Abstract TP414: Support from a Comprehensive Stroke Center Improves Door to tPA Times at Primary Stroke Centers

Target Stroke, a national quality improvement initiative of the American Heart Association /American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) to improve the timeliness of administration of intravenous (IV) tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) to eligible stroke patients, was launched in 2010. The door-to-needle time goal is 60 minutes (mins) from hospital arrival. Earlier administration of IV t-PA is associated with greater functional recovery. Since 2009 University Hospitals Comprehensive Stroke and Cerebrovascular Center (UHCSCC) has meet quarterly with its 7 system community hospitals to share stroke core measure data, review clinical practice guidelines and address new system initiatives for the care of the stroke patient. The purpose of this project is to demonstrate how a comprehensive stroke center (CSC) can assist a primary stroke center (PSC) to improve their door to tPA treatment times. In 2010 to support the primary stroke centers, the UHCSCC developed standardized stroke education for nurses including an online course for tPA. In 2014 an additional online interactive module was created to assist nurses in programing the Alaris IV pump to improve their speed. In 2013 the quarterly system meetings started to include door to CT and door to tPA data with discussions about best practices and challenges. The AHA Target Stroke campaign recommendations and evidenced-based strategies were reviewed and a gap analysis at each hospital was completed to identify opportunities. Throughout 2012-2013 the stroke coordinator at UHCSCC led monthly conference calls with the community stroke coordinators. Since 2014 the stroke operations manager visits each community hospital monthly to work with the stroke coordinator and their teams reviewing TPA cases. Finally, a formal feedback took was developed and is sent to the PSC to provide patient outcomes and opportunities on all TPA cases that are transferred to the CSC. The AHA Get With The Guidelines stroke registry is used to monitor compliance. In 2012 the University Hospitals Health System average door to tPA in 60 mins was only 41%. January - June 2015, the system average has improved 86%. Community primary stroke centers benefit from the comprehensive stroke center interventions and support to improve door to tPA in 60 mins.