Making the Case for Stroke Prevention Program in The Workplace

• Mary Pinzon, RN, M.Ed., Community Education Specialist, INTEGRIS-James R. Daniel Stroke Center
• B.J. Nevels, MS, CRC, CVE, Community Education Specialist, INTEGRIS-Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation
• Bonnie R. Nevels, RN, BSNc, Occupational Health Nurse, US Postal Service

Abstract

Strokes are becoming more common for individuals under the age of 65 (about 25% occur under the age of 65).  There  more than 700,000 strokes every year in the U.S., and an average of 85/day in Oklahoma.   Stroke is the #1 cause of   adult disability, and the 3rd leading cause of death.  Limited public knowledge about stroke risk, warning signs and emergency response is a major problem for improving stroke care. 
 
A stroke awareness program to include screenings was offered to educate employees and management of a large organization addressing the different work shifts about the warnings signs, implications and the prevention of stroke. 
 
Goals/Objectives

• Describe stroke warning signs foundational for a stroke prevention campaign;
• Utilize existing staff and community resources for a stroke prevention campaign;
• Implement screening program for employees of various shifts;
  Relate results of the stroke prevention campaign as compared to shift work

Idea Generation & Buy-In

• Limited knowledge about stroke risk, warning signs & emergency response by management & employees
• Provided initial education to senior management, supervisors

Possible management barriers & solutions:

• Time loss (10-minute presentations & screenings)
• Financial costs (costs shared with organization &
  stroke center
• Availability & willingness of participation (provided confidentiality, access to restricted areas & ready results)

Usefulness of information (lessen impact of 1 stroke to reduce

• Company costs
• Employee costs
• Disability costs

Hypertension & Stroke Statistics

• Stroke is #3 cause of death - #1 cause adult disability
• Stroke happens every 45 seconds
• Oklahoma has 85 strokes/day – over 31,000 year
• Oklahoma has almost 4,000 strokes/year UNDER AGE 65
• Hypertension is #1 controllable risk factor for stroke
• New JNC7 guidelines for hypertension & pre-hypertension

Opening The Doors

Components of Project:

• Educate employees
• Screen employees
• Screening results for risk modification

Closing The Deal

• Average replacement costs  is $10,000 - $20,000 or 20% of employees annual total compensation
• Loss of skills and expertise-13.5 months for new employees to maximize efficiency
• If out longer than 6 months, 60% never return to work  (Early retirement, SSDI, LTD & STD Costs)

Stroke  Warning Signs

Sudden:

• Severe headache with no known cause
• Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Confusion or trouble speaking or understanding
• Weakness, numbness or paralysis, especially one-sided
• Loss of balance/coordination or dizziness

IF THIS HAPPENS, CALL 911!!!!   NOW!!!

Conclusions

Results show willingness of management and staff to work with local resource to educate and screen employees about stroke.

Data collected will educate staff on : 

• Human impact of stroke
• Employee costs
• Long-term disability costs
• Further educational activities and lifestyle changes
• Increased awareness of employees and management about stroke risk and warning signs, including pursuing changes for healthier vending food options for employees