Penn State Health Hampden Medical Center Emergency Department
Enola, Pennsylvania
Penn State Health Hampden Medical Center Emergency Department
In July 2024, an interdisciplinary team at Penn State Health Hampden Medical Center’s emergency department launched an action plan to improve door-to-Tenecteplase times for stroke patients with a goal of achieving administration within 60 minutes of arrival. A dedicated task force mapped the brain attack process, assigning clear roles and training staff to expedite care. By December 2024, two patients received TNK within the target window, demonstrating significant progress. Leadership support and real-time coordination were critical to overcoming barriers, ensuring adherence to the process and driving standardization. The result has been improved stroke care delivery and outcomes.
To improve door-to-EKG times, the team streamlined its process for patients presenting with chest pain or symptoms of acute coronary syndrome. ED registration staff were trained to identify both typical and atypical symptoms, while triage teams prioritized EKGs within 10 minutes of arrival. Real-time monitoring and prompt feedback reinforced timely performance. As a result,
there was 100 percent compliance for patients ultimately identified with STEMI, allowing for quicker interventions and improved outcomes. Despite the variability in patient volume and experience levels among staff, ongoing training and follow-up helped sustain improvements and enhance overall workflow efficiency.
To improve door-to-EKG times, the team streamlined its process for patients presenting with chest pain or symptoms of acute coronary syndrome. ED registration staff were trained to identify both typical and atypical symptoms, while triage teams prioritized EKGs within 10 minutes of arrival. Real-time monitoring and prompt feedback reinforced timely performance. As a result,
there was 100 percent compliance for patients ultimately identified with STEMI, allowing for quicker interventions and improved outcomes. Despite the variability in patient volume and experience levels among staff, ongoing training and follow-up helped sustain improvements and enhance overall workflow efficiency.