Abstract TP373: Developing a Pre-Arrival Report Card

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Hospitals’ communication with EMS on pre-arrival evidence based measures is essential in ensuring the best care for stroke patients in their community. To assist in assessing EMS pre-hospital care, the Wisconsin Coverdell Stroke Program (Coverdell) developed a quarterly report card for each of our participating hospitals. Coverdell’s 66 participating hospitals represent 78% of annual stroke admissions to Wisconsin hospitals. Coverdell utilizes the data entered into Get With The Guidelines® (GWTGs) - Special Initiatives tab. The data in the report card can be used to identify gaps in quality stroke care, followed by identifying performance improvement opportunities which can be initiated to address these gaps in care. Methods: Coverdell hospitals participate in the quarterly Coverdell Learning Collaborative (CLC) where they review several aggregated data points. CLC recognized a report card would provide an opportunity for participating hospitals to discuss the pre-arrival quality measures with their EMS providers and assist in developing a trusting relationship. To develop the report card, Coverdell’s Epidemiologist and Stroke Project Specialist analyzed the data measures from the GWTGs- Special Initiatives tab. We determined the need to provide benchmark groups for comparison, and to have established goals for each measure to assist in motivating and gauging progress of quality improvement initiatives. Findings: Coverdell released the pilot quarterly report card in Q3 2018. We then met with Stroke Coordinators whose hospitals were entering into the GWTGs Special Initiatives tab to discuss the goals, measures, and the need for modifications. The Q4 2018 report card incorporated the identified edits. Conclusion: Providing quarterly report cards with EMS pre-arrival measures will assist hospitals and their EMS providers in jointly identifying, planning, and implementing performance improvement initiatives in efforts to ensure seamless transitions of care for stroke patients in their community.