BROKEN BOW – The Melham Medical Center was recognized by the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association.
Melham Medical Center met the latest research-based standards for rural stroke care with a
“Get With The Guidelines Achievement Award”, which was achieved through efforts to increase stroke awareness in the community and also by providing continuing education to their staff.
According to the American Heart Association, hospitals that participate actively and consistently with the “Get With The Guidelines – Stroke” are eligible for public recognition, with participation being the first entry. There are three levels of recognition after participation which include bronze, silver, and gold.
The awards recognize hospitals that demonstrate at least 85% compliance in each of the seven “Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Achievement Measures”.
The Bronze recognition, which is what Melham Medical Center has, recognizes the performance of 90 consecutive days.
The criteria to get the awards include:
- IV thrombolysis arrives by 3.5 hours, treated by 4.5 hours: Percent of acute ischemic stroke patients who arrive at the hospital within 210 minutes (3.5 hours) of time last known well and for whom thrombolysis was initiated at this hospital within 270 minutes (4.5 hours) of time last known well. Corresponding measures are available for inpatient stroke cases.
- Early antithrombotics: Percent of patients with ischemic stroke or TIA who receive antithrombotic therapy by the end of hospital day two. Corresponding measures are available for observation status only & inpatient stroke cases.
- VTE prophylaxis: Percent of patients with ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, or stroke not otherwise specified who receive VTE prophylaxis the day of or the day after hospital admission.
- Antithrombotics: Percent of patients with an ischemic stroke or TIA prescribed antithrombotic therapy at discharge. Corresponding measures are available for observation status only & inpatient stroke cases.
- Anticoagulation for AFib/Aflutter: Percent of patients with an ischemic stroke or TIA with atrial fibrillation/flutter discharged on anticoagulation therapy. Corresponding measures are available for observation status only as well as inpatient stroke cases.
- Smoking cessation: Percent of patients with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, or TIA with a history of smoking cigarettes, who are, or whose caregivers are, given smoking cessation advice or counseling during hospital stay. Corresponding measures are available for observation status only & inpatient stroke cases.
- Intensive statin: Percent of ischemic stroke or TIA patients who are discharged on intensive statin therapy. Corresponding measures are available for observation status only as well as inpatient stroke cases.
