IBX News

The Arkansas Department of Health has acknowledged Felicia May, an APRN with the Washington Regional Stroke Program, for her outstanding contributions to stroke patient care. May was awarded the Transition of Care Award and is among only four individuals in the state to receive this honor for the current program year. This award highlights significant efforts made by individuals to support stroke patients and their families post-stroke.

In addition, Washington Regional Medical Center received recognition for its adherence to defect-free stroke care measures with a Diamond award, which is the highest level achievable. It stands as the only large hospital in Arkansas honored in this category. The awards, given to 40 hospitals across the state, are based on performance data from the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines Stroke Registry for patients discharged between July 2023 and June 2024. Hospitals are recognized in three categories: Diamond (95%+), Ruby (90%-94.99%), and Pearl (85%-89.99%).

Defect-free care is determined using an aggregated metric based on ten American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Coverdell performance measures within the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Patient Management Tool. These measures align with evidence-based guidelines to ensure that stroke patients receive timely and appropriate care.

Washington Regional also achieved recognition in two additional categories: Ruby for stroke band documentation and Pearl for door-to-CT times. Stroke band documentation aids in improved data collection essential for quality improvement while faster door-to-CT times enhance positive patient outcomes.

Furthermore, Washington Regional remains distinguished as the only hospital in Northwest Arkansas certified by the Joint Commission as a Comprehensive Stroke Center. It uniquely offers 24/7 in-person care provided by experts specially trained in stroke diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation.