Princeton Medical Center Recognized for Achievements in Stroke Care
Princeton Medical Center (PMC) recently earned two recognitions in stroke care: advanced certification as a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) and the AHA/ASA’s Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award.
PMC earned advanced certification for Primary Stroke Centers following a rigorous, on-site review in late April. The certification became effective June 3 and will remain valid for two years.
Advanced certification is based on expert evaluation of the hospital’s compliance with stroke-related standards and requirements, including program management, the delivery of clinical care, and performance improvement.
“Primary Stroke Center designation recognizes our organizational commitment to meeting a higher standard of service and continuously working to improve and advance clinical care,” said Paul K. Kaiser, MD, Medical Director of PMC’s Stroke Program. “Thank you to all the physicians, nurses, pharmacists, physical and occupational therapists, and senior managers on the stroke committee for their dedication and leadership in pursuing excellence in stroke care.”
Primary Stroke Center certification is separate from, and above, The Joint Commission accreditation held by PMC and other Princeton Health divisions. Princeton Health also holds advanced certifications for perinatal care and total hip and total knee replacements.
The AHA/ASA Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus Achievement Award recognizes the hospital’s commitment to ensuring patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence.
To receive the award, PMC met specific quality achievement measures for diagnosing and treating stroke patients at a set level for two consecutive years. The measures include evaluation of the proper use of medications and other stroke treatments aligned with the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing death and disability. Before discharge, patients should also receive education on managing their health and schedule a follow-up visit as well as other care interventions, which may include an assessment for rehabilitation services.
“When someone might be having a stroke, every second counts,” said Philip Tran, RN, PMC’s Stroke Coordinator. “The Get With The Guidelines program helps to expedite diagnosis and treatment and supports excellent care every step of the way. We are giving our patients a better chance at recovering from a stroke.”
About Penn Medicine Princeton Health
Penn Medicine Princeton Health is one of the most comprehensive healthcare systems in New Jersey, providing acute care hospital services through Princeton Medical Center; behavioral healthcare through Princeton House Behavioral Health; in-home nursing, rehabilitation and hospice care; primary and specialty care through Princeton Medicine Physicians; ambulatory surgery and wellness services. For more information, visit www.princetonhcs.org. Penn Medicine Princeton Health is part of the University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS), which, together with the University of Pennsylvania’s Raymond and Ruth Perelman School of Medicine, forms Penn Medicine, one of the world’s leading academic medical centers, dedicated to the related missions of medical education, biomedical research and excellence in patient care.
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