Virginia Implements New Stroke Protocol to Save Lives and Improve Outcomes
In a bid to save lives and improve outcomes for stroke patients, Virginia has implemented a new stroke system of care directive. This protocol aims to provide refined treatment, triage, and transport protocols for patients experiencing a stroke. The state’s new budget includes a provision that directs the Department of Public Health to develop a tiered system for transporting stroke patients to hospitals with various designations for providing stroke care.
Previously, emergency medical personnel were allowed to take stroke patients to the nearest hospital, regardless of the severity of the stroke or the hospital’s ability to treat such conditions. However, with the amendment proposed by State Senator [Name], the system has been updated to ensure that stroke patients receive the appropriate care based on the type of stroke they are experiencing. The Department of Health has been given a timeline of 180 days to implement this new requirement.
Time is of the essence when it comes to stroke treatment, as nearly two million brain cells die every minute a stroke goes untreated. By assessing the severity of the stroke and directing patients to hospitals that are best equipped to treat their specific types of strokes, the potential for reducing disability and death is significant. This change in protocol also aims to lower the long-term healthcare costs associated with stroke.
Experts in the field have praised this new directive, recognizing its potential to be a gamechanger for stroke patients in Virginia. Dr. [Name], an interventional neuroradiologist at Rhode Island Hospital and president of the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery (SNIS), emphasized the importance of directing severe stroke patients to facilities that can provide immediate treatment. He highlighted the fact that not all strokes are the same, and this revised protocol will ensure that those with severe strokes are taken to the appropriate facilities.
Stroke is currently the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of lifelong disability. However, research has shown that outcomes for severe stroke patients can be significantly improved through procedures like thrombectomy, which removes clots in the brain and restores blood flow.
This new stroke system of care directive in Virginia is part of a broader effort to improve stroke care nationwide. The SNIS has spearheaded the Get Ahead of Stroke Campaign, which aims to drive policy changes and public awareness to ensure that stroke patients have access to lifesaving care. Thus far, approximately 40 states have updated their stroke protocols to align with these goals.
The implementation of this new stroke protocol in Virginia marks a major step forward in stroke care. It is expected to have a significant impact on the survival rates and outcomes of stroke patients in the state. By directing patients to hospitals that are best equipped to treat their specific conditions, this new system has the potential to save countless lives and improve the quality of life for stroke survivors.
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About Get Ahead of Stroke:
Get Ahead of Stroke is a national campaign initiated by the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery (SNIS) to enhance stroke care systems. The campaign aims to secure the best possible outcomes for stroke patients by driving policy change and public awareness across the country. Since its establishment in 2016, the campaign has gained support from various organizations and continues to make strides in improving stroke care.
