ETMC Tyler receives national recognition for treatment of stroke patients

ETMC Tyler is being recognized in U.S. News and World Report magazine as a 2010 gold plus achievement award winner for the treatment of stroke patients.

Presented by the American Heart Association, the award is currently featured in the August issue of the publication.

Listed hospitals have successfully utilized the AHA’s “Get with the Guidelines” program for coronary artery disease, heart failure or stroke.  ETMC was recognized in the stroke category for 24 months of 75 percent or higher adherence on select quality measures in addition to at least 24 months of 85 percent or higher adherence on all achievement measures for stroke.

“Get with the Guidelines” is the premier hospital-based quality improvement program for AHA and the American Stroke Association. It empowers healthcare provider teams to consistently treat heart and stroke patients according to the most up-to-date guidelines.
“ETMC implemented the AHA’s Get with the Guidelines program to expand and improve the care we provide in treating and preventing stroke,” said Jeff Thompson, vice president of the ETMC Neurological Institute.  “We are very proud of this recognition.”

ETMC Tyler was the first hospital in East Texas to become a certified stroke center as designated by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. The designation indicates the hospital is dedicated to providing high-quality stroke treatment and care. To qualify as a certified center, a facility must establish standardized protocols to assure consistent care. Physicians and staff must be educated in the diagnosis and treatment of stroke, and systems for continuous quality improvement must also be in place.

“East Texans face one of the highest stroke mortality rates in our state, and we are working to change that by providing stroke care and also community education that urges individuals to seek care quickly if they show symptoms of stroke,” Thompson said.  “The faster they seek care, the better their chance of survival and recovery.”