Implementation of Best Practices—Developing and Optimizing Regional Systems of Stroke Care: Design and Methodology

Publication date: April 2020Source: American Heart Journal, Volume 222Author(s): Matthew E Ehrlich, Brad J Kolls, Mayme Roettig, Lisa Monk, Shreyansh Shah, Ying Xian, James G Jollis, Christopher B Granger, Carmelo GraffagninoAbstractThe AHA Guidelines recommend developing multi-tiered systems for the care of patients with acute stroke.1 An ideal stroke system of care should ensure that all patients receive the most efficient and timely care, regardless of how they first enter or access the medical care system. Coordination among the components of a stroke system is the most challenging but most essential aspect of any system of care.The Implementation of Best Practices For Acute Stroke Care—Developing and Optimizing Regional Systems of Stroke Care (IMPROVE Stroke Care) project, is designed to implement existing guidelines and systematically improve the acute stroke system of care in the Southeastern United States. Project participation includes 9 hub hospitals, approximately 80 spoke hospitals, numerous pre-hospital agencies (911, fire, and emergency medical services) and communities within the region. The goal of the IMPROVE Stroke program is to develop a regional integrated stroke care system that identifies, classifies, and treats acute ischemic stroke patients more rapidly and effectively with reperfusion therapy. The project will identify gaps and barriers to implementation of stroke systems of care, leverage existing resources within the regions, aid in designing stra...

Source: American Heart Journal - February 4, 2020 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research