In the first year of its involvement in the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Get With the Guidelines quality improvement program, Pullman Regional Hospital received three Silver Achievement Awards for its exceptional performance in stroke and heart emergency care.
The awards represent the highest distinction possible in a hospital’s first year of participation and are given out in the categories of Heart Failure, Stroke, and Coronary Artery Disease care. Additionally, Pullman Regional received the American Heart Association’s Commitment to Quality Award, which is granted to institutions that demonstrate excellence in three or more Get With the Guidelines initiatives. Only 158 locations across the country have achieved this goal.
Hospital administrators credit the honor to a significant emphasis on achieving strict clinical standards for patient care timeliness, accuracy, and safety. According to Verna Yockey, Director of the Intensive Care and Medical-Surgical Unit, this is particularly crucial for heart-related incidents and strokes when time can cause harm to the heart or brain.
The administration of TNKase for acute ischemic stroke treatment in as little as 38 minutes, well ahead of the 45-minute target, and consistent stroke patient transfer times under 90 minutes are just two examples of recent performance data that have exceeded national goals, according to Emergency Department Director Stephanie Knewbow.
The dedication of the workforce was highlighted by Chief Nursing Officer Tammy Needham, who said, “Our teams choose to participate in these quality improvement programs.” It demonstrates their leadership and commitment to provide the most treatment possible.
The accolade comes after DNV, a global healthcare accrediting body, certified Pullman Regional Hospital as 2022 Acute Stroke Ready. In order to receive this accreditation, hospitals must fulfill or surpass the evidence-based requirements established by the Brain Attack Coalition, the American Stroke Association, and the American Heart Association.
