Beebe awarded for treatment of stroke patients

Beebe Healthcare has received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association's Get With The Guidelines – Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes Beebe's commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence.

Beebe met specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients at a set level for a designated period. These measures include evaluation of the proper use of medications and other stroke treatments aligned with the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines with the goal of speeding recovery, and reducing death and disability for stroke patients. Before discharge, patients should also receive education on managing their health and schedule a follow-up visit, as well as other care transition measures.

"Beebe is dedicated to improving the quality of care for our stroke patients by implementing the American Heart Association's Get With The Guidelines – Stroke initiative," said Lynn Amey, executive director of cardiac and vascular services at Beebe Healthcare. "Research has shown that hospitals adhering to clinical measures through the Get With The Guidelines quality improvement initiative can often see fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates."

According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States. On average, someone in the U.S. suffers a stroke every 40 seconds, and nearly 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year.