Specifications Manual for Joint Commission National Quality Measures (v2018B1)

Release Notes:
Data Element
Version 2018B1

Name:Initial NIHSS Score at Hospital Arrival
Collected For: CSTK-05, CSTK-08, CSTK-10
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.

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 (v2018B1)
Discharges 01-01-19 (1Q19) through 06-30-19 (2Q19)

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