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Developing a Stroke Unit Using the Acute Care for Elders Intervention and Model of Care
Author(s) -
Allen Kyle R.,
Hazelett Susan E.,
Palmer Robert R.,
Jarjoura David G.,
Wickstrom Glenda C.,
Weinhardt Jan A.,
Lada Robert,
Holder Carolyn M.,
Counsell Steven R.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
journal of the american geriatrics society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.992
H-Index - 232
eISSN - 1532-5415
pISSN - 0002-8614
DOI - 10.1046/j.1532-5415.2003.51521.x
Subject(s) - medicine , stroke (engine) , intervention (counseling) , acute care , acute stroke , quality management , medline , disease management , intensive care medicine , medical emergency , health care , nursing , disease , emergency department , management system , engineering , economics , economic growth , mechanical engineering , management , pathology , political science , law , parkinson's disease
The Acute Care for Elders (ACE) model of care is a multicomponent intervention that improves outcomes for older patients hospitalized for acute medical illnesses. Likewise, stroke units improve outcomes for patients with acute stroke, yet the descriptions of their structure and approach to stroke management are heterogeneous. The purpose of this article is to describe how implementing the ACE model of care, using a continuous quality‐improvement process, can serve as a foundation for a successful stroke unit aimed at improving stroke care. The ACE intervention (a prepared environment, interdisciplinary team management, patient‐centered nursing care plans, early discharge planning, and review of medical care) was amplified in a community teaching hospital for stroke‐specific care by creating a stroke interdisciplinary team, evidence‐based stroke orders and protocols, and a redesigned environment. Administrative data show that the ACE model can be successfully adapted to create a disease‐specific program for stroke patients, having the potential to improve the process of care and clinical stroke outcomes.