Capstone project
Stoke is among the most widespread health problems that affects a considerable number of individuals. Epidemiological data indicates that stroke is among the key health problems that is associated with severe disabilities and increased mortality as well as morbidity. According to CDC about 795,000 individuals suffer from stroke very year in the United States and most of these incidences are ischemic stroke (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015). Additionally, stroke is associated with various health as well as economic consequences such as increased health expenditure and long-term disabilities. However, providing the relevant and suitable interventions and care through the use of evidence-based practice to stroke patients especially during the first hours after the onset is an appropriate strategy that is associated with better outcomes (Furie et al., 2011).
Target audience
As such, nurses play an essential role especially in rapid identification as well as triage of stroke patients, initial assessment and coordinating care for these patients. Additionally, nurses usually foster the delivery of relevant and timely care and treatments and usually provide rapid transfer of stroke patients to the SU (Stroke Unit) for advanced treatment (Middleton, Grimley & Alexandrov, 2015). Thus, it is important to offer them the relevant information on evidence-based recommendations on care and treatment of stroke patients.
Possible solutions
Among the key possible solutions that can be used to foster optimal outcomes among stroke patients include; offering nurses and with the relevant evidence-based recommendations and appropriate information that can help them in effectively preventing as well as managing stroke cases. For instance, nurses should be enlightened on the need to effectively asses stroke patients, administer r-tPA, BP monitoring and rapid transfer to the SU (Middleton, Grimley & Alexandrov, 2015).
Dissemination and impact
In order to ensure that the information reaches the target audience, it is necessary to use the appropriate dissemination channels such as brochures, slides and handouts to educate nurses on the evidence-based recommendations for care and treatment of stroke patients. In the light of this, providing this information shall foster optimal care as well as treatment of stroke patients thereby resulting to better outcomes and minimize adverse events.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2016). Stroke Facts | cdc.gov. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/stroke/facts.htm
Furie, K. L., Kasner, S. E., Adams, R. J., Albers, G. W., Bush, R. L., Fagan, S. C., & Mitchell, P. H. (2011). Guidelines for the prevention of stroke in patients with stroke or transient ischemic attack a guideline for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Stroke, 42(1), 227-276.
Middleton, S., Grimley, R., & Alexandrov, A. W. (2015). Triage, Treatment, and Transfer Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Recommendations and Models of Nursing Care for the First 72 Hours of Admission to Hospital for Acute Stroke. Stroke, 46(2), e18-e25.
