Stroke Care

The UF Health St. Johns stroke program is recognized by the American Heart Association and The Joint Commission as a Certified Primary Stroke Care Facility. We participate in the Get WithThe Guidelines (GWTG) – Stroke registry. According to the American Heart Association, since the start of the GWTG program in 2003, more than 2,000 hospitals have entered more than 5 million patient records into the registry database. Studies based on this data have helped to create treatment guidelines and shown the positive impact the program has had on patient outcomes.

As a recipient of the Stroke Gold Plus award, we must demonstrate dedication to patient care by achieving and maintaining the highest level of stroke care in seven nationally accepted core measures for 24 consecutive months. We have received this award every year since 2017.

The measures include:

1. Percent of stroke patients who arrive within 2 hours of last known well and receive tPA within 3 hours of last known well
2. Percent of patients with ischemic stroke who receive antithrombotic therapy (ASA) by the end of hospital day two
3. Percent of stroke patients who receive VTE prophylaxis the day of or the day after admission
4. Percent of stroke patients who are prescribed antithrombotic therapy (ASA) at discharge
5. Percent of stroke patients with atrial fibrillation/flutter discharged on anticoagulation therapy
6. Percent of stroke patients with a history of smoking or tobacco use who are given cessation advice / counseling
7. Percent of stroke patients with LDL > 100 who are discharged on a statin

Stroke care begins in our Emergency Care Center and continues through discharge. All departments are involved in helping to achieve this award: radiology, lab, cardiopulmonary, physicians and nurses. Our overall goal is healthier patients and a healthier hospital.