Quality Care

Stroke and Neurovascular Reports

The Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin Stroke and Neurovascular Program treated 741 patients in 2009.

While hospitalized, patients’ immediate stroke symptoms were treated, and diagnostic tests performed to determine the cause or source of the stroke. The goal is to prevent another stroke or neurovascular event from occurring. Our expert team of specialists provides comprehensive stroke care, including identifying and managing secondary health issues. They are efficient in identifying and managing all associated neurovascular risk factors.

In 2009, quarter one through three, the average number of days that a patient spent in the hospital after a stroke was 10 percent less than national averages of other hospitals. In other words, our patients were able to spend less time in the hospital following their stroke, and either begin aggressive rehabilitation programs or return home sooner.

The above information addresses the Institute of Medicine’s aim for health care that is efficient.

Because strokes affect each person differently, our team of specialists treats each patient based on their individual needs. While there are standards of care — certain tests and procedures that all patients require following a stroke — we know that the results will vary with each patient. For example, of the many known risk factors for stroke (e.g., high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and smoking), management of these factors is not “cookbook” science. In addition, patients are taught about stroke and associated risk factors that are unique to them, in a way that promotes their understanding of this important information.

The Stroke & Neurovascular Program provides individualized stroke risk assessments for the public at Small Stones each month.