Timely treatment of stroke symptoms in the emergency department may improve outcomes

Timely treatment of stroke symptoms in the emergency department may improve outcomes

Collection:
Health Policy and Services Research
Series Title(s):
Pennsylvania patient safety advisory
Contributor(s):
Pennsylvania. Patient Safety Authority.
ECRI (Organization)
Institute for Safe Medication Practices.
Publication:
[Harrisburg, Pa.] : Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority, c2008
Language(s):
English
Format:
Text
Subject(s):
Brain Ischemia -- drug therapy
Emergency Medical Services -- methods
Fibrinolytic Agents -- therapeutic use
Stroke -- diagnosis
Stroke -- drug therapy
Thrombolytic Therapy -- methods
Tissue Plasminogen Activator -- therapeutic use
Pennsylvania
United States
Genre(s):
Technical Report
Abstract:
PA-PSRS has received reports involving the use of thrombolytic therapy for the treatment of a suspected stroke in the emergency department. Delays in treatment occurred because staff were unaware of stroke protocols, the protocols or printed orders were missing, medication was administered in the absence of the written protocol; communication handoffs were lacking among caregivers; or staff were not knowledgeable about the limited time to treat with thrombolytic therapy. Given the narrow therapeutic windows for treatment of acute ischemic stroke, timely evaluation and diagnosis is critical to avoid significant harm and even death. This article will review the challenges in confirming the diagnosis of stroke quickly and discuss risk reduction strategies that include establishing stroke teams; using stroke scales during initial physical examination, when indicated; administering recombinant tissue plasminogen activator in a timely manner; obtaining certification as a primary or comprehensive stroke center; and educating providers and patients.
Copyright:
Reproduced with permission of the copyright holder. Further use of the material is subject to CC BY-NC-DC license. (More information)
NLM Unique ID:
101567385 (See catalog record)
Permanent Link:
http://resource.nlm.nih.gov/101567385