Improving the Preparedness and Confidence of Healthcare Providers in the Detection and Management of Preeclampsia and Acute Stroke in Perinatal Patients: A Quality Improvement Initiative

Pregnancy-related stroke (PRS) is a cerebrovascular injury that occurs during and up to six weeks after pregnancy. This includes hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes, however, regardless of the type, strokes in this special population are on the rise and preeclampsia is a major contributing factor. It is paramount for healthcare providers to not only understand the physiologic changes that occur during pregnancy, but also remain aware of the risk factors, symptoms, and currently accepted management of perinatal preeclampsia and strokes. Aware of the missed opportunities at a single center institution this quality initiative aimed to equip healthcare providers with education in order to increase provider preparedness and confidence in taking care of this special population. This educational offering was delivered to emergency room clinicians and utilized a pre- and post-test, revealing its clinical efficacy. This type of focused education has the potential to serve as a template for other healthcare conditions that require frequent updated information.