Little Rock, Arkansas – The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) has recognized over 90 healthcare providers across the state for their exceptional performance in stroke care. This prestigious acknowledgment highlights the significant efforts made by hospitals, ambulance services, regional teams, and individuals in improving stroke patient outcomes. Forty hospitals, 45 ambulance services, one regional team, and four individuals received accolades for their dedication and commitment to providing top-notch stroke care.
The recognition is based on performance measures derived from the Arkansas Stroke Registry, covering patient discharges from July 2023 to June 2024. Hospitals earning these awards demonstrated excellence in various key metrics, including defect-free stroke care, timely documentation of stroke bands, and fast door-to-CT times. These factors play a crucial role in the early detection and treatment of strokes, ultimately improving a patient’s chances of recovery.
Defect-free care is a particularly important metric. It’s an aggregate measure based on the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) Coverdell metrics, which ensure that stroke patients receive the right care at the right time. This includes the timely use of stroke bands, which help improve data collection for quality improvement, and quick door-to-CT times, which are essential for diagnosing strokes and beginning treatment promptly.
For hospitals to be eligible for this award, they must be designated by ADH or accredited by a national body. This ensures that recognized institutions meet rigorous standards for stroke care.
The EMS awards were also a key part of this year’s recognition. Ambulance services that excelled in documenting stroke bands and notifying hospitals ahead of a patient’s arrival were commended for their role in expediting patient care. Pre-notification alerts healthcare teams at hospitals that a suspected stroke patient is en route, allowing them to prepare for immediate treatment upon arrival.
In addition to individual hospital and EMS recognitions, the ADH also honored geographical regions that demonstrated outstanding performance in stroke care. These regional teams excelled in pre-notification, stroke band documentation, and door-to-CT times, showing a collaborative effort in improving outcomes across the state.
Perhaps one of the most notable awards was the transition of care award, which recognizes organizations and individuals for their exceptional work in assisting stroke patients and their families through the post-care transition process. This award highlights the importance of continued care and support after a stroke, ensuring that patients receive the resources they need to continue their recovery at home.
“We commend our Arkansas healthcare providers for their dedication to excellence to stroke patient care and patient outcomes,” said Bala Simon, MD, DrPH, Deputy Chief Medical Officer and State Chronic Disease Director at Arkansas Department of Health.
Visit https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/arkansas-stroke-registry for a complete listing of all award winners.
