York Hospital’s stroke team has once again received a Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus Achievement Award from the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association.® This award acknowledges the hospital’s commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence. York Hospital earned the award by reaching an aggressive goal of treating patients with 85% or higher compliance to core standard levels of care as outlined by the American Heart Association for two consecutive calendar years. In addition, the hospital has demonstrated 75% compliance to seven out of 10 stroke quality measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients during the 12-month period. These measures include evaluation of the proper use of medications and other stroke treatments aligned with the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing death and disability for stroke patients. Before discharge, patients should also receive education on managing their health and get a follow-up visit scheduled, as well as other care transition interventions.
Developed with the goal of saving lives and speeding recovery, the Get With The Guidelines® hospital-based quality improvement program has touched the lives of more than seven million patients since 2001. Most hospitals that implement Get With The Guidelines realize measurable results, including improved patient outcomes and fewer recurring events. Patients, families and caregivers are empowered to do their best.
“York Hospital is dedicated to improving the quality of care for our stroke patients by implementing the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines – Stroke initiative,” said Matt Bennett, Director of Quality at York Hospital. “The tools and resources provided help us track and measure our success in meeting evidenced-based clinical guidelines developed to improve patient outcomes.”
According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States. On average, someone in the U.S. suffers a stroke every 40 seconds and nearly 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year. For more information about Get With The Guidelines, visit heart.org/quality.
Congratulations to the YH stroke team, comprised of dedicated caregivers whose ongoing collaboration has resulted in this advanced level of recognition. Kudos to all – keep up the great work!