Genesis Stroke Program Recognized By American Heart Association

DAVENPORT, Iowa -- The Genesis Stroke Program has received a Bronze Performance Achievement Award from the American Heart Association in recognition of the program's success in implementing the Get With the Guidelines program.

The award recognizes the Genesis commitment to providing a high standard of stroke care by ensuring that stroke patients receive treatment according to nationally accepted standards and recommendations.

"With a stroke, time lost is brain lost and this recognition addresses the important element of time, treatment, and prevention of stroke,'' said Angela Overton, B.S.N, R.N., C.N.R.N, stroke coordinator for Genesis Medical Center, Davenport.  "This recognition is not only important for the program, but for our patients as well.

"The process of supplying data to the Get With the Guidelines initiative has helped us standardize our care while adapting the best practices.  Our participation allows us to benchmark our performance with other high quality programs."

Genesis has developed a comprehensive system for rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients admitted to the emergency department.  This includes always being equipped to provide brain imaging scans, having neurologists available to conduct patient evaluations and using clot-busting medications when appropriate.

To receive the Bronze Performance Achievement Award, Genesis consistently scored 85 percent or above on all treatment guidelines within the Get With The Guidelines program for a 90-day period.  The guidelines include aggressive use of medications like tPA, antithrombotics, anticoagulation therapy, deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis, cholesterol reducing drugs, and smoking cessation.

"The time is right for Genesis to be focused on improving the quality of stroke care by implementing Get With The Guidelines,'' Overton added. "The number of acute ischemic stroke patients eligible for treatment is expected to increase over the next decade because of increasing incidence of stroke and a large, aging population.''

According to the American Stroke Association, each year approximately 700,000 people suffer a stroke.  Of stroke survivors, 21 percent of men and 24 percent of women die within a year.  The mortality is higher for those aged 65 and older.

With a dedicated Neuroscience Unit, Genesis offers specialized care and rehabilitation services for neurological and neurosurgical patients. A multidisciplinary team approach provides comprehensive, patient-focused care.

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