Stroke Coordination Support

Support for Stroke Coordination Programs

A stroke coordinator performs many duties to ensure quality care is provided to every stroke patient. Compiled from search queries at google.com and indeed.com for "stroke coordinator", the following general description of a stroke coordinator's job responsibilities was created.

Building Support Resources

• Building the Case for a Primary Stroke Center (National Stroke Association)
• The Business of Stroke (National Stroke Association)
• Stroke Programs Finance and Business Considerations (Presentation by Debbie Lombardi Hill, FAHA)
• National Consortium of Stroke Coordinators

Cost-Effectiveness Stroke Treatment and Prevention

• Cost-Effectiveness of Intravenous Trhombolysis within 3-hour window (Stroke, 2007; 38,85-89)
• Model-Base Cost-Effectiveness Analyses for Treatment of Acute Stroke Events (Value in Health, 2009; 12(4)507-520)
• Predictors of Acute Hospital Costs for Treatment of Ischemic Stroke in an Academic Center (Stroke 1999;30, 724-728)
• The Business of Stroke Building the Case for Primary Stroke Center (National Stroke Association)
• Cost-effectiveness of Salt Reduction Interventions (CDC, HDSP)
• A Cost Analysis for a Hypertension Intervention: (FURRThER Study) (Columbia University)

Nomenclature of stroke facilities

Brain Attack Coalition Definition of Comprehensive Stroke Center

• An Acute Stroke Team with training and expertise in stroke must be available around-the-clock, seven days a week in order to evaluate within 15 minutes of arrival any patient who may have suffered a stroke.



• A neurosurgeon must be available 24/7. The hospital should be able to provide Neurosurgical Services to stroke patients within two hours of when the services are deemed necessary.



• The hospital must have written guidelines (care protocols) for emergency treatment of stroke patients. This standardizes, streamlines and accelerates the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients, which is critical in minimizing complications.



• The hospital should be well-known to area Emergency Medical Services (EMS) or rescue squads as the place to take suspected stroke victims. There should well-established and effective lines of communication between EMS and the stroke center during transport so that the proper diagnostic tests and treatment can begin as soon as possible upon the patient's arrival.



• The hospital’s Emergency Department staff should be trained in diagnosing and treating stroke and have good lines of communication with both EMS and the acute stroke team.



• The hospital must be capable of performing and evaluating a brain imaging (neuroimaging) study (such as a CT or MRI scan) within 45 minutes of the time it is ordered. And a specialist must be present at all hours who can interpret the findings. This is essential in making a fast, accurate diagnosis.



• Laboratory services must be available around-the-clock



• The hospital must have a dedicated neurological intensive care unit where patients with brain trauma can receive specialized monitoring and care beyond the initial life-threatening period.

Office of EMS Definition of Primary Stroke Center

• "A hospital that is currently accredited by the Joint Commission as a Primary Stroke Center. Free standing emergency departments and satellite facilities are not considered part of the Primary Stroke Center."

Office of EMS Definition of Acute Stroke Capable Hospital

• CT availability with in-house technician 24/7/365
• Ability to rapidly evaluate an acute stroke patient to identify patients who would benefit from thrombolytic administration
• Ability and willingness to administer thrombolytic agent to eligible acute stroke patients
• Accepts all patients regardless of bed availability
• Provides outcome and performance measure feedback to EMS including case review

Office of EMS Definition of Community Hospital

• "A local hospital within the EMS System’s service area which provides emergency care but does not meet the criteria for a Primary Stroke Center or Stroke Capable Hospital."