title: Using a quality improvement process to create measurable improvement in care delivery for acute stroke.
abstract: The introduction of thrombolytic therapy has revolutionized the management of acute ischemic stroke, and it has now been conclusively established that tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) given within 4.5 hours of stroke onset both limits irreversible ischemic neuronal damage by establishing reperfusion of the penumbra and improves outcomes for patients who have undergone stroke. As a regional stroke centre, Hamilton Health Services (HHS) seeks to ensure it meets guidelines and readiness criteria in acute stroke care. This article discusses how HHS developed and used a quality improvement process to ensure all patients receive thrombosis therapy within 60 minutes of arrival at hospital.
authors.affiliation: Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, Ontario.
authors.forename: Rhonda
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Whiteman
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gould
authors.forename: Wieslaw
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Oczkowski
authors.forename: Kathryn
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: LeBlanc
authors.forename: Patti
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Leonard
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D005246:Feedback; D006801:Humans; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019984:Quality Indicators, Health Care; D020521:Stroke / Q000188:drug therapy*