UH regional hospitals earn awards for stroke care

AHA recognizes UH Richmond, Bedford medical centers

Multiple facilities in the University Hospitals health care system have been recognized by the American Heart Association for their quality stroke care, including UH Richmond and UH Bedford medical centers which received the Stroke Gold Plus Award.

The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award

“recognizes their commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment” according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines.

According to AHA, the medical centers earned the award by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients at a set level for 24 consecutive months.

The 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 schedule a follow-up visit, in addition to other care transition interventions.

“We are 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 Dr. Cathy Sila, chair of the UH Department of Neurology and director of the UH Comprehensive Stroke Center.

“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.

“We are pleased to recognize University Hospitals for their commitment to stroke care,” said Dr. Lee H. Schwamm, executive vice chair of neurology and director of acute stroke services at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

“Research has shown that hospitals adhering to clinical measures through the Get With The Guidelines quality improvement initiative can often see fewer re-admissions and lower mortality rates,” Schwamm added.