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.