Every minute that passes by when someone is having a stroke, 1.9 million brain cells are being lost. Recognition of stroke signs and symptoms and calling 911 is the key to minimizing long term affects of stroke and death; therefore patients need to arrive timely within 4.5 hours for treatment. The purpose is to understand health equity variables that impact patient arrival within 4.5 hours of onset of stroke signs and symptoms. By applying a standardized set of health equity variables demonstrates support of CMS Health Equity Strategic Plan and Virginia Statewide Stroke Initiatives.
Problem: According to Get with the Guidelines Stroke Registry entered data at Augusta Health, 60% of patients with stroke do not arrive within 4.5 hours to maximize benefit from evidenced based care. Need to understand the barriers of why they are not arriving in time to treat.
Measurement: Comparative data with specific variables
Analysis: Descriptive Statistics
Implementation: Initial challenges included communicating clearly to the Data Science Team to provide requested data in a format for comparison. Implemented analysis with area deprivation index (ADI), mini market service area, and health equity variables including race/ethnicity, gender, age, PCP access.
Results/Discussion: Our stroke population is impacted by ADI scores ranging from 6-10. Main age group not arriving in 4.5 hours is 50-64 years old. Approximately half had not seen a PCP in the last 12 months as the area is not well covered by the mobile clinic and access primary care.
