Impact of the Act FAST stroke campaign delivered by student pharmacists on the primary prevention of stroke.

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.