Abstract Body: Introduction – Factors contributing to stroke coordinator turnover include not understanding the role of the coordinator, not enough time to do all the things of a stroke coordinator, sufficient resources, and stroke coordinator peer support (1). In 2023, the role of the stroke coordinator was given a much-needed definition with regard to roles and responsibilities (2). This information can help the new stroke coordinator understand the roles and responsibilities of the stroke coordinator. In our system we looked to explore how we can formalize a process to support the onboarding of new stroke coordinators. We first turned to our existing coordinator group to help use gather information on what would have been helpful to their onboarding.

Methods – The system stroke coordinator group was surveyed via a Microsoft Forms questionnaire. All responses were anonymous.

Results – 14 responses were received out of 19 stroke coordinators/program managers.
Question 1: 12 of 14 responses said that having time with the former stroke coordinator or the system stroke coordinator group was most helpful when they were starting their stroke coordinator role
Question 2: 14 of 14 responses said a mentor, time with a stroke coordinator, knowing their roles and responsibilities, and orientation to the GWTG -Stroke tool would have made the transition into their new role easier.
Question 3: Top items for stroke coordinator orientation: regulatory elements, GWTG-Stroke, data management, patient tracers, and daily stroke coordinator expectations.
Question 4: 13 out of 14 responses said “yes” a mentorship would have helped with their onboarding.

Conclusions – Formalizing and standardizing stroke coordinator onboarding would be helpful when starting the role as a stroke coordinator. Initial steps for our system include development of a stroke coordinator competency tool, partnering new stroke coordinators with a regional stroke program manager for mentorship, training with our local AHA representative, and meeting with our system data abstraction team to understand the data abstraction process. Further data will need to be collected to see if these strategies improve stroke coordinator stability and decrease stroke coordinator turnover.

1. Abstract WP396: Barriers to Stroke Coordinator Practice | Stroke (ahajournals.org)
2. Ideal Foundational Requirements for Stroke Program Development and Growth: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association (ahajournals.org)