Achieving Faster Door-to-Needle (DTN) Times
Hudson Hospital and Clinics is committed to achieving faster Door-to-Needle (DTN) times, aligning with the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association’s Target Stroke initiative, which aims for a DTN time of ≤60 minutes. Krista Miller, RN, the Stroke Program Coordinator, emphasizes the goal of achieving a median time of scanning and thrombolytic bolus within 60 minutes from the patient’s hospital entry, 100% of the time.
To achieve this goal, the care team has streamlined processes and optimized response times. Their approach includes a "Time is Brain" philosophy, collaboration with Emergency Medical Services (EMS), utilization of a code stroke alert system, and prompt CT diagnostics followed by Tenecteplase thrombolytic therapy.
Key strategies include a collaborative approach with EMS to activate a Code Stroke, ensuring the stroke team is ready upon the patient's arrival. Rapid assessment using the BEFAST acronym is performed upon arrival, aiming to transport the patient to the imaging department promptly. Each patient room is equipped with a code stroke button to alert team members, and non-contrast head CT scans are prioritized for swift interpretation. The hospital emphasizes “Time is Brain” education, training, drills, and mock codes to maintain readiness. And lastly, transitioning to Tenecteplase for thrombolytic therapy has significantly improved DTN times due to its simpler dosing regimen and quicker delivery.
By implementing these strategies, Hudson Hospital and Clinics strives to enhance patient outcomes during the critical early stages of stroke treatment, ensuring timely intervention and optimizing care for stroke patients.