Gold Recognition for Kaiser Permanente’s Stroke Programs

San Rafael and Santa Rosa Medical Center honored for evidence-based practices that improve outcomes for stroke patients

Kaiser Permanente San Rafael and Santa Rosa have been recognized with the prestigious Get with the Guidelines Gold Plus and Stroke Honor Roll achievement awards, presented by the American Heart/American Stroke Association, based on evidence-based guidelines.

“As part of our commitment to the community, we are striving to build stroke awareness about the signs, symptoms, and need for prompt evaluation,” said Judy Coffey Vice President and Area Manager for Marin/Sonoma. “We know the sooner an individual seeks medical attention by going to an emergency department, the greater the opportunity for effective treatment.”

To receive these honors, the Medical Centers had to achieve 85 percent or greater adherence to all Get with the Guidelines, Stroke Quality Achievement indicators, for two or more consecutive 12-month intervals. The facilities also had to achieve 75 percent or greater compliance with 6 of the 10 Get with the Guidelines, Stroke Quality Measures.

These quality measures include aggressive use of medications, such as tPA, antithrombotics, anticoagulation therapy, DVT prophylaxis, cholesterol reducing drugs, and smoking cessation—all aimed at reducing death and disability and improving the lives of stroke patients.