Kootenai | Kootenai Health | Issue 3, 2020

By Andrea Nagel For the third year in a row, Kootenai Health has received the American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association’s Get With the Guidelines Award. After receiving the bronze award in 2018 and the silver award in 2019, this year Kootenai was honored with the gold-level achievement award. The Get With the Guidelines Award recognizes the hospital’s commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research- based guidelines. Pursuit of excellence “Each year builds upon the previous year’s work. It is part of our commitment to delivering quality care to improve patient outcomes,” said Ashley Miller, RN, Trauma Services manager. “We are working to deeply root exceptional stroke care into our culture. Not only are we meeting core standard levels of care, we also consistently meet additional quality measures. We do this through the use of standardized protocols and individual chart reviews. We have an ongoing quality assurance program to ensure we are doing the best we can for each patient.” To receive this recognition, Kootenai Health had to meet specific quality measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients. These STROKE PRO GOLD PLUS F American Heart Association award recognizes Kootenai Health’s commitment to exceptional stroke care measures include the proper use of medications and other stroke treatments and using the most up- to-date, evidence-based guidelines. The measures assist in speeding recovery and reducing death and disability for stroke patients. Before leaving the hospital, patients should also receive education on managing their health risks and be scheduled for a follow-up visit or other necessary post-hospital care. “Stroke is considered a ‘time sensitive emergency,’” and we work hard to treat stroke patients as quickly as possible,” Ashley said. “Since it is the leading cause for long-term disability, we are focused on providing fast, high-quality care to help make sure our patients have the best outcome possible following a stroke.” On theHonor Roll In addition to receiving the Gold Plus Award, Kootenai also received the Stroke Honor Roll Advanced Therapy award. To qualify for this recognition, hospitals must reduce the time between the patient’s arrival at the hospital and medical treatment for stroke. To continuously meet these high standards of care, it takes a team of dedicated medical professionals. “Modern stroke treatment is a highly collaborative process involving many departments and services of the hospital,” said Don’t wait until it’s too late. Work with your primary care provider to understand your risk for stroke and take steps to reduce it. Need a primary care provider? Visit KH.org . 14