St. Elizabeth Healthcare Covington Emergency Department

Covington, Kentucky

Of the many different data points that the St. Elizabeth Healthcare Covington Emergency Department measures and follows, the stroke data may have the biggest impact on the potential to truly make a difference in the way the ED staff cares for patients and in better patient outcomes. Through guidance from the stroke committees, staff instituted multiple processes for care of patients experiencing stroke symptoms. They measure door-to-doctor, door-to-stroke protocols, door-to-CAT scan completed and results, door-to-needle, and arrival-to-departure time. Staff also completes chart reviews to determine if the last known well was documented, along with a baseline NIHSS scale, additional NIHSS symptoms change, swallow screening, baseline vitals and a baseline neuro assessment. Redocumentation of vitals and a neuro assessment are completed hourly.

The health system and local first responders also use Pulsara, a cloud-based app that improves communication and quickens treatment of the patient. Because of these initiatives, St. Elizabeth Healthcare Covington has improved its goals of ED to doctor time, CAT scan results time, and stroke orders initiated time. The staff also showed ingenuity and flexibility in meeting temporary challenges caused by a multi-year ED construction and renovation project, which was scheduled for completion in the summer of 2024.