2006 STROKE PROGRAM
see chart key below
.

Stroke Program Summary
Our Stroke Program is CARF Accredited and consists of team members specializing in Stroke Rehabilitation. In 2006, we cared for 141 patients who suffered a stroke. Compared to the nation, we served a population that was more functionally dependent. While 13.5% of this population required transfer to an acute medical care floor during their rehab stay, there were no deaths. Our length of stay of 20.3 days was higher than our target of less than 17 days or less. This may be due to the fact that we admitted patients who were more functionally dependent as compared to the nation. It is a challenge to manage our length of stay while still serving and meeting the needs of this patient population and their families.  The percentage of patients discharged to their community was 61.7%, which is less than our goal of 71%. We feel this is due to our large rural geographic region and the complexity of the persons we serve.   We are satisfied that we improved their quality of life as well their ability to manage their activities of daily living.  A number of our patients’ come from rural areas and community resources are difficult to find in these outlying areas. We had a patient satisfaction rate of 86.5% and our patients were pleased with their adequate discharge preparation, as reflected by a score of 6.92 out of a possible 7.

Enhancements to the Stroke Program
Patient – Family Centered Care Standards were developed to enhance the patient –family rehabilitation experience. Further refinements were made to the Evening Ambulation Program, as well as the development of an Evening Activity of Daily Living Kardex to enhance the 24-hour rehabilitation environment. Our Cognitive-Communication Program was enhanced with development of a Patient Organizer, which includes the patient’s schedule, memory aides, and activities for the patient to do throughout the day. A bowel and bladder algorithm was developed to enhance the management of the patient’s elimination program. The weekend pass form was enhanced to increase the communication of goals with patients and their families to ensure adequate preparation for discharge. In 2006, a comprehensive educational series was developed and implemented. The classes are designed as an important educational opportunity for patients and their family members to participate in and gain knowledge and understanding of stroke and its impact on functional abilities. In addition to the educational classes, patients are provided with and educated on the use of a stroke portfolio. This is a tool that is designed to assist patients in having a personal and portable health profile that can be used at home and with ongoing caregivers and health providers.