Recommended Citation
Mitchell E. Stroke alert education and jump bag. Poster presented at: American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses (ASPAN) National Conference 2026; April 27-30, 2026; San Francisco, CA.
Presentation Notes
Poster presented at: American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses (ASPAN) National Conference 2026; April 27-30, 2026; San Francisco, CA.
Abstract
Background: Stroke events in the postoperative period are low volume, high-risk events requiring timely identification and treatment. This project aimed to improve the response to potential strokes in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) by enhancing nurse knowledge, confidence and compliance with stroke alert protocols and documentation compliance.
Objectives: Upon review of stroke events in PACU and nurse identified barriers to stroke response in PACU two areas of focus were identified. The primary focus was to increase nurse’s confidence and knowledge with the stroke alert interventions and process. The secondary focus was to increase adherence to documentation standards per the stroke coordinator, by improving confidence and knowledge of stroke alert interventions and process. Education was developed to pair with the implementation of a stroke jump bag to address documentation gaps.
Process of Implementation: This project had two main components: targeted education and stroke jump bag implementation. In collaboration with the stroke coordinator and unit stroke champion, education focused on the stroke alert process and interventions, with an emphasis on required documentation. Education sessions were delivered to all members of the nursing team during daily huddles and one-on-one sessions. The jump bag was introduced during these sessions as well as introduction to essential supplies and tools for quick intervention when initiating a stroke alert. Nurse confidence and knowledge was assessed through pre- and post- education surveys. Stroke alert documentation compliance was measured before and after intervention by reviewing events from the baseline period and year following implementation.
Statement of the successful practice: Following education sessions and implementation of the stroke alert jump bag, nurses were surveyed again. Nurse confidence with implementing stroke alert interventions increased by 10%. Nurse knowledge with activating a stroke alert increased 11% and knowledge of the stroke alert process increased 16%. Nurse knowledge of required stroke alert documentation increased by 31%. When reviewing stroke data, documentation compliance increased from a baseline of 66% to 75% post education and stroke bag implementation.
Implications for advancing peri-anesthesia nursing: Targeted education and using a stroke alert jump bag increased nurse confidence and knowledge of stroke alert initiation and process, leading to better documentation compliance.
Document Type
Poster
Affiliations
Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center