Certified Primary Stroke Center at Arlington Memorial Hospital
Did you know that a stroke occurs on average every 40 seconds, according to the American Stroke Association? Did you also know that Arlington Memorial Hospital treats about 20 stroke patients every week? We these two things in mind, stroke patients can feel even better about choosing Arlington Memorial Hospital, which is now certified as a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission.
What does this certification mean to you? It means that Arlington Memorial Hospital was evaluated on stroke care based on three factors. First, the hospital had to be compliant with consensus-based national standards. Second, the hospital showed effective use of primary stroke center recommendations and clinical practice guidelines. Third, the hospital measured high in performance improvement activities.
Arlington Memorial Hospital began work on the certification process a year ago. The hospital formed a committee of people from nearly every area of the hospital to examine Arlington Memorial hospital’s stroke data. “We knew we had some good processes in place already,” says Kevin Connor, M.D., neurologist on Arlington Memorial Hospital’s medical staff escape medical staff director of Arlington Memorial Hospital’s Stroke Center, “but there’s always room for improvement.”
Immediate Care
People who show signs and symptoms of a stroke have the best results if they seek immediate attention within the first three to six hours of symptoms. Arlington Memorial Hospital’s stroke team put processes and practices in place to help make sure stroke patients received FAST treatment.
Clinical and non-clinical staff members were trained to recognize the elements of FAST:
- Facial Droop - When the individual smiles, does one side of his or her face droop?
- Arm Drift - When the individual raises both arms, does one arm drift downward?
- Slurred Speach - When the individual repeats a sentence, are any of the words slurred?
- Time Is Key - If a person shows any of the above symptoms, call 911.
High Marks
Surveyors from The Join Commission visited the hospital earliers this year. “Not only did we receive certification, but they recognized several of our processes as best practices,” says Hoyt Frenzel, M.D., FACEP, medical director of Arlington Memorial Hospital’s emergency services. “They were particularly impressed with our emergency department process of having stroke patients promptly screened by a physician.”
Arlington Memorial Hospital was also praised for successful communication processes. “Diagnostic tests, such as lab work and CT scans, are tagged as high priority to assist in the rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients,” says Dr. Conner. “Knowing that timing is everything when it comes to treating stroke, we’re extremely proud of this accomplishment.”
Arlington Memorial Hospital Health & You
fall/winter 2008
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