Stroke Quality Indicators
Primary Stroke Center Designation (JCAHO)
Stroke has been described as a "Brain Attack." Like a heart attack, getting expert care as quickly as possible is absolutely critical. Designed Primary Stroke Centers act as expert acute treatment centers for stroke patients.
What is Primary Stroke Center Designation?
In a consensus statement published in 2003, the Brain Attack Coalition states that the “establishment of primary stroke centers has the potential to improve the care of patients with stroke.” The Coalition recommends that primary stroke centers have the following key elements:
- Acute stroke team
- Written care protocols
- Emergency medical services (EMS)
- Emergency department
- Stroke unit
- Neurosurgical services
- Medical organization commitment to and support of the primary stroke center
- Neuroimaging
- Laboratory services
- Outcomes and quality improvement
- Educational programs
Is UVa a designated Primary Stroke Center?
Yes. UVa is one of only three JCAHO-designated Primary Stroke Centers in Virginia, and provides all the elements listed above. Members of UVa’s Stroke Team are specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with stroke.
UVa also has facilities - including a complete inpatient unit, surgery services, imaging and lab services - designed for stroke patients. This kind of specialized, team approach means UVa can offer stroke patients more treatment options, at all stages of their care.
