Fairchild Medical Center TeleStroke Case Study
ABOUT
Fairchild Medical Center is a 25-bed critical access hospital located in Yreka, California. It is certified by the Joint Commission as a Primary Stroke Center. In 2021, Fairchild had over 11,800 ED visits with 204 Stroke Alert activations. TeleSpecialists went live with TeleStroke services mid-April 2021.
THE PROBLEM
Pre-Go-Live, the median Door-to-Needle time was 69 minutes (August 2020-April 2021).
THE SOLUTION
Prior to partnering with TeleSpecialists, hospitals participate in a Lean Value Stream mapping session. This session allows TeleSpecialists and the hospital to collaborate on a workflow based on best practices for Stroke care.
The following best practices were implemented at Fairchild Medical Center:
• Pre-arrival Stroke Activation
• Brief Stroke Pitstop, then Straight to CT
• TeleSpecialists’ Physician on-screen during Pitstop
• Staff Education on the New Stroke Response Protocol
• Mock Code Simulation Sessions
• Analysis of Quality Metrics & Case Reviews
Since Go-Live with TeleSpecialists, the alteplase treatment time (D2N) decreased by 45% from August 2020 to Jan 2022. This improvement in treatment times is the direct result of the collaboration between the teams at Fairchild Medical Center and TeleSpecialists. Together, we are providing quality patient care and moving the needle!