Abstract P833: Standardized Protocols Reduce Response Times for LVO Strokes

Introduction: Acute ischemic stroke treatment is time sensitive especially for large vessel occlusion (LVO) strokes with the goal to achieve early cerebral reperfusion. Research suggests standardized protocols incorporate early notification to reduce time from arrival to mechanical thrombectomy (MT). The MT workflow at a certified stroke center required multiple phone calls to mobilize staff and resources resulting in treatment delays. The average time from neurosurgery notification (NN) to case start (CST) was 60.4 minutes (min) resulting in average door-to-puncture (DTP) time of 124.8 min further delaying early reperfusion. Purpose: Standardize MT workflows and incorporate a 1-step notification system to reduce average NN to CST by 20% to 45 min to achieve 90 min average DTP time by 90 days post implementation. Methods: Baseline data for MT cases admitted 1/1/18 - 9/2/19 arriving in the emergency room (ER) and occurring inpatient were abstracted from stroke alert logs and the electronic health record. MT transfers were excluded. A multidisciplinary group of key stakeholders completed both high level process and workflow analysis maps and mock simulations to identify gaps. Both an analysis of variance and Tukey-Kramer’s T Test were performed revealing NN to CST was most statistically significant (p<.0001) and largest root cause for overall increased DTP times. New service-specific workflows were developed including 1-step notification activated via an existing group paging system used for other purposes. Activation notified on call staff of the MT case and patient location. Data points collected were NN to CST (ED and inpatient) and DTP (ED only). Results: Average NN to CST time was 26.7 min (33.3 min decrease or 55.1%; p<.0001, n=12) resulting in DTP average of 83.4 min (41.4 min decrease or 35.3%, n=10) 90 days post-implementation. The paging system was cost-neutral due to existing licensing agreements. Conclusion: In conclusion, streamlined workflows incorporating 1-step notification reduced time from notification to staff response so MT procedures could start sooner. A multidisciplinary approach along with key stakeholder buy-in was instrumental in successful project implementation.