Minnesota Stroke Association

Schedule • Online Registration
Directions and Accommodations • Continuing Education Unit Information • Cancellation Policy

Conference Schedule

8 - 9 a.m. - Registration and Exhibits Open

Exhibits are open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

8:45 - 9 a.m. - Opening Remarks

9 - 9:15 a.m.The State of Stroke Care in Minnesota, presented by Nicky Anderson, RN, BSN, SCRN

9:15 - 10:30 a.m. - Keynote Address

Keynote Address - Achieving Equity in Stroke Care: A Learning Healthcare System Approach
Anjail Sharrief, MD, MPH, FAHA, Associate Professor of Neurology, Vice Chair of Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Director, Stroke Transitions Education and Prevention (STEP) Program, Director of Stroke Prevention, UTHealth Stroke Institute, Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School

Dr. Sharrief is a stroke prevention neurologist and health equity expert. Her work focuses on improving health equity by addressing health system factors that contribute to disparities in care. In this lecture, she will discuss barriers to equity in stroke care and describe how Learning Healthcare Systems can be used to achieve health equity. Finally, she will the Stroke Transitions Education and Prevention (STEP) program and explain how this program uses an equity centered learning healthcare system to address disparities in stroke care.

Dr. Anjail Sharrief completed her undergraduate training at Smith College and received her medical degree from Columbia University's Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. She completed Neurology residency at the Johns Hopkins Hospital where she served as chief resident in her final year. Following residency, Dr. Sharrief obtained a Master's of Public Health from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. Dr. Sharrief was recruited to Houston in 2013 to start the Stroke Transitions, Education, and Prevention (STEP) Clinic. She is now an Associate Professor of Neurology, Director of the Stroke Prevention Program, and Director of the Stroke clinic at McGovern Medical School.

10:30 - 11 a.m. - Break and Exhibits Open

11 a.m. - 12 p.m. - Breakout Sessions I

  1. Social Determinants of Health as Drivers of Stroke Care Inequities
    Anjail Sharrief, MD, MPH, FAHA, Associate Professor of Neurology, Vice Chair of Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Director, Stroke Transitions Education and Prevention (STEP) Program, Director of Stroke Prevention, UTHealth Stroke Institute, Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School
    Social determinants of health (SDH) are non-medical factors that influence health outcomes. They are the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age, and the wider set of forces and systems shaping the conditions of daily life. In this lecture, Dr. Sharrief will review key social determinants of health and described how they contribute to disparities in stroke care and inequitable stroke outcomes.

  2. More Than A Stroke Of Bad Luck? Ischemic Stroke Despite Anticoagulation
    Muhammad Affan, Assistant Professor, University of Minnesota
    Oral anticoagulation substantially reduces the risk for ischemic stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, despite the benefits of oral anticoagulants, patients with AF may still experience ischemic strokes. The reasons for these strokes can be numerous, and there currently are no clear guidelines addressing the management of these cases for secondary stroke prevention. In this session, Assistant Professor Muhammad Affan delves into the complexities of this topic; explains the various factors that contribute to these unexpected events; and discusses potential strategies for enhancing stroke prevention in this particular patient population.

  3. Driving Post Stroke - Is that Even an Option
    Joan Somes, RN-C, PhD, CEN, CPEN, FAEN, Independent Consultant - Older Driver Safety Project, Minnesota Emergency Nurses Association
    Independence and many activities of daily living are often tied to ability to drive. A stroke MAY affect safe driving ability and holding a valid driver's license. This session will investigate this often highly emotional situation, statutes related to driving, and actions to determine if driving is still an option.

12 - 1 p.m. - Lunch

Lunch is provided as part of your registration fee.

1 - 2 p.m. - Breakout Session II

  1. Cardiac CT in Stroke Evaluation: An Emerging Imaging Modality
    Christopher Streib, Associate Professor, Stroke Director, University of Minnesota; Nitin Ramanuja Chakravarthula , Stroke Research Fellow, University of Minnesota
    Cardiac CT has emerged as a promising imaging modality in the realm of stroke evaluation. Recent research indicates its potential for detecting intracardiac thrombus, often necessitating early anticoagulation, surpassing the capabilities of traditional echocardiography. Cardiac CT can be implemented on most CT scanners and even integrated with standard CT Head/Neck angiogram protocols. In this session Associate Professor Christopher Streib, Stroke Director at the University of Minnesota, discusses these findings and covers the University of Minnesota's experience with implementing cardiac CT as well as its potential impact on improving stroke care.

  2. Innovative Staff Stroke Education: Can you escape?
    Jenn Wells-Pittman, MS, APRN, CNS, Clinical Nurse Specialist Stroke Coordinator, Mayo Clinic Rochester
    Staff stroke education plays a pivotal role in maintaining competence in patient care. While traditional methods like presentations, modules, and webinars deliver information, the challenge lies in capturing and retaining the audience's attention. Interactive presentations can be complex to develop, but engaging learners in hands-on activities may significantly enhance knowledge retention. In this session, Jenn Wells-Pittman, a Clinical Nurse Specialist Stroke Coordinator at Mayo Clinic Rochester, introduces an innovative twist to staff stroke education. Participants will explore the potential benefits of experiential learning experiences, like escape rooms and relays, in enhancing the learning experience, improving staff competence and delivering more effective stroke care.

  3. Spasticity And Fatigue In People With Stroke
    Rozina Bhimani, PhD, DNP, APRN-FNP, CNE, CRRN, Associate Professor, University of Minnesota; Lisa Carney-Anderson, PhD, Associate Professor, University of Minnesota; Jiayue (Bella) Xiong, BSN, Ph.D candidate, Doctoral Student, University of Minnesota
    Spasticity is a poorly understood symptom associated with upper motor neuron dysfunction. Post-stroke spasticity poses a significant challenge to the recovery process. Additionally, stroke patients may also experience fatigue, an overarching concept with many characteristics that can evolve and change over time. In this presentation, a panel of experts from the University of Minnesota will shed light on the enigmatic nature of spasticity and fatigue in individuals who have experienced strokes. They also will provide an overview of the existing literature and present findings from two comprehensive longitudinal studies. .
  4. Stroke Research Impacts in MN Communities
    Abbey Staugaitis, RN, MSN, CCRC, Project Manager, MN StrokeNet Regional Coordinating Center, University of Minnesota; Beth Nierengarten, RN, BSN, CEN, Research Nurse, University of Minnesota; Jessica Gieseke, BSN, RN, CCRN, Research Nurse, University of Minnesota; Megan Halverson, MSN, RN, SCRN, Professional Development Specialist, Neuroscience, M Health Fairview; Lisa Sansgaard, MSN, RN, SCRN, Professional Development Specialist, Neuroscience, M Health Fairview
    This session provides an exploration of the influence of stroke research on Minnesota communities, facilitated by the collaborative efforts of MN StrokeNet, a research network initiated by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 2013. This panel of experts from the University of Minnesota, will contextualize clinical trials that have shaped the paths for current endovascular therapy practices, thrombolytic treatment options and other improvements to stroke care. They will discuss current and upcoming acute and secondary prevention stroke trials being conducted in Minnesota. And, explore how the partnership between Minnesota's stroke community and StrokeNet continues to drive innovation and enhance stroke care within the state and across the nation.

2 - 2:30 p.m. - Break and Exhibits Open

2:30 - 3:30 p.m. - Breakout Session III

  1. The Evolution of a Code Stroke Process for the Hospitalized Patient
    Angela Moscho, Stroke Nurse, Saint Cloud Hospital
    This session will provide insights into how current stroke practices and metrics have been adapted to cater to the unique needs of hospitalized patients experiencing stroke-like symptoms. Angela Moscho, Stroke Nurse at Saint Cloud Hospital, will talk through the evolution of the code stroke process within the hospital setting and discuss innovative approaches that have been implemented over time to ensure timely and effective treatment for stroke patients. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and solutions encountered along this evolutionary journey.

  2. The Application of High Intensity Gait Training in Post Stroke Populations
    Kari Olk, MPT, Physical Therapist, Clinical Supervisor, Regions Hospital, Neuroscience Center; Greta Wolf, DPT, Physical Therapist, Regions Hospital, Neuroscience Center
    This presentation will focus on research that supports improved outcomes in post stroke populations with the implementation of High Intensity Gait training (HIGT). Kari Olk and Greta Wolf of Regions Hospital will explore the fundamental principles of High Intensity Gait training and offer valuable insights into its practical implementation. Attendees will learn how to incorporate HIGT into clinical practice and discover the tools necessary for monitoring vital signs and exertion levels when working with post-stroke populations.

  3. Aphasia Co Presentations
    Interdisciplinary Framework for Creating Aphasia-Friendly Education
    Traci Boser, LICSW, Stroke Team Program Coordinator, Minneapolis Veterans Administration Med Center; Bryan Haese, RN, Polytrauma Rehab Unit Assistant Nurse Manager and Nurse Educator, Mpls VA Med Center; Katheryn Schmidt, RN, Staff RN, 4J Acute Rehab, Mpls VA Med Center, Maddy Wollersheim, SLP, Speech Language Pathologist Mpls VA Med Center; Chau Truong, RN, Mpls VA Med Center
    Reading can be challenging for those with aphasia. This can impact comprehension and engagement during inpatient rehab. Discover a collaborative and innovative approach to addressing these challenges with the VA's interdisciplinary team-created workgroup and learn about the strategies and techniques they employed to improve the readability of educational materials, ensuring that individuals with aphasia have access to information crucial for their recovery. This presentation will shed light on the impact of stroke on reading abilities and how this can affect comprehension and engagement during inpatient rehabilitation and provide a framework for material development.

    All About Aphasia! Including Techniques for Supportive Conversation and Life Participation for Patients in the Hospital, Home and Community Settings
    Carley Cauley, MA, CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist, MnCAN Communications and Outreach, MnCAN; Jessica Wald, MA, CCC-SLP, MnCAN Co-Executive Director of Advancement and Communication, MnCAN; Angela Maier, MA, CCC-SLP, MnCAN Co-Executive Director of Programs and Operations, MnCAN
    Join a team of dedicated Speech-Language Pathologists from MnCAN as they lead a comprehensive session on all things aphasia. This presentation will cover a spectrum of essential topics, from providing supported conversation techniques in hospitals and community settings to offering fundamental insights into aphasia itself. Attendees will learn about the Life Participation Approach to Aphasia and explore various models of aphasia recovery; discover practical strategies for involving care partners to maximize support throughout a person with aphasia's journey; and gain valuable insights into MnCAN's programs, designed to offer community and support for individuals with aphasia and their care partners or family members!

Schedule • Online Registration
Directions and Accommodations • Continuing Education Unit Information • Cancellation Policy