Sumter nurse practitioner presents local stroke program success at International Stroke Conference

Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital nurse practitioner Shanika Shephard, FNP, recently presented to the American Heart Association's International Stroke Conference about the use of tele-neurology services to increase stroke care in the Sumter community.

In an effort to address the increased stroke risk in rural communities, Prisma Health began offering in-person stroke care services at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital in April 2021. Neurologists in other Prisma Health locations were able to conduct exams with acute stroke patients not requiring emergent intervention in Sumter with providers using the Zeriscope device, which is comprised of a camera attached to a headset and provides two-way communication between the nurse practitioner and a board-certified neurologist. Following the live-streamed "virtual rounds" with the physicians, Shephard and her colleague Megan Lybrand, GNP, partner with the physician to determine a care plan for each patient. This allows patients to receive all care at Tuomey Hospital, eliminating the need for additional travel and ideally, helping to prevent additional strokes.

Shephard had the opportunity to present their positive results to the ISC earlier this year. The team evaluated 52 stroke patients over a four-month period, and due to the consistent care provided in a convenient way, none of the patients experienced additional complications.

"We were excited to bring these services to Sumter," said Shephard. "In a rural community where many individuals are at high risk for stroke, we were able to show a significant impact in a short period of time. It was an honor to share our results with the medical community, and I'm grateful to continue our important work in this area."

Before this program, Tuomey Hospital did not have acute neurology services. Shephard and Lybrand, who also lives in the Sumter area, continue to provide follow-up services for stroke patients. Patients are evaluated in the hospital by one of the nurse practitioners and then receive a post-stroke evaluation in an office next to Tuomey Hospital. They evaluate how the continuing of care through therapy and followup has impacted their lives. The team also provides continued education for prevention of future strokes, therefore minimizing further disability.

The project also received funding from South Carolina SmartState and the iCARE Program with the South Carolina Center for Rural and Primary Healthcare.