Proposed Topic (Most preferred): :
Clinical Safety and Quality Service II (Projects aiming to enhance clinical safety and outcomes, clinical governance / risk management)
Proposed Topic (Second preferred): :
Staff Engagement and Empowerment (motivating staff / teamwork / work revamp tackling manpower issue / staff wellness / OSH / retention)
Authors (including presenting author) :
Tam ML(1), Lam LP(1), Cheung CCC(1), Sheng B(2), Wu HF(2), Chin LSA(1), Lam MW(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Integrated Neurosurgery and Neurology Ward, Department of Neurosurgery, Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH), Kowloon West Cluster, (2)Department of Medicine & Geriatrics, Princess Margaret Hospital, Kowloon West Cluster
Introduction :
Stroke is a leading cause of disability and mortality globally. The hyperacute phase of ischaemic stroke is a medical emergency in patient management that requires quick and accurate diagnosis and treatment. Stroke nurses play an essential role in the provision of efficient and effective stroke care, including assessing patients, organizing neuroimaging, preparing thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy, and coordinating services with different departments. To prepare for integration of stroke nursing and neurosurgery nursing team, and for 24/7 reperfusion therapy service enhancement, an in-house hyperacute stroke training program is designed to equip nurses with the knowledge and skills to provide timely and quality care to stroke patients during the critical phase. It offers a comprehensive curriculum to ensure nursing staff are well-prepared to handle any stroke-related emergency, leading to better outcomes and improved patient satisfaction.
Objectives :
1. To equip nurses with the ability to assess hyperacute stroke cases, facilitate timely interventions and monitoring in order to improve patient outcome
2. To enhance rapid decision-making and seamless coordination among different parties in the hyperacute stroke care management
Methodology :
• Mandatory training for nursing staff with 3 years’ experience or above: All experienced nursing staff, with a minimum of 3 years of clinical experience, will be recruited in the mandatory training in hyperacute stroke care. This aims to utilize their expertise while providing specialized knowledge and skill in hyperacute stroke management and to expand the talent pool of ‘reperfusion capable’ stroke nurses in the integrated unit for service sustainment.
• Theory sessions by neurologists and stroke nurses: Interactive theory sessions led by neurologists and qualified stroke nurses were held, hyperacute stroke management including assessment, diagnostic approaches and treatment options were explained. To further enhance the efficiency of learning and to facilitate self-review, the theory sessions are video recorded. The recordings allow nursing staff to review important concepts, strengthen their understanding and address queries.
• 10 real cases exposure / scenario-based training for familiarization with 4 real cases exposure: After receiving the theory part training, nurses will be engaged in real case management along with qualified stroke nurses. Scenario-based training was added to replicate actual hyperacute stroke situations and enable nurses to put their theoretical knowledge into practice within a controlled setting. This hands-on experience aims to enhance their confidence, decision-making abilities, and familiarity with the challenges posed by hyperacute stroke cases. Nurses will further solidify their skills by directly participating in real cases besides scenario-based training. They will actively contribute to patient care under the supervision and guidance of mentors and apply their acquired knowledge in real-time.
Result & Outcome :
- A total of 8 nursing staffs successfully completed the in-house program and qualified as stroke nurses by December 31, 2023.
- Participants expressed satisfaction with the training program, emphasizing its relevance and applicability to their roles in hyperacute stroke care.
