Abstract
Abstract only Background: Stroke coordinators (SC’s) are essential leaders of certified stroke centers which facilitate evidence-based stroke care, improving patient outcomes. Although this role has existed since the 1970’s, significant variability of responsibilities and staffing exists. Evidence based recommendations for SC staffing are scarce. Purpose: Utilizing the 2023 Florida Stroke Registry Hospital Inventory Survey (HIS), we describe current SC roles, responsibilities, and challenges in Florida. Methods: The Florida Stroke Registry (FSR), with state funding, tracks and measures Florida’s stroke center performance. FSR recently deployed the FSR HIS, a ten-part questionnaire examining various aspects of stroke program infrastructure. The survey was disseminated to 171 sites with 38 responses in the first wave. This is preliminary data from an HIS section focusing on SC staffing, workload, resources, and perceived challenges. Results: Responding sites all report a designated SC. Figure 1 describes SC’s Status (full vs. part-time), onboarding, and resources. Of note, only 35% of SC’s manage stroke full-time at a single site, SC turnover rate is high with 63% in the role <4 yrs. Stroke coordinators abstract for multiple databases, even with data abstractor support. In free-text responses, 58% (19/33) of SC’s cited lack of time and/or corporate structure for adequate program management as the biggest challenges in their role. Discussion: The preliminary study highlights significant challenges with high SC turnover, heavy workloads, and insufficient support. Stroke programs lack clear recommendations from certifying bodies for program personnel based on program volume. Future directions of FSR HIS include conducting additional dissemination waves, and an analysis of optimal stroke program staffing by cross-referencing certification level, patient volume and SC resources.