6 Thinking Hats Technique

WHITE HAT – DATA & INFORMATION

• 7500 people who will have a stroke, 70,000 stroke survivors in Wales
• 100,000 strokes a year, 40,000 deaths
• two main types of stroke – number one, ischemic – blood supply is stuck because of a blood clot, accounting for 85% of cases
• #2 – heamorrhagic – we can blood vessels supplying the brain bursts
• in the UK, 1.2 million survivors with 2/3 of survivors leaving with a disability
• average age, 40 to 69 which is decreasing
• admission to a stroke unit within 4 hours has been around 58% for the last five years
• 88% of people receive a specialist assessment of swallowing within 72 hours
• people recovering occupational therapy targets times increased from 56% in 2013/14 to 86% in 2017/18

• Approximately 7500 people will have a stroke, TIA or stroke mimic in Wales and there are almost 70, 000 stroke survivors living in Wales.
• 1/5 may die despite modern medical advances.
• Stroke is the leading cause of dementia.
• Increasing incidence of stroke in people of working age.
• More than ½ of all stroke survivors are left dependant on others for everyday activities.
• Stroke can stroke anyone, anywhere and at any time so act FAST and call 999!
• Please remember to let the paramedic know the location of the patient
• Listen, complete and answer to the paramedics questions and tasks given
• Make sure the patient does not eat or drink anything
• Keep the patient comfortable till the ambulance arrives
• Remember not all patients will be FAST positive; so if in doubt please visit your local A&E or dial 111

RED HAT – FEELINGS & EMOTION

Show population the striking effects of stroke by causing shock factor by presenting statistics and information about it but also trying to give a sense of reassurance that there is chances of recovery if people get the correct treatment within the right time frame to prevent long term disabilities.

YELLOW HAT – POSITIVE VIEW ON THINGS

• Then recovery rate is increasing every year
• There are many rehabilitation centres for strokes
• Improving ways to recognise a stroke for example act fast campaign
• new ways to get medical attention for example people who are deaf, heart of hearing or speech in paid can text the emergency services on 999

BLACK HAT – RELATES TO CAUTION

• People who are at more risk – diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and irregular heartbeat
• stroke strikes every five minutes in the UK
• Acute care – in the first 48 hours after the start of stroke symptoms, people need urgent access to high quality acute care to help improve the outcomes
• seek immediate medical attention as this can improve your recovery rate

GREEN HAT – CREATIVE THINKING – NEW IDEAS

“Although there has been a vast amount of information in relation to stroke these have been predominantly through social media i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram (not accessible to our elderly population), television and bus stop, buses, ambulance and community group posters and pamphlets. Perhaps more information in relation to social media, television and radio platforms as well as QR code information to webpages and information i.e. in GP practices.”

BLUE HAT – PROCESS CONTROL, SUMMARIES, CONCLUSIONS & DECISIONS

• Raise awareness through a creative platform on stroke amongst our public (especially those in rural parts of Wales).
• They need to take heed of the information available and follow healthier lifestyles and choices as recommended by the NHS and Stroke Association.
• During the pandemic, those patients that suffered a stroke did not call 999 or attend the A&E due to the fear of contracting Covid-19. There have been many campaigns amongst UK stroke clinicians and the Stroke Association (SA) to on the various platforms (SHW, SA twitter, Facebook and webpages) to encourage people call 999 and attend A&E should they experience any stroke symptoms. It can also be said that there are approximately 38 000 deaths as a result of stroke annually (NICE, 2019). Covid-19 has accounted for up to 41 504 (02.09.2020) deaths in UK. There is still a need to inform and educate the public about the catastrophic effects of this chronic disease and help raise awareness about what do if someone has a stroke in remote areas whilst waiting for the WAST team to arrive.