Allen KR, Hazelett SE, Palmer RR, Jarjoura DG, Wickstrom GC, Weinhardt JA, Lada R, Holder CM, Counsell SR. Developing a
stroke unit using the acute care for elders intervention and model of care. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2003 Nov;51(11):1660-7.
The Acute Care for Elders (ACE) model of care is a multicomponent intervention that improves outcomes for older patients
hospitalized for acute medical illnesses. Likewise, stroke units improve outcomes for patients with acute stroke, yet the
descriptions of their structure and approach to stroke management are heterogeneous. The purpose of this article is to
describe how implementing the ACE model of care, using a continuous quality-improvement process, can serve as a foundation
for a successful stroke unit aimed at improving stroke care. The ACE intervention (a prepared environment, interdisciplinary
team management, patient-centered nursing care plans, early discharge planning, and review of medical care) was amplified in
a community teaching hospital for stroke-specific care by creating a stroke interdisciplinary team, evidence-based stroke
orders and protocols, and a redesigned environment. Administrative data show that the ACE model can be successfully adapted
to create a disease-specific program for stroke patients, having the potential to improve the process of care and clinical
stroke outcomes.
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