Increasing percentage of acute mild stroke patients achieving independent walking on discharge from the acute stroke unit (ASU)
Care Continuum
Care Process & Redesign
National Healthcare Group Quality Improvement
National Healthcare Group
31 December 2019
To increase the percentage of acute mild stroke patients achieving walking independence at discharge from the Acute Stroke. Stroke education improved functional recovery outcomes and reduced dependency.
Year Submitted: 2019
Published Date: 31 December 2019
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Care Continuum, Quality Improvement, Clinical Practice Improvement, Value Based Care, Functional Outcome, Discharge Planning, Operational Management, Resource Allocation, Preventive Care, Patient Education
About this Content
Aims
To increase the percentage of acute mild stroke patients achieving walking independence at discharge from the Acute Stroke Unit (ASU), from 42% to 67% in 6 months.
Background
Physical activity levels are low in acute stroke patients, who spend over 90% of their time sedentary. At TTSH ASU, only 42% of mild acute stroke patients achieved walking independence on discharge.
Methods
Formed a multidisciplinary team, conducted root cause analysis (RCA), patient empowerment through education tools, standardized communication via headboards, and empowered nurses for mobilization training.
Results
75% of patients achieved walking independence at discharge (from baseline 42%). Discharges to home improved from 50% to 70%. Stroke education increased the likelihood of walking independence by 3.04 times.
Conclusion
Stroke education improved functional recovery outcomes and reduced dependency. Collaborative multi-disciplinary approaches proved effective for better patient results.
Lessons Learnt
Early patient education and collaboration across disciplines were critical. Frequent huddles helped identify barriers early for timely interventions.
Additional Information
Awarded NHG Quality Improvement Award 2019.
Keywords
Care Redesign, Clinical Improvement, Stroke Education, Early Mobilization, Rehabilitation Care, Quality Improvement, Allied Health, Root Cause Analysis, Acute Stroke Unit
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National Healthcare Group |
Organization(s) Involved | Tan Tock Seng Hospital |
Platform(s) | National Healthcare Group Quality Improvement |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Allied Health, Nursing, Medical |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Intensive Care Medicine, Neurology, Rehabilitation Therapy, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy |
Project Lead(s) | Christina Chia Hui Ling |
Project Member(s) | Tai Chu Chiau |
Connect with this contributor!
Christina Chia Hui Ling - christinaHL_CHIA@ttsh.com.sg