Studies suggest that 33% of people having a stroke will call their doctor's office for an appointment. This is likely because they do not understand the urgency to call 9-1-1. This delays the time to care which for a stroke, is time-sensitive. Stroke Smart Medical Practice tackles two challenges in stroke care:
· Reduce delay to care for patients that call for an appointment. Primary care is to instruct patients with signs of a stroke to call 9-1-1.
· Increasing public awareness on stroke signs
Stroke Smart Medical Practice consists of five proactive steps to reduce prehospital delay, raise public awareness, and improve patient outcomes
Become a Stroke Smart Medical Practice by Taking These Actions:
Train ALL Office Staff
Resources:
- 30-minute Stroke Smart Training: Video
- Staff Training: Curriculum (courtesy of Mary Washington Healthcare)
- 911 hesitancy role play: script (coming soon!)
- 911 hesitancy role play: video (coming soon!)
- BEFAST Stroke Poster: download (print size 8.5 x 14 inch)
- Order Free Materials: Magnets and Wallet Cards
Stroke Smart Script
Recognition Application
- Recognition Application - coming soon!
Educate Patients
Resources:
- Order Free Materials: Magnets and Wallet Cards
- Stroke Smart Training Video: 3 Minute or 9 Minute
- Sample Patient Handout: English or Spanish (courtesy of Mary Washington Healthcare)
- BE FAST Stroke Poster: English or Spanish Download and print (size: 8.5 x 14 inch)
- Stroke Smart Story Poster: English (African American or Caucasian visuals) or Spanish
Track Metrics
- Use your preferred method to track Stroke Smart data.
Examples:- include # of magnets/wallet cards distributed to patients,
- % of staff trained,
- # of calls where stroke is spotted and action taken,
- # of video views, etc.
Order FREE Materials
High Risk Patient Education
- Talking points (nurse) for education to high risk patients
- High Risk Stroke Quiz
Toolkit
- What is a Stroke Smart Medical Practice (SSMP)?
- SSMP Implementation Quick Guide
- SSMP Guided Implementation Roadmap
- Stroke Smart Medical Facility Best Practices Overview
General Resources:
- Reasons for Prehospital Delay in Acute Ischemic Stroke
- Stroke Smart Medical Practice Video ( 5 elements, how to implement - coming)