Background/Aims:
The delivery of hyperacute stroke care to geographically isolated populations is dependent on the telestroke service. The local healthcare worker is a key player in the smooth running of this service but the provision of training to this group can be challenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an E-simulation training package on the confidence of regional healthcare workers making telestroke calls to Wellington hospital.
Methods:
The telestroke training package included five E-simulations, covering common stroke fast track presentations, with feedback and further reading links.
It was delivered by email to doctors and nurses involved in stroke care in four regional centres, along with an anonymous feedback questionnaire. This assessed self-reported confidence in telestroke before and after training.
Results:
A total of 29 people completed all five modules, with 17 providing feedback. The data indicate a significant improvement in confidence with thrombolysis charting, understanding reperfusion time windows, and consenting patients for clot retrieval and thrombolysis.
Conclusion:
The results of our pilot study suggest that E-simulation is an effective way of improving the confidence of geographically isolated healthcare workers forming part of the telestroke team.