Stroke Clinical Practice Guidelines Research Articles

Effects of Traditional Malay Massage on Muscle Tone, Muscle Function and Physical Performance in Patients with Stroke

Traditional Malay Massage (TMM), although is not the standard of care in the Malaysia Stroke Clinical Practice Guidelines, is common among stroke patients. This is despite the availability of clear evidence on the benefits of TMM in this population. The present study aims to investigate the effects of TMM on muscle tone, muscle function and physical performance in stroke patients. We found that as short as two weeks of TMM improved motor function and physical performance in subacute stroke patients. No change was observed on muscle tone. Future larger scale study is warranted to validate this finding.

Abstract 32: Escape Room Activity Improves Nurses’ Knowledge of Stroke Clinical Practice Guidelines

Background: Patients receiving care from stroke specialized nurses have better outcomes. In 2021, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) published updates to the Comprehensive Nursing Care Scientific Statements providing new evidence and best nursing practices in stroke care. Nursing leadership at a Comprehensive Stroke Center identified this as an opportunity to utilize the Nursing Care Scientific Statements and other AHA/ASA stroke clinical practice guidelines (CPG) to optimize stroke program education and improve quality of nursing care. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether an escape room activity significantly increases knowledge of stroke CPGs and best nursing care practices and to assess nurses’ confidence in their application when compared to viewing online modules alone. Methods: Based on a literature review and learning needs assessment, nine escape room puzzles were developed spanning the continuum of stroke care. Each puzzle required the application of a CPG or scientific statement to a patient scenario. A variety of materials were used to develop the puzzles, including black lights, locks, jigsaw puzzles, and a custom learning environment in EPIC. Participants submitted a pre- and post-survey to capture qualitative and quantitative data regarding the nurse’s knowledge of and confidence in applying stroke CPGs and best practices. A paired two-sided T-test was conducted using a confidence interval of 95% and sample size of 75 to determine whether the post-survey increase in nurse knowledge and confidence was significant. Results: For all five Likert items, the p-value was less than 0.05, indicating a statistically significant improvement in nurses’ knowledge of and confidence in applying stroke CPGs and best practices. The qualitative data demonstrated a learner preference for the interactive nature of the escape room and the teamwork and critical thinking that it fostered. Conclusion: In conclusion, there was a statistically significant increase in nurse confidence and knowledge of comprehensive nursing stroke care and stroke CPGs after the escape room intervention. This suggests that escape room activities can be an effective way to develop clinical knowledge in stroke nursing.

Standardized tools for assessing balance and mobility in stroke clinical practice guidelines worldwide: A scoping review.

Use of standardized tools to assess balance and mobility limitations is a recommended practice in stroke rehabilitation. The extent to which clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for stroke rehabilitation recommend specific tools and provide resources to support their implementation is unknown. To identify and describe standardized, performance-based tools for assessing balance and/or mobility and describe postural control components challenged, the approach used to select tools, and resources provided for clinical implementation, in CPGs for stroke. A scoping review was conducted. We included CPGs with recommendations on the delivery of stroke rehabilitation to address balance and mobility limitations. We searched seven electronic databases and grey literature. Pairs of reviewers reviewed abstracts and full texts in duplicate. We abstracted data about CPGs, standardized assessment tools, the approach for tool selection, and resources. Experts identified postural control components challenged by each tool. Of the 19 CPGs included in the review, 7 (37%) and 12 (63%) were from middle- and high-income countries, respectively. Ten CPGs (53%) recommended or suggested 27 unique tools. Across 10 CPGs, the most commonly cited tools were the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) (90%), 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) (80%), Timed Up and Go Test (80%) and 10-Meter Walk Test (70%). The tool most frequently cited in middle- and high-income countries was the BBS (3/3 CPGs), and 6MWT (7/7 CPGs), respectively. Across 27 tools, the three components of postural control most frequently challenged were underlying motor systems (100%), anticipatory postural control (96%), and dynamic stability (85%). Five CPGs provided information in varying detail on how tools were selected; only 1 CPG provided a level of recommendation. Seven CPGs provided resources to support clinical implementation; one CPG from a middle-income country included a resource available in a CPG from a high-income country. CPGs for stroke rehabilitation do not consistently provide recommendations for standardized tools to assess balance and mobility or resources to facilitate clinical application. Reporting of processes for tool selection and recommendation is inadequate. Review findings can be used to inform global efforts to develop and translate recommendations and resources for using standardized tools to assess balance and mobility post-stroke. https://osf.io/, identifier: 10.17605/OSF.IO/6RBDV.

Abstract 119: Elevating The Cerebrovascular Nurse Practitioner: Program Development With Neurosurgeon Champions

Background: The cerebrovascular nurse practitioner (NP) continues to have an ever-evolving role, particularly in neurosurgical departments. Although more NPs are obtaining their doctorate degrees, further post professional education is needed to promote specialty clinical practice. Our team developed a 16-week comprehensive educational program that addresses the main disease processes of stroke and highlights the importance of collaboration with cerebrovascular neurosurgeons. Methods: Four clinical domains were identified- see table 1. Each week, a neurosurgeon gave a 1 hour lecture that reviewed neuroimaging and anatomy, pathophysiology, clinical care presentation, and preoperative and postoperative management. After all lectures were completed for each domain, a 1 hour journal club was held discussing the most recent stroke clinical practice guidelines. NPs were surveyed to report which domains were most clinically meaningful. Results: Our division delivered a comprehensive educational program, allowing the cerebrovascular NP to take on a more independent role in patient care. Of the sections presented in each clinical domain, neuroimaging and clinical management were reported as the most important section of the lectures by NPs. Discussion: The cerebrovascular NP plays a unique role on the clinical team, regardless if a patient is seen throughout the entire continuum as an elective case or treated emergently and later discharged to clinic. This program optimized evidence-based cerebrovascular practices, improved collaborating relationships between NP and surgeon, and promoted professional development. Future work will include course evaluation for on-boarding NPs and program implementation in other neurosurgical subspecialties.

Remote constraint induced therapy of the upper extremity (ReCITE): A feasibility study protocol.

Difficulty using the upper extremity in everyday activities is common after stroke. Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) has been shown to be effective in both sub-acute and chronic phases of stroke recovery and is recommended in clinical practice guidelines for stroke internationally. Despite reports of equivalence of outcome when stroke rehabilitation interventions are delivered using telehealth, there has been limited evaluation of CIMT when using this mode of delivery. ReCITE will (a) evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of CIMT when delivered via telehealth to stroke survivors (TeleCIMT) and (b) explore therapists' experiences and use of an online support package inclusive of training, mentoring and resources to support TeleCIMT delivery in clinical practice. A prospective single-group, single blinded, study design with embedded process evaluation will be conducted. The study will be conducted at three outpatient services in Sydney, Australia. A multi-faceted therapist support package, informed by the Capabilities, Opportunity, Motivation- Behaviour model (COM-B), will be used to support occupational therapists to implement TeleCIMT as part of routine care to stroke survivors. Each service will recruit 10 stroke survivor participants (n = 30) with mild to moderate upper extremity impairment. Upper extremity and quality of life outcomes of stroke survivor participants will be collected at baseline, post-intervention and at a 4 week follow-up appointment. Feasibility of TeleCIMT will be evaluated by assessing the number of stroke participants who complete 80% of intensive arm practice prescribed during their 3 week program (i.e., at least 24 h of intensive arm practice). Acceptability will be investigated through qualitative interviews and surveys with stroke survivors, supporter surveys and therapist focus groups. Qualitative interviews with therapists will provide additional data to explore their experiences and use of the online support package. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a rapid transition to delivering telehealth. The proposed study will investigate the feasibility and acceptability of delivering a complex intervention via telehealth to stroke survivors at home, and the support that therapists and patients require for delivery. The findings of the study will be used to inform whether a larger, randomized controlled trial is feasible.

Aphasia outcome measurement in clinical practice: An international survey

ABSTRACT Background Outcome measurement is recommended in stroke clinical practice guidelines, however there is considerable variability in how this activity is performed in clinical practice. Factors driving clinician behaviour have been explored in English-speaking countries, but little is known about the factors influencing clinical practice in non-English-speaking populations. Aims (1) To explore barriers and facilitators to aphasia outcome measurement from the perspective of international aphasia clinicians. (2) To determine whether barriers and facilitators to outcome measurement differ in English- and non-English- speaking countries. The primary hypothesis was that clinicians working with people with aphasia in non-English-speaking countries would experience more barriers to outcome measurement than those in English-speaking countries. Methods and Procedures An international sample of aphasia clinicians completed an online survey informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and a Mann-Whitney U Test to compare English- and non-English- speaking groups. TDF domains identified as influencing clinician behaviour were mapped to the Behaviour Change Wheel, producing theory-informed strategies to improve practice. Outcomes and Results A total of 208 clinicians from 25 countries completed the survey. Almost all (93.7%) reported measuring outcomes to some extent, most commonly to measure client progress. Facilitators to outcome measurement included “social/professional role and identity” (understanding that measuring outcomes is part of the clinicians’ role), “optimism” (feeling positive about measuring outcomes), and “emotion” (enjoying, and feeling comfortable measuring outcomes). Barriers were “environmental context and resources” (time and resource limitations, and competing caseload priorities), “behavioural regulation” (a lack of personal and workplace systems to measure outcomes) and “skills” (having insufficient training and experience in outcome measurement). There was no significant difference between the barriers and facilitators experienced by clinicians in English- and non-English- speaking countries. Implementation strategies, informed by Behaviour Change Techniques, were created to improve clinical practice. Conclusions Internationally, clinicians working with people with aphasia measure outcomes and believe that this is part of their role, and a positive aspect of their work. Common barriers to outcome measurement included insufficient time and access to resources, inadequate personal and workplace systems, and insufficient skills necessary for performing outcome measurement. Preliminary, theory-informed strategies (e.g., improving access to culturally and linguistically appropriate measurement instruments; developing protocols, templates or checklists guided by recommended practice; and providing training in outcome measurement) would assist with uptake of clinical practice guidelines in this area.

Reporting quality evaluation of the stroke clinical practice guidelines: a systematic review

ObjectivesTo analyze the effectiveness and quality of stroke clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) published in recent years in order to guide future guideline developers to develop better guidelines.ParticipantsNo patient involvedMethodPubMed, China Biology Medicine (CBM), Wanfang, CNKI, and CPG-relevant websites were searched from January 2015 to December 2019 by two researchers independently. The RIGHT (Reporting Items for Practice Guidelines in Healthcare) checklist was used to assess the reporting quality in terms of domains and items. Then, a subgroup analysis of the results was performed.Primary and secondary outcome measuresRIGHT checklist reporting rateResultsA total of 66 CPGs were included. Twice as many CPGs were published internationally as were published in China. More than half were updated. Most CPGs are published in journals, developed by societies or associations, and were evidence-based grading. The average reporting rate for all included CPGs was 47.6%. Basic information got the highest (71.7% ± 19.7%) reporting rate, while review and quality assurance got the lowest (22.0% ± 24.6%). Then, a cluster analysis between countries, publishing channels, and institutions was performed. There were no statistically significant differences in the reporting quality on the CPGs between publishing countries (China vs. international), publishing channels (journals vs. websites), and institutions (associations vs. non-associations).ConclusionsCurrent stroke CPGs reports are of low quality. We recommend that guideline developers improve the quality of reporting of key information and improve the management of conflicts of interest. We recommend that guideline developers consider the RIGHT checklist as an important tool for guideline development.Trial registrationhttps://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/PBWUX.

Abstract P35: The Trend of Stroke Rehabilitation Utilization Between 2014- 2019 in a Community Based Study

Introduction: Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability in adults, resulting in significant impairments in motor, sensory, and/ or cognitive that often requires continued rehabilitation services, which vary from intensive acute inpatient rehabilitation to outpatient rehabilitation services. Efforts to reduce disability have advanced rapidly over the past several years. Our data analysis was undertaken to assess whether recent changes in clinical practice have impacted the proportion of stroke patients receiving inpatient versus outpatient rehabilitation over time between 2014-2019 at our institution, which serves a diverse mix of rural, suburban, and urban populations. Methods: Our Institutional Review Board approved retrospective stroke database, including adult patients discharged to receive rehabilitation services data from 2014-2019, was used for analysis. Cochran-Armitage trend analysis was used to assess for differences type of rehabilitation services used over time and regression analysis was used to identify clinical factors associated with discharge type over time. Results: A total of 3467 patients were included in the analysis, 50% woman, 1% Asian, 20% Black, 75% White, 4% undetermined race, 17% intracerebral hemorrhage, 65% ischemic stroke, 11% subarachnoid hemorrhage, 3% transient ischemic attack, 3% other cerebrovascular disease. In this community population, 65% were discharged to inpatient rehab. Trend analysis demonstrated a significant increase in the proportion of patients being discharged home with rehab services, p<.0001. In comparison to those discharged home, patients discharged to rehab were older (odds ratio (OR) 1.02, confidence interval (CI) 1.02-1.03), with a higher NIHSS (OR 1.16, CI 1.14-1.18), discharged in 2014 (OR 1.72, CI 1.23-2.39) or 2016 (OR 1.46, CI 1.05-2.05) versus 2019. There was no association with race, gender, or discharge in 2015, 2017, or 2018. Discussion: Our findings demonstrate the community impact of recent changes in clinical practice guidelines for stroke. The increasing trend of home discharges is encouraging, but the significant proportion of those still not discharged home suggests there is still more work to be done to reduce stroke associated disability in adults.

Tenecteplase Thrombolysis for Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Tenecteplase is a fibrinolytic drug with higher fibrin specificity and longer half-life than the standard stroke thrombolytic, alteplase, permitting the convenience of single bolus administration. Tenecteplase, at 0.5 mg/kg, has regulatory approval to treat ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction, for which it has equivalent 30-day mortality and fewer systemic hemorrhages. Investigated as a thrombolytic for ischemic stroke over the past 15 years, tenecteplase is currently being studied in several phase 3 trials. Based on a systematic literature search, we provide a qualitative synthesis of published stroke clinical trials of tenecteplase that (1) performed randomized comparisons with alteplase, (2) compared different doses of tenecteplase, or (3) provided unique quantitative meta-analyses. Four phase 2 and one phase 3 study performed randomized comparisons with alteplase. These and other phase 2 studies compared different tenecteplase doses and effects on early outcomes of recanalization, reperfusion, and substantial neurological improvement, as well as symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and 3-month disability on the modified Rankin Scale. Although no single trial prospectively demonstrated superiority or noninferiority of tenecteplase on clinical outcome, meta-analyses of these trials (1585 patients randomized) point to tenecteplase superiority in recanalization of large vessel occlusions and noninferiority in disability-free 3-month outcome, without increases in symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage or mortality. Doses of 0.25 and 0.4 mg/kg have been tested, but no advantage of the higher dose has been suggested by the results. Current clinical practice guidelines for stroke include intravenous tenecteplase at either dose as a second-tier option, with the 0.25 mg/kg dose recommended for large vessel occlusions, based on a phase 2 trial that demonstrated superior recanalization and improved 3-month outcome relative to alteplase. Ongoing randomized phase 3 trials may better define the comparative risks and benefits of tenecteplase and alteplase for stroke thrombolysis and answer questions of tenecteplase efficacy in the >4.5-hour time window, in wake-up stroke, and in combination with endovascular thrombectomy.

Do stroke clinical practice guideline recommendations for the intervention of thickened liquids for aspiration support evidence based decision making? A systematic review and narrative synthesis.

RationaleAspiration is a common sequela post stroke as a result of oropharyngeal dysphagia. It is primarily managed using the poorly empirically supported intervention of thickened liquids. Where evidence is limited, clinicians may rely on clinical practice guidelines to support decision making. The purpose of this systematic review and narrative synthesis was to evaluate the evidentiary bases of recommendations made by stroke clinical practice guidelines regarding the thickened liquids intervention.MethodsA systematic review was conducted on stroke clinical guidelines retrieved via searches conducted across a range of databases including Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library as well as through association websites. Guidelines were eligible for inclusion if they focused on adult stroke populations, made recommendations relating to the thickened liquid intervention and were published between January 2010 and December 2018. Four independent reviewers rated methodological quality using the AGREE‐II instrument. Intervention recommendations were extracted and analysed using the Criteria for Levels of Evidence Reported from the Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations and a novel framework examining the appropriateness of the supporting evidence.ResultsThirteen clinical guidelines were included in the review. Methodological quality was variable with seven rating as good‐excellent overall. Thirty recommendations regarding the intervention were extracted. Of these, 16 recommendations were classed as a recommendation to use the treatment and all guidelines made this recommendation. Much of the evidence used to scaffold recommendations did not directly support the intervention.ConclusionsDespite the limited evidence base for the thickened liquid intervention, there was consensus among stroke guidelines in recommending it. This is despite limited empirical support. Furthermore, much of the evidence used to support recommendations was not appropriate, suggesting less than satisfactory evidence‐based practices in formulating recommendations. In this case, clinical guidelines may not be reliable decision‐support tools for facilitating clinical decision making.

Increasing the uptake of stroke upper limb guideline recommendations with occupational therapists and physiotherapists. A qualitative study using the Theoretical Domains Framework.

Despite the availability of stroke clinical practice guidelines and acceptance by therapists that guidelines contain 'best practice' recommendations, compliance remains low. While previous studies have explored barriers associated with implementing rehabilitation guidelines in general, it remains unknown if these barriers are applicable to upper limb rehabilitation specifically. To plan effective implementation activities, key motivators and barriers to use should be identified. To investigate occupational and physiotherapists' perceptions of motivators and barriers to using upper limb clinical practice guideline recommendations in stroke rehabilitation, a mixed-method study was conducted. Using an online survey and semi-structured focus groups, physiotherapists and occupational therapists working in one of six stroke rehabilitation teams in Melbourne, Australia were invited to participate. Survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and thematic coding of free-text responses. Focus groups were transcribed, thematically coded and mapped against the Theoretical Domains Framework. Forty-six participants completed the survey and 29 participated in the focus groups. Key motivators to use guideline recommendations included past experience with specific interventions, availability of required resources and an enabling workplace culture. Barriers included: limited training/skills in specific interventions, the complexity of intervention protocols, and beliefs about intervention effectiveness. Lack of accountability was highlighted and therapists perceived they are rarely checked for quality assurance purposes regarding guideline adherence. Therapists identified that both motivators and barriers to implementing best-practice upper limb rehabilitation occur largely at the levels of the individual and the environment. As such, intervention efforts should focus at both these levels to facilitate change.

Epidemiological analyses to inform stroke clinical practice guidelines development.

Stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality and the leading cause of functional impairment and cognitive deficits worldwide. It is important that clinical practice guidelines development is based on robust statistical and epidemiological data and their analysis throughout the whole process of guidelines development and implementation. The aim of this short communication is to analyse epidemiology of prevalence and incidence of ischaemic stroke, its main causes, brain imaging using MRI, recanalization therapies, secondary prevention with antiplatelet and anticoagulants, mortality data and to inform development of stroke clinical practice guidelines in the Czech Republic. The main analysed diagnosis was I63 (cerebral infarction) and secondary diagnoses were: I48 (atrial fibrillation and flutter), I35.9 (nonspecified aortic valve disease), Q21.1 (atrial septal defect) or I33.0 (acute and subacute endocarditis). We have also analysed use of brain imaging with MRI, recanalization treatment using intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy, stroke secondary prevention with antiplatelet drugs and anticoagulation as well as hospital admissions and mortality. In total, 159 344 patients were diagnosed with an ischaemic stroke from 2015 to 2017. Average prevalence of ischaemic stroke in the Czech Republic is 54.9 patients per 100 000. 22.2% of patients with stroke received intravenous thrombolysis or mechanical thrombectomy in 2017.

Abstract 115: Assessing the Concordance Between Stroke Rehabilitation Research Participants & ‘Real World’ Stoke Patients

Stroke rehabilitation programs have been transformed to better align with stroke Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs), which prioritize randomized control trials as evidence-based best practices. However, a recent review of stroke rehabilitation randomized control trials (RCTs) found that the RCTS tended to include younger participants, excluded participants based on age related criteria, and often excluded individuals with comorbidities. The objective of this study was to determine the proportion of stroke patients that would meet the enrolment criteria of stroke rehabilitation randomized controlled trials. A retrospective chart audit was conducted for all patients discharged from a high intensity stroke rehabilitation unit for a one-year period (n=110). RCT exclusion criteria were extracted from a recent review that analyzed the study inclusion and exclusions of 428 RCTs (age, cognitive impairment, previous stroke, and comorbidities). These study exclusions were applied to the 110 patients to determine how many patients would have been eligible to participate in the RCTs. Patients admitted to the stroke rehab unit had a mean age of 67.4 years and an average of 6.2 co-morbidities. 60.1% of these patients would have been excluded from participating in the RCTs by one or more exclusion criteria. 5.5% of patients would have been excluded based on age, 84.5% of patients would have been ineligible for 54% of RCTs based on cognitive impairment, 28% of patients would have been ineligible for 36% of RCTs based on a previous stroke, and 4.2% of patients would have been excluded based on the presence of a CCI condition or stroke risk factor. Results highlight the difference between trial subjects and ‘real world’ patients. Based on our understanding of how people accumulate chronic conditions with age, it can be inferred that the high quality evidence may not reflect the clinical reality of stroke rehabilitation. Given the high prevalence of increased age and comorbidities among stroke rehabilitation patients, this study emphasizes the importance of including ‘typical stroke patients’ in research studies or supporting the use of alternative methodologies that addresses application of study results to older patients with comorbidities.

Adherence of physical therapy with clinical practice guidelines for the rehabilitation of stroke in an active inpatient setting

Background: Clinical guidelines are systematically developed statements designed to help practitioners and patients to make decisions about appropriate health care. Clinical practice guideline adherence analysis is the best way to fine tune the best practices in a health care industry with international benchmarks.Objective: To assess the physical therapist’s adherence to structured stroke clinical practice guidelines in an active inpatient rehabilitation center in Qatar.Setting: Department of Physical therapy in the stroke rehabilitation tertiary referral hospital in Qatar.Method: A retrospective chart audit was performed on the clinical records of 216 stroke patients discharged from the active inpatient stroke rehabilitation unit with a diagnosis of stroke in 2016. The audit check list was structured to record the adherence of the assessment, goal settings and the management domains as per the “Physical Therapy After Acute Stroke” (PAAS) guideline.Result: Of the 216 case files identified during the initial search, 127 files were ultimately included in the audit. Overall adherence to the clinical practice guideline was 71%, a comparable rate with the studies analyzing the same in various international health care facilities. Domains which were shared by interdisciplinary teams than managed by physical therapy alone and treatments utilizing sophisticated technology had lower adherence with the guideline. A detailed strength and weakness breakdown were then conducted.Conclusion: This audit provides an initial picture of the current adherence of physical therapy assessment and management with the stroke physical therapy guideline at a tertiary rehabilitation hospital in the state of Qatar. An evaluation of the guideline adherence and practice variations helps to fine tune the physical therapy care to a highest possible standard of practice.Implications for Rehabilitation • An evaluation of the guideline adherence and practice variations helps to fine tune the rehabilitation care to the highest possible standard of practice. • Proper assessments of the relationship between the process of rehabilitation care and outcomes with a comprehensive set of process indicators will improve the quality of the care. • An agreement needs to be established between rehabilitation teams engage in interdisciplinary stroke care regarding the shared responsibilities and team functioning. • It is recommendable to develop a specialty based clinical practice guidelines that can be aligned at a higher ‘comprehensive rehabilitation level’ to provide the best possible and evidence based stroke care.

Where to now? AVERT answered an important question, but raised many more.

A Very Early Rehabilitation Trial (AVERT) was a Phase 3 randomized trial with over 2100 subjects post stroke that had unexpected results with better outcomes for usual care than those receiving very early mobilization. This review of published stroke clinical practice guidelines highlights that recommendations for mobilization have changed after publication of AVERT but also that developers have struggled to provide recommendations for appropriate dose, duration and intensity of mobilization in the acute post stroke period with available analyses from AVERT and other literature. This review highlights the priority research questions about early rehabilitation post stroke that need to be addressed through future large scale randomized controlled trials.

Abstract TP278: Positive Impact of a Stroke Bundle Program

Introduction: There are limited comparative data on the impact of a stroke bundle program on patient outcomes. We aimed to assess the magnitude of change that could occur during transitions of care process by implementation of a stroke bundle program. Methods: Six skilled nursing facilities (SNF) participated with a Joint Commission certified Comprehensive Stroke Center to implement a Bundled Payment Care Initiative (BPCI) program. The stroke leadership developed a charter and additional support teams (care coordination and SNF). Three smart goals were identified and reflected organizational strategic goals: reduction of the number of stroke patients that are admitted to a SNF by 5% (baseline 27.9%); reduction of preferred provider SNF days for stroke patients by 10% (baseline 35.5%) and reduction of hospital readmissions for stroke by 5% (baseline 31.5%). A strong infrastructure supported the care coordination teams including the hiring of a full time stroke nurse navigator. The kick off for the program was October 1, 2015. Several strategic and operational initiatives were developed and successfully implemented at SNFs: utilization of stroke clinical practice guidelines: stroke education programs; stroke summit for all SNF administrators, physicians and staff; bi-monthly, face to face/conference call meetings with SNF administrators and bundle team leadership; case reviews between caregivers at acute setting and SNF; SharePoint site to enhance communication; stroke nurse navigator interaction with patients, families, SNF staff, 90 day follow up and readmission case reviews. Results: Smart goal achievement over a 6 month period demonstrated: reduction of the number of stroke patients that were admitted to SNF by .4% (21.9%); reduction of preferred provider SNF days for stroke patients by 16% (16%) and reduction of hospital readmissions for stroke by 7% (23.3%). Comparison of hospital length of stay variance between bundle (3.78) and non-bundle patients (5.08) patients was 1.3%. Conclusions: A stroke bundle program impacts positively on transitions of care at preferred provider SNF facilities. Standardization of care and a unified care team attributes to stroke patients returning to their life at home in a much more efficient and timely manner.

Updated Korean Clinical Practice Guidelines on Decompressive Surgery for Malignant Middle Cerebral Artery Territory Infarction.

Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs), which provide systemic reviews of accumulated scientific evidence, are used by clinicians to choose optimal treatment modalities. In Korea, the Clinical Research Center for Stroke (CRCS) published the first version of its CPGs for stroke in October 2009; it was based on articles that had been reported before June 2007 [1]. Since then, major trials of decompressive surgery for malignant middle cerebral artery (MCA) have been published, and the CRCS and Korean Society of Cerebrovascular Surgeons (KSCVS) therefore decided to revise the CPGs to reflect this new evidence. To select source papers for the revision, we searched Pubmed for English-language articles published between July 2007 and May 2014 that contained the word “stroke,” plus any one of the following terms or phrases: “malignant MCA infarction,” “hemicraniectomy,” and “decompressive surgery.” We retrieved 122 articles with the key words “stroke” and “malignant MCA infarction,” 136 articles with “stroke” and “hemicraniectomy,” and 225 articles with “stroke” and “decompressive surgery.” We then narrowed this pool of articles down by limiting the search to prospective, randomized clinical trials, pooled analyses, and meta-analyses and found five such articles that were published during this period. We reviewed a total of five randomized, clinical trials [2-6], one pooled analysis [7], and one meta-analysis [4], including three studies [2,3,7] that were mentioned in the first edition. The revised versions of the CPGs for decompressive surgery from the European Stroke Organization (ESO) (May 2008) [8], the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (December 2008) [9], the National Clinical Guidelines for Stroke of the Royal College of Physicians (July 2008) [10], and the American Heart Association (AHA)/American Stroke Association (ASA) guidelines (published, respectively, in 2013 and 2014) [11,12] were also considered. After we reviewed these articles and described new evidence in guidelines, each piece of evidence and recommendation was given a strength based on a definition of evidence level and recommendation grade used in the KSCVS and the CRCS guidelines (Table 1). Table 1. Evidence levels and recommendation grades used by the Korean Society of Cerebrovascular Surgeons and the Clinical Research Center for Stroke

Antithrombotic Management of Patients with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation and Ischemic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack: Executive Summary of the Korean Clinical Practice Guidelines for Stroke.

Cardioembolic stroke related to nonvalvular atrial fibrillation is associated with a high recurrence rate and high mortality and morbidity. In this population, therefore, optimal anticoagulant therapy is required to prevent the occurrence of second stroke. Oral anticoagulant, warfarin has been traditionally used, but it is greatly limited by its narrow efficacy window, complex pharmacokinetics, and multiple drug interactions, thus requiring frequent blood monitoring. Recently, oral anticoagulants targeted for a specific coagulation component have been newly developed and tested in large clinical trials. Dabigatran, direct thrombin inhibitor, and rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban, inhibitors of factor Xa harbor great merits of rapid action time, short half-life, stable plasma concentration, and little drug interaction. Recently, large randomized clinical trials and meta-analyses have been published to show the efficacy and safety of the new oral anticoagulants compared with warfarin. Based on the results from recent clinical trials, we revised recommendations to apply optimal anticoagulant therapy in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack.

Factors affecting speech pathologists’ implementation of stroke management guidelines: a thematic analysis

Purpose: Although clinical practice guidelines can facilitate evidence-based practice and improve the health outcomes of stroke patients, they continue to be underutilised. There is limited research into the reasons for this, especially in speech pathology. This study provides the first in-depth, qualitative examination of the barriers and facilitators that speech pathologists perceive and experience when implementing guidelines. Methods: A maximum variation sample of eight speech pathologists participated in a semi-structured interview concerning the implementation of the National Stroke Foundation's Clinical Guidelines for Stroke Management 2010. Interviews were transcribed, thematically analysed and member checked before overall themes were identified. Results: Three main themes and ten subthemes were identified. The first main theme, making implementation explicit, reflected the necessity of accessing and understanding guideline recommendations, and focussing specifically on implementation in context. In the second theme, demand versus ability to change, the size of changes required was compared with available resources and collaboration. The final theme, Speech pathologist motivation to implement guidelines, demonstrated the influence of individual perception of the guidelines and personal commitment to improved practice. Conclusions: Factors affecting implementation are complex, and are not exclusively barriers or facilitators. Some potential implementation strategies are suggested. Further research is recommended.Implications for RehabilitationIn most Western nations, stroke remains the single greatest cause of disability, including communication and swallowing disabilities.Although adherence to stroke clinical practice guidelines improves stroke patient outcomes, guidelines continue to be underutilised, and the reasons for this are not well understood.This is the first in-depth qualitative study identifying the complex barriers and facilitators to guideline implementation as experienced by speech pathologists in stroke care.Suggested implementation strategies include local monitoring of guideline implementation (e.g. team meetings, audits), increasing collaboration on implementation projects (e.g. managerial involvement, networking), and seeking speech pathologist input into guideline development.

Speech pathologists’ experiences with stroke clinical practice guidelines and the barriers and facilitators influencing their use: a national descriptive study

BackgroundCommunication and swallowing disorders are a common consequence of stroke. Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have been created to assist health professionals to put research evidence into clinical practice and can improve stroke care outcomes. However, CPGs are often not successfully implemented in clinical practice and research is needed to explore the factors that influence speech pathologists’ implementation of stroke CPGs. This study aimed to describe speech pathologists’ experiences and current use of guidelines, and to identify what factors influence speech pathologists’ implementation of stroke CPGs.MethodsSpeech pathologists working in stroke rehabilitation who had used a stroke CPG were invited to complete a 39-item online survey. Content analysis and descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data.Results320 participants from all states and territories of Australia were surveyed. Almost all speech pathologists had used a stroke CPG and had found the guideline “somewhat useful” or “very useful”. Factors that speech pathologists perceived influenced CPG implementation included the: (a) guideline itself, (b) work environment, (c) aspects related to the speech pathologist themselves, (d) patient characteristics, and (e) types of implementation strategies provided.ConclusionsThere are many different factors that can influence speech pathologists’ implementation of CPGs. The factors that influenced the implementation of CPGs can be understood in terms of knowledge creation and implementation frameworks. Speech pathologists should continue to adapt the stroke CPG to their local work environment and evaluate their use. To enhance guideline implementation, they may benefit from a combination of educational meetings and resources, outreach visits, support from senior colleagues, and audit and feedback strategies.