The practiced response that develops among team members improves as unanticipated glitches are worked out of the system. Details become incorporated into memory and efficiency improves. Conversely, uncommonly executed protocols are more sluggishly applied as details need to be reviewed each time. The need for staff refresher courses for skill maintenance increases in low-frequency states. The frequency factor is an important consideration when planning clinical educational activities.
Stroke is only one-third as common in our population as acute myocardial infarction.
Only a small percentage of the stroke patients will be eligible for thrombolysis treatment but all will benefit from more expeditious treatment. Nevertheless, skillful application of a complex selection process and rapid execution within a tight time-frame will be required on an infrequent basis. The educational challenge to maintain such a state of readiness will be significant. A high state of motivation can be attained and maintained in emergency staff by consistently accentuating the positive in our stroke management experience. Case conferences covering patient experience need to involve all members of the interdisciplinary team.