Abstract Body: Introduction
Education for post-acute stroke patients is crucial for several reasons: recovery and rehabilitation, prevention of recurrence, empowerment, caregiver support, and health literacy. Education equips patents and their families with the knowledge/tools needed to manage the long-term effects of a stroke and overall well-being.
Background
Mary Greeley Medical Center (MGMC) leadership identified a lack of compliance in patient education in the post-acute setting for stoke survivors. In 2019, only 60% of stoke patients in the MGMC Acute Rehabilitation Unit (ARU) received the necessary education to be successful at discharge.
Objective
To use the best practices outlined by the American Heart Association’s (AHA) guidelines and increase our compliance to greater than 75% of all stroke patients in the ARU setting receiving education on; stroke warning signs, individualized risk factors, prevention, medication management, caregiver education, and after visit follow up.
Methods
Our intervention involved implementing a standardized checklist in stroke patients’ rooms, clearly outlining essential educational components. This streamlined approach facilitated real-time assessment of education needs by both staff and patients. Upon admission, stroke patients received an informative packet containing AHA materials. We upgraded patient entertainment systems to include stroke-related educational videos. All educational documentation was integrated into the electronic medical record, enhancing accessibility for both staff and patients via MyChart. Caregivers can access this education via mobile devices. Nursing leaders engaged with patients during rounds to ensure effective utilization of these educational tools.
Results
Over a five-year period, the implementation of improved patient education strategies led to a consistent increase in the proportion of patients receiving stroke education in the MGMC ARU. Starting from a baseline of 60% in 2019, the rate rose to 84% during 2020/2021, and further to 91% in 2022. The data for 2023 reflects a continuation of this positive trend. Leadership played a pivotal role by regularly assessing adherence to the education protocol and making continuous enhancements to the educational delivery process.
Conclusions
The standardization of educational requirements and increasing the accessibility of a variety of learning platforms has increased staff compliance with providing the necessary education to stroke patients in the MGMC ARU.