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Techniques for improving efficiency in the emergency department for patients with acute ischemic stroke
Author(s) -
Jauch Edward C.,
Holmstedt Christine,
Nolte Justin
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2012.06663.x
Subject(s) - emergency department , medicine , ischemic stroke , emergency medicine , stroke (engine) , acute stroke , medical emergency , cardiology , ischemia , engineering , mechanical engineering , psychiatry
The past 15 years have witnessed significant strides in the management of acute stroke. The most significant advance, reperfusion therapy, has changed relatively little, but the integrated healthcare systems—stroke systems—established to effectively and safely administer stroke treatments have evolved greatly. Driving change is the understanding that “time is brain.” Data are compelling that the likelihood of improvement is directly tied to time of reperfusion. Regional stroke systems of care ensure patients arrive at the most appropriate stroke‐capable hospital in which intrahospital systems have been created to process the potential stroke patient as quickly as possible. The hospital‐based systems are comprised of prehospital care providers, emergency department physicians and nurses, stroke team members, and critical ancillary services such as neuroimaging and laboratory. Given their complexity, these systems of care require maintenance. Through teamwork and ownership of the process, more patients will be saved from potential death and long‐term disability.