Stroke Alert: Collaboration to Excellence

The hospital developed a comprehensive, multidisciplinary stroke program to provide patients with rapid, appropriate and guideline-based treatments to help improve their chances of recovery.

In keeping the patient centered care philosophy, the team collaborated, analyzed, developed and implemented an organized approach to acute stroke care. The introduction of evidence based stroke alert indicators was the catalyst for the education and knowledge assessment process. The development of role-specific tasks was a collaborative approach that instilled a sense of ownership and lead to a successful quality improvement project.

This case study is part of the Illinois Hospital Association's annual quality awards. Each year, IHA recognizes and celebrates the achievements of Illinois hospitals in continually improving and transforming health care in the state. These hospitals are improving health by striving to achieve the Triple Aim--improving the patient experience of care (including quality and satisfaction); improving the health of populations; and reducing the per capita cost of health care.

Award recipients achieve measurable and meaningful progress in providing care that is:

• Safe
• Timely
• Effective
• Efficient
• Equitable
• Patient-centered

(The Institute of Medicine's six aims for improvement.)