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 5 Actions:
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
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
- 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.
- Talking points (nurse) for education to high risk patients
- High Risk Stroke Quiz
- What is a Stroke Smart Medical Practice (SSMP)?
- SSMP I Quick Guide
- SSMP Guided Roadmap
- Stroke Smart Medical Facility Best Practices Overview
- Reasons for Prehospital Delay in Acute Ischemic Stroke
The Stroke Smart Medical Practice initiative consists of five criteria. The criteria focus on education and early intervention for stroke awareness and prevention. Efforts by medical practices have grown over time and deserve recognition. Whether your practice has implemented one or all five of the actions, we want to highlight you.
Use this Recognition Application to nominate your practice. Share what the practice has done, what has worked well, and suggestions for improvement. Pictures of your efforts, samples of documents, and success stories are encouraged.
There are four (4) recognition levels:
Stroke Smart Champion: The medical practice has implemented and consistently adheres to one action of the Stroke Smart Medical Practice criteria
Silver Level: The medical practice has implemented and consistently adheres to two actions of the Stroke Smart Medical Practice criteria
Gold Level: The medical practice has implemented and consistently adheres to three actions of the Stroke Smart Medical Practice criteria
Platinum Level: The medical practice has implemented and consistently adheres to four or more actions of the Stroke Smart Medical Practice criteria
The application review schedule is once per quarter. Applications received in the fourth quarter will be awarded for the following year. The medical practice will receive their certificate by email following the review process. A practice is eligible to submit an application each year.
Stroke Smart Disclaimer:
With a goal of fostering collaboration and improving stroke outcomes, any materials (including but not limited to documents, PowerPoints, videos, graphics, processes, tools, and flyers) developed by an entity as part of the Stroke Smart Virginia initiative, are considered open source. Unless explicitly directed otherwise, we (Stroke Smart) reserve the right to share any materials that have been developed to benefit all in promoting stroke awareness, prevention, and improved care.
Medical Practice Videos:
- Stroke Smart Medical Practice Video ( 5 Actions: how to implement - coming soon)