December 4, 2025Open Access

Abstract 418: The In‐Patient Code Stroke: Enhancing Awareness and Workflow Through a Visual Quality Improvement Tool

Key Points

Increased awareness among staff improved confidence during acute strokes, indicating a potential benefit for patient outcomes.
Mean comfort scores indicated knowledge of code stroke at 3.00 and EMR documentation familiarity at 2.69 following the visual tool implementation.
Structured online surveys revealed feedback highlighted improved workflow understanding and protocol adherence.
Visual aids may enhance teamwork and readiness for stroke activations, calling for further investigation on performance metrics.

Abstract

Introduction Studies have shown that acute strokes in hospitals experience longer delays in recognition and management compared to those in the ED. Prompt initiation and execution of code stroke protocol remains critical for acute stroke care. To support staff knowledge and workflow, a portable, visually illustrative brain‐shaped tool outlining key code stroke processes was introduced across the hospital. A survey was conducted to assess code stroke knowledge and the visual tool's impact. Methods A structured, eight‐question online survey with a dedicated feedback section was administered to multidisciplinary staff at a primary stroke center (n=46), three months following the implementation of the visual tool. The survey evaluated the following categories: (1) knowledge of stroke code processes; (2) experience with the visual tool; and (3) perceptions of its influence on confidence and workflow guidance during stroke activations. Results Of 46 staff surveyed, mean scores (1‐5 scale) showed moderate comfort with code stroke (3.00), limited EMR documentation familiarity (2.69), and mixed views on the visual tool's helpfulness (2.67) and efficiency (3.21). Chi‐square analyses revealed significant associations between medical emergency response team and comfort with code stroke (χ 2 =29.99, p<0.001), awareness of the tool and perceived helpfulness (χ 2 =40.27, p<0.001), and hospital unit and comfort level (χ 2 =160.35, p<0.001). While averages reflected overall perceptions, chi‐square highlighted group differences. Feedback indicated the tool improved workflow understanding, confidence, and recall of steps. Conclusion The visual tool was associated with increased awareness and confidence among hospital staff in performing code strokes. Visual aids may reinforce protocol adherence, strengthen multidisciplinary team readiness, and ultimately support timely, efficient in‐patient stroke care. Further research is warranted to evaluate its impact on stroke code performance metrics and patient outcomes. image image

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