Abstract WP199: Transforming Stroke Education: Engaging In-Person Learning for Enhanced Nursing Practice in Comprehensive Stroke Centers

Introduction: Our primary stroke unit Registered Nurses (RNs) must complete eight hours of stroke education annually to meet the Joint Commission standards. Previously, RNs obtained continuing education (CE) via an organization-specific stroke course, a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale course and free choice education. Free choice education sources included stroke specific: conferences; certification courses; computer modules; and online courses, with an approved CE certificate required as proof of education. During a Neuroscience Alignment meeting, a committee made up of Stroke Program Manager (SPM), Stroke Coordinator (SC) and inpatient stroke units’ RN leadership, identified the opportunity for Stroke Program to provide engaging, four in-person CEs to stroke unit RNs, targeting regulatory and unit-specific interests and gaps. Method: We formed one workgroup for each stroke unit, meeting monthly to develop curriculum with SPM and SC. Agendas were personalized to interests and gaps of each unit, with presenters expected to provide engaging in-person education. Education methods included: watching videos; polling and answering questions live; role-playing in a court case; competing in a Jeopardy-style game; playing a stroke identification game; stroke localization practice; and working through a case study. SPM coordinated with the Employee Education Center to reserve rooms and equipment for seven four-hour education days to accommodate all RNs from each unit. Attendees were provided with post-education surveys. Results: Education Day attendance was excellent with 97% of unit RNs attending. Post-survey results regarding intent to change practice based on education day learning activities were positive. Responses included intent to: document more thoroughly, individualize patient care, better stroke symptom recognition, and alignment with professional standards. Conclusion: Post-Survey results indicate attendees felt confident the education day objectives were applicable to their daily practice. Attendees found the in-person education days fun and engaging, and managers appreciated improvement in collecting CE certificates for RNs. Excellent attendance results indicate education directly provided by a Stroke Program is an effective method for meeting regulatory stroke education requirements and meeting unit-specific interests and knowledge gaps with gamification and role-playing methods.