Faculty Collaboration Database

Impact of the Act FAST stroke campaign delivered by student pharmacists on the primary prevention of stroke. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2017;57(3):326-332.e6

Date

04/16/2017

Pubmed ID

28411014

DOI

10.1016/j.japh.2017.02.026

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85019120405 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   4 Citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of an Act FAST educational intervention performed by student pharmacists on knowledge of stroke recognition and management.

DESIGN: Stroke preparedness and knowledge of primary prevention were assessed with the use of pre- and post-intervention surveys targeting community members at health fairs. The intervention was an Act FAST educational session with blood pressure and blood glucose screenings provided by student pharmacists. Act FAST is a quick tool to help recognize and respond to a stroke. The acronym FAST stands for Face, Arms, Speech, and Time.

SETTING: Community health fairs in Vallejo, CA.

PARTICIPANTS: Community members 18 years of age and older.

INTERVENTION: Act FAST educational session delivered by student pharmacists.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Knowledge of signs, symptoms, management, and risk factors of strokes as defined by the American Heart Association.

RESULTS: Following the Act FAST educational intervention, total knowledge of signs, symptoms, and management of stroke significantly increased from moderate to high (n = 112; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.419-2.188; P <0.0001). Total knowledge of risk factors of stroke also significantly increased following the educational intervention (n = 88; 95% CI 0.6496-1.746; P <0.0001).

CONCLUSION: The Act FAST educational intervention delivered by student pharmacists increased knowledge of signs, symptoms, immediate management, and modifiable risk factors of stroke. This suggests that student pharmacists may have a positive impact on community members' preparedness and knowledge of primary prevention of stroke. The Act FAST campaign may be a useful tool for all training health care professionals.

Author List

Phan Vo L, Souksavong JH, Tran A, Chang J, Lor KB

Author

Kajua B. Lor PharmD Chair, Associate Professor in the School of Pharmacy Administration department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Blood Glucose
Blood Pressure
California
Female
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Pharmacists
Primary Prevention
Risk Factors
Stroke
Students, Pharmacy
Surveys and Questionnaires