Background: The effectiveness   of specific systems changes to reduce DTN (door-to-needle) time has not been   fully evaluated. We analyzed the impact of 4 specific DTN time reduction   strategies implemented prospectively in a staggered fashion. 

Methods and results: The HASTE (Hurry Acute   Stroke Treatment and Evaluation) project was implemented in 3 phases at a   single academic medical center. In HASTE I (June 6, 2012 to June 5, 2013),   baseline performance was analyzed. In HASTE II (June 6, 2013 to January 24,   2015), 3 changes were implemented: (1) a STAT stroke protocol to prenotify   the stroke team about incoming stroke patients; (2) administering alteplase   at the computed tomography (CT) scanner; and (3) registering the patient as   unknown to allow immediate order entry. In HASTE III (January 25, 2015 to   June 29, 2015), we implemented a process to bring the patient directly to CT   on the emergency medical services stretcher. Log-transformed DTN time was   modeled. Data from 350 consecutive alteplase-treated patients were analyzed.   Multivariable regression showed the following factors to be significant:   giving alteplase in the CT (32% decrease in DTN time, 95% confidence interval   [CI] 38%-55%), stretcher to CT (30% decrease in DTN time, 95% CI 16%-42%),   patient registered as unknown (12% decrease in DTN time, 95% CI 3%-20%), STAT   stroke protocol (11% decrease in DTN time, 95% CI 1%-20%), and stroke   severity (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score 6-8: 19% decrease   in DTN time, 95% CI 6%-31%; National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score   >8: 27% decrease in DTN time, 95% CI 17%-37%). 

Conclusions: Taking the patient to CT on the emergency medical services   stretcher, registering the patient as unknown, STAT stroke protocol, and   administering alteplase in CT are associated with lower DTN time.

Authors: Noreen Kamal, Jessalyn K. Holodinsky, Caroline Stephenson, Devika Kashayp, Andrew M. Demchuk, Michael D. Hill, Renee L. Vilneff, Erin Bugbee, Charlotte Zerna, Nancy Newcommon, Eddy Lang, Darren Knox, Eric E. Smith