48% were women. As compared to men, women were older (72±14 vs. 68±13 years, P<0.0001) with higher NIHSS scores (10±8.5 vs. 9±7.7, P=0.005). Women were less likely to receive IV tPA ≤ 4.5 hours among eligible patients arriving ≤ 3.5 hours (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.51-0.98, P=0.04), early antithrombotic therapy (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.75-0.97, P=0.02), DVT prophylaxis (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.88-0.99, P=0.03), statin medication at discharge (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.78-0.93, P=0.0001), and anticoagulation for AF at discharge (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.49-0.92, P=0.01) despite having higher rates of AF at admission (11% vs. 7%, P=0.001). Rates of IV tPA for patients arriving ≤ 2 hours, antithrombotic therapy at discharge, and smoking cessation counseling showed no sex differences. While women were less likely to have a CT scan ≤ 25 minutes of hospital arrival compared to men (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.74-0.93, P=0.002), no difference was found in door-to-IV tPA administration ≤ 60 minutes. Although an overall temporal improvement in defect-free care was observed from 2010-2014 (31% to 63%, P<.0001), women were less likely to receive this measure than men (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.85-0.97, P=0.007). Conclusions: Overall, stroke care remains lower for Puerto Rican women than men. Continued adoption of the GWTG-S quality improvement program may help reduce sex disparities in quality of care across the island.

Abstract TMP67: Sex Disparities in Atrial Fibrillation as a Predictor of Poor Discharge Disposition After Ischemic Stroke Hospitalization: The Florida-Puerto Rico Collaboration to Reduce Stroke Disparities (FL-PR CReSD) Study

Background: It is unknown whether atrial fibrillation (AF) is responsible for increased morbidity and disability seen in women with ischemic stroke. We sought to determine whether patients with ischemic stroke and AF had poorer outcomes than ischemic stroke patients without AF and whether this effect is more pronounced among women. Methods: We analyzed data from the FL-PR CReSD Study, a large quality improvement registry of Florida (N=66) and Puerto Rico (N=9) hospitals based on the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke (GWTG-S) program. Discharge disposition was utilized as a surrogate marker for morbidity and disability, with discharge to home or rehabilitation in comparison to other discharge dispositions (skilled nursing facility, hospice or died). Multilevel generalized linear models were used to evaluate AF and sex disparities in discharge disposition adjusted for demographics, risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, heart failure, previous stroke/TIA), and NIHSS and CHADS2 scores. Results: We examined a total of 55,945 ischemic stroke patients, of whom 11,797 (21%) had AF at discharge. AF patients were older than non-AF patients (79.0±10.9 years vs. 68.7±14.4 years), had higher proportion of women (54% vs. 49%) and more severe strokes (mean NIHSS 10±9 vs. 7±7). Among AF patients, women were older (81±10 vs. 76±11 years) and had greater NIHSS (11±9 vs. 9±8) and CHADS2 scores (3.9±0.9 vs. 3.7±1.0) than men. Overall, AF patients were less likely discharged to home or rehabilitation than those without AF (54% vs. 71%, OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.89-0.98). There was a significant effect modification between AF and discharge disposition by sex. In stratified analyses by sex, AF was associated with less discharged to home or rehabilitation among women (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.79-0.91), but not among men (OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.96-1.11). Conclusion: Women with AF were less likely discharged to home or rehabilitation facility after ischemic stroke. Baseline differences in age, stroke severity, risk factors, and comorbidities between men and women had little impact on the poorer outcome and discharge disposition after ischemic stroke in women. Further studies are warranted to identify the causes of sex-specific differences in stroke outcomes for patients with AF.

Abstract T P261: Stroke Care Improvement Trends in Puerto Rico Hospitals Participating in the Florida-Puerto Rico Collaboration to Reduce Stroke Disparities (FL-PR CReSD) Study - the NINDS Stroke Prevention Intervention Research Program

Background: Racial and ethnic disparities in stroke care are known to contribute to inequality in stroke outcomes. The goal of the FL-PR CReSD Study is to assess and evaluate Get With The Guidelines-Stroke (GWTG-S) quality improvement data collected among Florida and Puerto Rico hospitals to evaluate for race-ethnic, sex, and regional disparities in stroke performance metrics. We sought to analyze the temporal trends in stroke performance metrics among the 9 hospitals located in Puerto Rico from 2010 to 2013. Methods: Age-adjusted temporal trends were evaluated in the following GWTG-S pre-defined performance measures (IV tPA treatment within 3 hours among eligible patients arriving in 2 hours, in-hospital antithrombotic therapy, DVT prophylaxis, antithrombotic therapy at discharge, anticoagulation therapy, statin medication at discharge, and smoking cessation counseling) and defect-free care (compliance with all 7 performance measures). Results: The mean age of 3,094 registered stroke cases was 69.5 ± 14.0 years, 50% were men, and 2,184 (71%) were diagnosed as ischemic strokes. Defect-free care occurred in 60% of ischemic stroke patients. Lower performance metrics were found for IV tPA treatment (78%), DVT prophylaxis (64%), and statin medication at discharge (83%). An additional IV tPA measure of treatment by 4.5 hours when arriving by 3.5 hours was observed in 65% of patients. The performance metrics that significantly improved over time from 2010 to 2013 included: IV tPA treatment within 3 hours (64% to 87%, p=0.04), DVT prophylaxis (33% to 87%, p<0.0001), statin medication at discharge (78% to 87%, p=0.01), and defect-free care (37% to 79%, p<0.0001). Conclusions: In only four years, Puerto Rico hospitals participating in GWTG-S showed significant improvement across all pre-defined acute stroke performance measures. Wider implementation of quality improvement programs like GWTG-S among the 3.7 million inhabitants of Puerto Rico could further improve acute stroke care.

Abstract W P283: Race-Ethnic Stroke Disparities in the Florida-Puerto Rico Collaboration to Reduce Stroke Disparities Study - The NINDS Stroke Prevention Intervention Research Program

Background: Race-ethnic disparities in stroke care can contribute to inequality in stroke outcomes. We sought to determine the disparities in stroke performance metrics by race-ethnicity in a voluntary stroke registry of Florida and Puerto Rico Get With The Guidelines-Stroke (GWTG-S) data. Methods: Sixty-three sites who had enrolled in the FL-PR Stroke Registry (54 FL; 9 PR) recorded 38,684 ischemic stroke cases from 2010 to 2013. Generalized linear regression models were used to evaluate race-ethnic differences in 7 pre-defined acute stroke performance measures and defect-free care (IV tPA treatment, in-hospital antithrombotic therapy, DVT prophylaxis, antithrombotic therapy at discharge, anticoagulation therapy, statin medication at discharge, and smoking cessation counseling), adjusting for age and region (FL vs. PR). Results: Of acute ischemic stroke cases, 63% were non-Hispanic White (NHW), 18% NH-Black (NHB), and 17% Hispanic. The mean age was 71±14 years. NHW were older (73±14), followed by Hispanics (70±14), and NHB (63±14); p<0.0001. Defect-free care was better among NHB (78%) and NHW (76%) than in Hispanics (68%), p<0.0001. Defect-free care improved over time and the race-ethnic disparity decreased (2010: NHW 61%, NHB 64%, Hispanic 46%, p<0.0001; 2013: 91%, 91%, 86%, p=0.47 respectively). NHW were most likely to receive IV tPA treatment (arrived by 2 hours and treated by 3 hours; 88%) and early antithrombotic treatment (96%). Hispanics were least likely to receive DVT prophylaxis (76%), anticoagulation (92%), statins (89%), and smoking cessation counseling (93%). Conclusions: Race-ethnic disparities in acute stroke care are evident yet decreasing, coinciding with improvements in quality of care over time in Florida and Puerto Rico hospitals participating in GWTG-S. Special stroke quality improvement programs to target areas where performance is less than expected and minimize race-ethnic disparities are necessary to improve stroke care for all Americans.

Abstract T P262: Lower Thrombolysis Rates in Women with Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Florida-Puerto Rico Collaboration to Reduce Stroke Disparities Study - The NINDS Stroke Prevention Intervention Research Program

Background: Higher prevalence of stroke in women and sex-specific disparities in stroke care are reported. We sought to determine sex-specific differences in stroke performance metrics in a large quality improvement registry of Florida and Puerto Rico based on Get With The Guidelines-Stroke (GWTG-S). Methods: 38,684 (49% women) acute ischemic stroke patients were included from 63 sites (54 FL; 9 PR) from 2010 to 2013. Logistic regression was used to evaluate sex-specific differences in defect-free care (IV tPA therapy, in-hospital antithrombotic therapy, DVT prophylaxis, antithrombotic therapy at discharge, anticoagulation therapy, statin medication at discharge, smoking cessation counseling) adjusting for age and race-ethnicity. Results: As compared to men, women were older (73±15 vs. 69±14 years; p<0.0001), less likely Hispanic (17% vs. 18%; p=0.0001), with lower age- and race-ethnic-adjusted rates of hypertension (34% vs. 37%; p=0.0009) and smoking (13% vs. 21%; p<0.0001), but higher rates of atrial fibrillation (18% vs. 16%; p=0.02). Overall, 9% of patients received thrombolysis. Women were less likely to receive thrombolysis (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.86-0.99) and less likely to have door-to-needle time <1 hour (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.73-0.97). Overall, defect-free care was 75% in women and 76% in men (lower early antithrombotic therapy [OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.77-0.96], less antithrombotic at discharge [OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.77-0.99], less statin therapy at discharge [OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.74-0.88] and less smoking cessation counseling [OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.56-0.98]). Defect- free care improved over the study period; it was significantly lower in women vs. men in 2010 (58.2% vs. 60.7%, p=0.005), but similar in 2013 (90.2% vs 90.0%; p=0.64). Conclusions: Women eligible to receive IV tPA for acute ischemic stroke were less likely to be treated and received less defect-free care compared to men, but these measures improved over time. These findings suggest that the adoption of GWTG-S quality improvement program helps reduce sex disparities in quality of care for acute ischemic stroke patients.

Abstract W P222: Multidisciplinary Public-Private Collaboration Improve Rural Stroke Care

Background: North Dakota has substantially rural demographics with unique logistics, challenges, and other socio-economic complexities affecting timely intervention in stroke patients. The North Dakota Stroke System of Care (NDSSoC) Taskforce was legislatively created in 2009 and implemented, with authority to recommend system changes for state health officer implementation. The NDSSoC Task Force is composed of 11 appointed multidisciplinary members collaborating to provide recommendations in the development of a Stroke System of Care in North Dakota. Hypothesis: Implementation of the NDSSoC will result in improved timely interventions and increased quality of care. Methods: Quality of care was measured based on data input into the State Stroke Registry (SSR). The SSR utilizes the American Heart Association’s Get with the Guidelines®-Stroke (GWTG-S), an in hospital quality improvement program. The 2010 and 2013 data was compared. Results: The percent of acute ischemic stroke patients who arrived at the hospital within 2 hours of time last known well and for whom IV t-PA was initiated within 3 hours increased from 30.9% in 2010 to 80.9% in 2013. Cases receiving a brain CT scan within 25 minutes of arrival to the hospital increased from 16% of patients in 2010 to 25% in 2013. The structure has led to tertiary and state resource investment to support NDSSoC strategies, with a state annual investment of funding equivalent to 59 cents per capita and a state funded FTE coordinator. Conclusions: A collaborative statewide effort led by a multidisciplinary team can improve timely intervention and quality of care in stroke. The statewide task force with implementation authority can be successfully applied to areas with a rural demographic.

Abstract NS20: Improving Stroke Evidenced-Based Best Practices Across a Multi-State Healthcare System

Background and Purpose: As a National effort to provide a framework to improve stroke best practices, a multi- center healthcare system with 48 hospitals across ten states established a stroke collaborative working group. The purpose was to develop a forum to standardize and improve stroke evidenced-based best practices with sister facilities. Methods: A questionnaire was developed and distributed to the stroke collaborative group. A telephone conference was held to review survey results and organizational trends from the 2010 Get With The Guidelines (GWTG) stroke quality metrics. Three quality metrics, dysphagia screening, patient education and door to needle (DTN) were initially identified along with establishing three subcommittees to focus upon improving best practices for each of these measures. Educational webinars, best practice successes and barriers were shared on monthly conference calls as well as a development of an email stroke distribution list serve to improve communication. Results: The three chosen GWTG stroke quality metric score aggregates from 2010 to 2013 second quarter were: dysphagia screen 78.8% to 85.7%, patient education 86% to 94.6%, DTN 60 minutes or less 31% to 72.8% with a mean DTN time of 91 minutes to 68.8 minutes. Conclusion: Formation of a stroke collaborative group for this organization had a positive effect on improving stroke best practices. Areas of focus identified were standardized best practice processes which included creation of system-wide electronic stroke order sets, development of staff and patient educational materials, implementation of templates and development of a DTN challenge. As the Stroke Collaborative expanded three additional working subcommittees were established, Patient Satisfaction, Emergency Medical Service collaboration and Stroke Support Group Development. In conclusion facilitation of communication and collaboration utilizing individual talents and resources is an effective way to improve stroke evidenced-based best practice across a multi-state healthcare system.