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Mount Nittany Health has received the American Heart Association’s GoldPlus Get with the Guidelines®-Stroke quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized and research-based guidelines, that ultimately leads to more saved lives and reduced disability. Stroke is the number five cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S., and early stroke detection and treatment are the keys to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.
“We are incredibly pleased to recognize Mount Nittany Health for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Steven Messe, M.D., chairperson of the Stroke System of Care Advisory Group. “Participation in Get with the Guidelines® is associated with improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates – a win for health care systems, families and communities.”
Get with the Guidelines® puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest evidence and research-based guidelines. Get with the Guidelines® - Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.
“Mount Nittany Health is committed to improving patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” said Nina Campbell, MSN, RN, Stroke and Sepsis Coordinator, Mount Nittany Health. “Get with the Guidelines® makes it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, which studies show can help patients recover better. The end goal is to ensure more people in Central Pennsylvania can experience longer, healthier lives. This program supports Mount Nittany Health’s mission: ‘Healthier people, stronger community.’ ”
Each year, program participants qualify for the award by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Get with the Guidelines® participants also educate patients to help them manage their health and recovery at home.
According to the CDC, every year, more than 796,000 people in the United States have a stroke. About 610,000 of these are first or new strokes. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die.
It's crucial that everyone know and be on the lookout for signs of stroke. They are:
- Balance. Does the person have a sudden loss of balance?
- Eyes. Has the person lost total or partial vision in one or both eyes?
- Face. Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
- Arms. Ask the person to lift both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
- Speech. Ask the person to repeat one particular phrase. Is their speech slurred or unusual?
- Time. If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately.
