Abstract WP85: Provider Perspectives On Stroke Treatment In Nebraska: Urban Vs. Rural Disparities

Introduction: Mission: Lifeline Stroke Nebraska (NE) is a four-year project which aims to improve stroke systems of care within the state through various interventions, including education of healthcare providers. Timely in-hospital treatment of stroke patients is key to reducing death and disability in stroke patients. Methods: An anonymous survey was administered to physicians and advanced practice providers that work in the ED at NE hospitals to assess the comfort/confidence level in administering IV thrombolytics and to learn more about the reasons for giving (and not giving) IV thrombolytics in various scenarios, including when an ischemic stroke is mild (NIHSS <4). A total of 110 providers completed the survey between February and April of 2021. Results: Critical Access Hospital (CAH) providers represented 70% of respondents. Only 50% of providers at certified centers and 29% at CAHs feel comfortable/confident in giving IV thrombolytics to ischemic stroke patients before consulting another provider. After consulting another clinician, this percentage increases to 89.7% in CAH providers but does not change in certified center providers. Overall, only 26.5% of certified center providers and 21.8% of CAH providers stated they are likely to give IV thrombolytic to a mild ischemic stroke patient. Certified center providers indicated that improved feedback on patient outcomes post IV thrombolytic therapy (41.2%) is the top item that would increase their comfort/confidence with administering IV thrombolytic. Qualitative feedback from certified center providers also shows there is hesitancy in administering IV thrombolytics to stroke patients and a desire to see more research showing the benefits. CAH providers identified access to telestroke (78.2%) and annual stroke education including updated guidelines on IV thrombolytic administration (66.7%) as the top items that would increase their comfort/confidence. Conclusions: These results indicate there is hesitancy to use IV thrombolytics to treat mild ischemic stroke patients and a need for more telestroke/neurology consultation options for providers in CAHs. From these conclusions, Mission: Lifeline is catering educational opportunities to the needs of rural and urban providers in NE