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Specifications Manual for Joint Commission National Quality Measures (v2016B1)
Home » Initial NIHSS Score at Hospital Arrival

Release Notes:
Data Element
Version 2016B1

Data Element Name: Initial NIHSS Score at Hospital Arrival
Collected For: CSTK-05, CSTK-08,
Definition:Documentation of the first NIHSS score obtained prior to or after hospital arrival. The NIHSS measures several aspects of brain function, including consciousness, vision, sensation, movement, speech, and language.

Suggested Data Collection Question:What is the first NIHSS score obtained prior to or after hospital arrival?
Format:
Length:3 (0 to 42)
Type:Alphanumeric
Occurs:1
Allowable Values:


Score = XX (0-42)
UTD = Unable to Determine
Notes for Abstraction:

  • To determine the value for this data element, review the NIHSS scores obtained prior to and after hospital arrival.
  • Select the earliest documented NIHSS score regardless of where it was done. Values obtained and documented by EMS, teleneurology, a transferring hospital, or your hospital are acceptable. The first documented NIHSS score should be used.

Suggested Data Sources:

  • Emergency department record
  • History and physical
  • Nursing flow sheet
  • Progress notes
  • Transfer sheet
  • Admitting note
  • Ambulance record
  • Consultation form/note
  • Nursing assessment
  • EMS records
Additional Notes: Excluded Data Sources:
  • Discharge summary
Guidelines for Abstraction:
Inclusion Exclusion
None
  • Modified NIHSS scores
  • Estimated NIHSS scores
  • Scoring methodologies other than NIHSS

Initial NIHSS Score at Hospital Arrival
Specifications Manual for Joint Commission National Quality Measures (v2016B1)
Discharges 01-01-17 (1Q17) through 06-30-17 (2Q17)
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