Avera McKennan Stroke Center Earns Recognition
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dec. 31, 2008) - Avera McKennan's Stroke Center has received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association's "Get With the Guidelines - Stroke Program" Silver Performance Achievement Award for 12 consecutive months at 85 percent or greater compliance in all applicable performance measures for stroke. The designation was earned for the 12-month period from July 2007 to June 2008.
GWTG-Stroke is a comprehensive program that provides an online interactive assessment and report tool, resources, quarterly workshops, training and feedback to staff at participating hospitals. The goal is to improve implementation of evidence-based interventions that are proven to reduce complications after stroke and the chances of a subsequent stroke or heart attack.
Avera McKennan has been using GTWG-Stroke since 2004. "We have been able to improve our outcomes by decreasing complications and reducing readmissions, and provide enhanced education not only to patients, families and caregivers but to the community as well. We can easily track our outcomes on a monthly basis to ensure quality care for all stroke patients," said Mary Jones, Director of Neuroscience at Avera McKennan.
In 2005, the Avera McKennan Stroke Center became the first in South Dakota to gain disease-specific certification as a primary stroke center from the Joint Commission. Re-certification was achieved in 2007.
Nationwide, there are 750,000 strokes per year and up to 30 percent of stroke patients may die due to their stroke. It is the third leading cause of death in the United States.
TPA (tissue-plasminogen activator), a powerful thrombolytic or anti-clot medication, is the only FDA-approved medication for stroke. The greatest benefits of the medication are seen within a three-hour window after stroke symptoms begin. Treatment lessens brain damage due to stroke, and helps improve recovery. However, only about 3 percent of stroke patients nationwide receive this therapy within the critical three-hour timeframe.
At Avera McKennan, patients with stroke symptoms are immediately assessed in the Emergency Department and sent for CT scanning to confirm the diagnosis. The goal is for stroke patients to receive TPA therapy within 45 minutes of their arrival.
