Stroke Continuum of Care

Interacting with community members before a stroke occurs is an important part of what we do. With emphasis on stroke recognition, we work to help community members identify when they or someone near them may be experiencing stroke symptoms and teach them to BEFAST to obtain treatment without delay. Many patients delay treatment for stroke symptoms, either because they do not recognize them as being something serious, or they hope the symptoms will go away on their own. It is important for anyone experiencing stroke-like symptoms, even if they go away within a few minutes, to access Emergency Care immediately.

We work with our Pre-hospital providers (EMTs and paramedics) to improve the transition from home to hospital. When we know a stroke patient is coming in by ambulance, we can initiate care more quickly when they arrive. When a call comes in from an ambulance en-route with a possible acute stroke patient, the Stroke Team is activated and the process begins to rapidly assess and treat the patient.

Collaboration with our local EMS providers is critical in starting the process before the patient even arrives at the Emergency Department. When our pre-hospital providers know what we do and how they can impact patient care, the system becomes more effective and efficient.

The Emergency Department (ED) is where the determination is made whether a patient will qualify for thrombolytics (clot-busting drugs) for stroke treatment. Time is of the essence when a stroke patient arrives at the ED.

The goal of 60 minutes from door to treatment, if a patient is to receive thrombolytics, includes a full work-up to ensure they meet criteria for this potentially life-altering treatment.

Stroke management goes beyond the possibility of thrombolytics for most stroke patients. Management of stroke and TIA includes working to ensure all patients receive the evaluation and management for stroke risk factors.

Secondary prevention is an important aspect of stroke care to prevent those TIAs from becoming a stroke, or strokes from recurring. Stroke education, creating and maintaining systems of care, monitoring how well we do, and making recommendations for improvement are all areas the Stroke Program tries to affect.

There are many things that can be related to stroke care that can occur after discharge. Ensuring the best possible care is provided for our patients throughout their stay and beyond is an important Stroke Program goal.

Developing systems to better communicate with post-discharge provider for stroke care and rehabilitation makes for a smoother transition from hospital to rehabilitation and home. Stroke education provided to patients and families can impact the risks of having a cerebrovascular event from recurring, and help them understand the prognosis for treatment.

The program also works with all healthcare providers to promote "Best Practices" for stroke care throughout the continuum of care.