State of Arizona Grant Supports Stroke Education at YRMC

Early recognition and rapid response to stroke are the goals of a clinician training program sponsored by Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC). Nearly 270 YRMC registered nurses as well as occupational, physical, respiratory and speech therapists participated in the SimSuite Stroke Simulation Training Program January 7-18. The program featured a wireless patient simulator called the Laerdal SimMan® that replicated possible scenarios associated with stroke in a lab setting as well as classroom-setting workshops.

“Stroke symptoms can be very subtle,” said Diane Drexler, RN, YRMC Chief Nursing Officer. “Because of the SimSuite training, YRMC’s clinicians are more acutely aware of the signs and symptoms of stroke. With this training, they can intervene earlier, which will save lives and help limit disability due to stroke.”

In the simulation laboratory, YRMC clinicians worked in teams of approximately six on a series of scenarios. This experience allowed caregivers to practice identifying and treating stroke patients as well as patients with signs and symptoms that mimic stroke. In addition to the simulation laboratory, the SimSuite training included a learning module with a pre-and post-test. The program’s curriculum is based on the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association “Get With the Guidelines Program: Target Stroke.”

“This is a very effective way of learning in healthcare,” said Drexler. “Every patient is different and the classroom learning combined with the hands-on experience in the lab builds the critical thinking skills necessary to care effectively for patients.”

YRMC occupational, physical, speech and respiratory therapists also learned advanced stroke rehabilitation techniques as part of the training. The therapists participated in two-day, hands-on seminars, which took place in December 2012 and January 2013.

Ellen Benson, YRMC’s Director of Education and Organizational Development, said the training allowed YRMC to increase the skills of its caregivers and improve healthcare for the community. “By training so many clinicians at the same time, we ensure continuity of care,” she said.

The SimSuite Stroke Simulation Training Program was funded in part by an Arizona Job Training Program Grant from the Arizona Commerce Authority. The grant supports Arizona employers seeking to increase the skills of their employees.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one American dies from stroke every four minutes. Each year, more than 795,000 people in the U.S. suffer strokes.