A Computer-Based Stroke Education Orientation Program for Nurses on a Designated Stroke Unit: A Program Development, Quality Improvement Project

Evidence of improved outcomes for patients admitted to a dedicated stroke unit supports the need for specialized stroke education and protocols. The Joint Commission now requires all stroke patients be admitted to a PSC and receive care on a designated stroke unit. Care on the stroke unit is focused on preventing further debilitation, deterioration and reducing medical complications. Nurses working at a primary stroke center are required by TJC to have initial orientation stroke education and annual competency review to ensure stroke patients receive high quality, current care. The Joint Commission also requires core stroke team members receive at least eight hours of education annually, as determined by the stroke program manager. The stroke program manager determines composition of the stroke team in collaboration with hospital leadership and other stakeholders (Daniels, Johnson & Mackovjak, 2011). It is the responsibility of each primary stroke center to develop an education program for clinical staff. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to develop a computer-based stroke education orientation program for nurses on a recently designated stroke unit within a PSC facility