Saint Louis University Hospital has announced the launch of the MidAmerica Stroke Network, a collaborative system of hospitals that shares knowledge, educational opportunities and technologies to provide high level stroke care to patients. Via the Network, members are committed to providing current and clinically-effective stroke care to the patients they serve in their communities. This program is the first and only one of its kind in the region.
Saint Louis University Hospital officially launched the MidAmerica Stroke Network at an educational symposium on Tuesday, July 22 at the Chaifetz Arena on Saint Louis University’s main campus. Approximately 70 medical professionals from across the region attended the all-day event to learn more about the advanced stroke care available to their patients through the newly formed network.
The primary objectives of the MidAmerica Stroke Network are to : 1) provide expert support in the clinical evaluation of acute stroke patients; 2) provide expert support in the interpretation of CT scan of the brain within 25 minutes of the patient’s arrival at the critical access or community hospital; 3) increase the administration of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) – a powerful clot buster injected intravenously – within 180 minutes of the onset of stroke symptoms; and 4) assist the outlying hospitals in achieving, monitoring and maintaining Quality Stroke Measures.
According to a five-year study by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), stroke patients who receive tPA within three hours of the onset of stroke symptoms are at least 30 percent more likely to recover with little or no disability after three months. Currently, only 1.5 percent of stroke patients in the United States receive tPA according to these guidelines.
The MidAmerica Stroke Network’s goal is to increase the percentage of eligible stroke patients treated with tPA within the 180-minute window from the 1.5 percent (current national average) to 15 percent or greater. Saint Louis University Hospital, a certified Stroke Center of Excellence by the Joint Commission, created the MidAmerica Stroke Network to promote quality stroke care measures throughout the region. SLUCare neurologists assist medical teams in emergency rooms at participating Network hospitals by offering consultative and diagnostic services at no cost in potential stroke cases. Proposed enhancement of the Network includes offering medical consultations remotely via enhanced visual technologies. The SLUCare specialist will be able to interact and talk with a patient, patient’s family, physician or nurse through a live, two-way audio and video. The neuro-specialist can fully evaluate the patient’s condition and vital signs in order to assist the physicians at the outlying hospital in determining the best treatment. This advanced Network helps the emergency medical team on site effectively treat stroke patients in a timely manner, which may improve patient outcomes and possibly identify those patients who may benefit from a higher level of care. Ultimately, the goal of the MidAmerica Stroke Network’s presence is to help stroke patients recover quickly and completely, reducing the risk of permanent brain damage.
As the founder of the MidAmerica Stroke Network, SLU Hospital is responsible for enhancements and access to technology for the Network and conducting initial training sessions for the Network’s member hospitals. SLUCare neurologists collaborate with the Network to provide member hospitals with 24-hour access to stroke specialists, express transportation services for stroke patients, and state-of-the-art technology for consultative and diagnostic services. In turn, the Network’s member hospitals must show a continued commitment to stroke education, clinical services, resources and quality monitoring.
“We are incredibly excited to be able to bring this collaborative program to the region,” says Crystal L. Haynes, chief executive officer at Saint Louis University Hospital. “With the Network, we remain dedicated to improving the lives of countless stroke patients who may benefit from our comprehensive medical care.”
“The MidAmerica Stroke Network will truly revolutionize stroke care throughout the region,” sayes Salvador Cruz-Flores, M.D., F.C.C.M., director of Souers Stroke Institute and the MidAmerica Stroke Network. “When treating stroke patients, time is of the essence. Studies show that the sooner a stroke patient can be treated, the better the outcome, especially in regards to preventing potential brain damage.” The MidAmerica Stroke Network plans to add more hospital members over the next few years. Through the Network, Saint Louis University Hospital remains dedicated to providing high quality stroke education, treatment and prevention throughout the region.
For more information, visit www.midamericastrokenetwork.com