Improving access/timeliness of intravenous thrombolysis administration for eligible stroke patients

Complete

Summary

Patients who have an ischaemic stroke have a small period of time to receive IV thrombolysis to potentially reduce permanent brain damage and/or disability. Data shows approximately 18 per cent of ischaemic strokes are treated with thrombolysis.

We will test a simulation training model to improve statewide processes for timely access to this hyper-acute stroke treatment.

Outcome

We partnered with four health services to test clinical simulation training for acute stroke management to improve timely access to hyperacute stroke treatment.

While it is too early to measure how clinical simulation is improving clinical performance and patient outcomes, feedback from clinicians suggests it is helping communication, teamwork and decision-making processes.

Targets

• Improved rapid assessment to diagnose stroke (clinically and imaging) to determine if meets thrombolysis eligibility.
• Improved understanding of the barriers and enablers for timely treatment of stroke patients eligible for thrombolysis.

Measures

• % people suspected of stroke/displaying stroke symptoms are transferred to a hospital capable of administering thrombolysis
  Benchmark – 93%Current performance – 80%
• Increase in AV notification rates en route to hospital for any patient being transferred with a suspected stroke who are eligible for thrombolysis
• % eligible ischaemic stroke patients receive thrombolysis within 60 minutes of arriving at ED
  Benchmark – 61% Current performance – 34%