Stroke Care

Quality Measures: Stroke Care

Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S., claiming almost 130,000 lives each year. Another 600,000 Americans survive stroke each year. The good news is that treatments are improving, and it is possible to resume a functional life following certain types of stroke, with immediate and proper care. Note: The most recent National and State data is from 9-month or 12-month ranges in 2015.

Virtua - 99%
NJ - 98%
National - 97%

Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) Stroke Prophylaxis By End Of Hospital Day 2

This measures the percentage of stroke patients receiving treatment by day two in the hospital for the prevention of a blood clot in a deep vein (likeliest to occur in the legs). Deep vein clots may travel to the lungs causing a life-threatening condition.


Why is this important?
Proper preventive treatment helps to avoid a blood clot from occurring.

Virtua - 100%
NJ - 100%
National - 98%

Discharged On Antithrombotic Therapy

This measures the percentage of stroke patients discharged with the appropriate anti-thrombotic medicine.


Why is this important?
Antithrombotic medicines can reduce the possibility of a stroke reoccurrence.

Virtua - 100%
NJ - 98%
National - 97%

Anticoagulation Therapy For Atrial Fibrillation Or Flutter

This measures the percentage of stroke patients with a common irregular rhythm of the heart prescribed anticoagulants following a stroke.


Why is this important?
Stroke patients with a-fib are at risk for developing blood clots around the valve of the heart that can travel to the brain and cause a stroke. Anticoagulation therapy reduces this risk.

Virtua - 99%
NJ - 97%
National - 97%

Discharged On Statin Medication

This measures the percent of stroke patients with elevated LDL cholesterol who are prescribed a statin medication at hospital discharge.


Why is this important?
Stroke patients must manage LDL cholesterol to prevent additional plaque build-up in the arteries which could lead to stroke reoccurrence.

Virtua - 96%
NJ - 97%
National - 95%

Stroke Education

This measures the percentage of stroke patients and/or caregivers who were provided with education and literature regarding risk factors for stroke, stroke symptoms, and emergency management.


Why is this important?
Patients and/or caregivers must understand signs of stroke, and the importance of acting swiftly to get the proper care. The earliest possible intervention in the case of a stroke leads to the best possible outcome.

Virtua - 100%
NJ - 99%
National - 98%

Assessed For Rehabilitation

This measures the percent of stroke patients who were assessed for rehabilitation services.


Why is this important?
Assessment and placement into the appropriate rehabilitation service can improve patient function and outcomes.

CURRENT DATA COLLECTION

Virtua Data Range: July 1, 2016 - June 30, 2017

National Data Range: Oct. 1, 2015 - Sep. 30, 2016