Mitchell Hayes1, David Schlundt2, Kemberlee Bonnet2, Timothy J Vogus3, Sunil Kripalani4, Michael T Froehler5, Michael J Ward6. 1. Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee. 2. Vanderbilt University, Department of Psychology, Nashville, Tennessee. 3. Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management, Nashville, Tennessee; Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Center for Clinical Quality and Implementation Research, Nashville, Tennessee. 4. Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee; Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Center for Clinical Quality and Implementation Research, Nashville, Tennessee. 5. Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Neurology, Nashville, Tennessee. 6. Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee; Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Center for Clinical Quality and Implementation Research, Nashville, Tennessee. Electronic address: michael.j.ward@vanderbilt.edu.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Acute Ischemic stroke (AIS) is a time-sensitive emergency and patients frequently present to, and are transferred from emergency departments (EDs). We sought to evaluate potential factors, particularly organizational, that may influence the timeliness of interfacility transfer for ED patients with AIS. METHODS: We conducted semistructured interviews at 3 EDs that routinely transfer AIS patients. A structured interview guide was developed and piloted prior to use. Staff were asked about perceived facilitators and barriers to timely and high quality emergency care for patients with AIS who require transfer. Each interview was audio recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed using an iterative inductive-deductive approach to build a list of themes and subthemes, and identify supporting quotes. RESULTS: We interviewed 45 ED staff (administrative staff, nurses, and physicians) involved in acute stroke care. We identified 4 major themes influencing the execution of interfacility transfers of AIS patients: (1) processes, (2) historical experiences; (3) communication; and (4) resources. Pre-existing protocols that standardized processes (eg, autoacceptance protocols) and reduced unnecessary communication, combined with direct communication with the neurology team at the comprehensive stroke center, and the flexibility and availability of human and physical resources (eg, staff and equipment) were commonly cited as facilitators. Lack of communication of clinical and operational outcomes back to transferring ED staff was viewed as a lost opportunity for process improvement, interorganization relationship building, and professional satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: ED staff view the interfacility transfer of AIS patients as highly complex with multiple opportunities for delay. Coordination through the use of protocols and communication pre- and post-transfer represented opportunities to facilitate transfers. Staff and clinicians at transferring facilities identified multiple opportunities to enhance existing processes and ongoing communication quality among facilities involved in the acute management of patients with AIS. Published by Elsevier Inc.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:Acute Ischemic stroke (AIS) is a time-sensitive emergency and patients frequently present to, and are transferred from emergency departments (EDs). We sought to evaluate potential factors, particularly organizational, that may influence the timeliness of interfacility transfer for ED patients with AIS. METHODS: We conducted semistructured interviews at 3 EDs that routinely transfer AISpatients. A structured interview guide was developed and piloted prior to use. Staff were asked about perceived facilitators and barriers to timely and high quality emergency care for patients with AIS who require transfer. Each interview was audio recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed using an iterative inductive-deductive approach to build a list of themes and subthemes, and identify supporting quotes. RESULTS: We interviewed 45 ED staff (administrative staff, nurses, and physicians) involved in acute stroke care. We identified 4 major themes influencing the execution of interfacility transfers of AISpatients: (1) processes, (2) historical experiences; (3) communication; and (4) resources. Pre-existing protocols that standardized processes (eg, autoacceptance protocols) and reduced unnecessary communication, combined with direct communication with the neurology team at the comprehensive stroke center, and the flexibility and availability of human and physical resources (eg, staff and equipment) were commonly cited as facilitators. Lack of communication of clinical and operational outcomes back to transferring ED staff was viewed as a lost opportunity for process improvement, interorganization relationship building, and professional satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: ED staff view the interfacility transfer of AISpatients as highly complex with multiple opportunities for delay. Coordination through the use of protocols and communication pre- and post-transfer represented opportunities to facilitate transfers. Staff and clinicians at transferring facilities identified multiple opportunities to enhance existing processes and ongoing communication quality among facilities involved in the acute management of patients with AIS. Published by Elsevier Inc.
Entities:
Keywords:
Emergency care, transfers; Health care delivery systems; Ischemic stroke; Qualitative methods
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