Introduction
Stroke is a leading cause of disability and death worldwide. The Acute Stroke Services Framework 2019 recommendations were that all hospitals that admit 75 patients after suffering a stroke per calendar year should have a dedicated Acute Stroke Unit (ASU) (Stroke Foundation Australia 2020). Research consistently shows that patients admitted to a dedicated ASU have improved care and outcomes.
Aim
To provide evidence of the benefits of a dedicated ASU, emphasizing the positive impact of daily multidisciplinary collaboration with stroke consultant oversight within the Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD).
Methods
CCLHD employs the SCRAWL software to manage stroke patients in real-time, facilitating coordination among multidisciplinary teams (MDT) and ensuring adherence to the National Stroke Foundation’s living guidelines for optimal care. The implementation of SCRAWL and daily MDT collaborations has significantly improved patient outcomes within CCLHD. The hospital has won fifteen consecutive Angels Awards for excellence in stroke care.
Results
Since July 2021, Gosford Hospital has diagnosed 1876 stroke patients (1609 Ischaemic and 267 Haemorrhagic). Of these, 15.7% of Ischaemic Stroke patients received reperfusion therapies (range: 13.5%-18.8%), and 96.42% accessed the ASU (range: 92.25%-99.1%). Additionally, 91.8% of patients were reviewed by an Occupational Therapist, 94.6% by a Physiotherapist, and 95% by a Speech Pathologist. The median length of stay in the ASU was 5 days, and 99.04% of patients discharged had the correct stroke prevention medications.
Conclusion
The establishment of dedicated ASUs and the integration of multidisciplinary collaboration are essential for optimizing stroke care and improving patient outcomes.
Relevance to Clinical Practice:
The findings from the CCLHD underscore the critical role of dedicated ASUs and multidisciplinary collaboration in enhancing stroke care. The use of SCRAWL software and adherence to the National Stroke Foundation’s guidelines have significantly improved patient outcomes, underscoring the need for continued investment in ASUs and multidisciplinary approaches to optimize stroke management and patient recovery.