Programs and Services
Neurosciences Intensive Care Units
Specialized care continues in a dedicated Neurosciences Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and acute care units, where stroke patients receive coordinated care, comprehensive monitoring and expert intervention from the multidisciplinary team. These stroke units satisfy the specific care standards for Primary Stroke Center certification set by the Joint Commission. The NICU is equipped with state-of-the-science monitoring equipment and is staffed by a skilled and experienced team of physicians, nurses, therapists and other allied health professionals.
On the acute care unit, the same team of physicians, therapists and counselors provide care to patients throughout their stay, a unique aspect that has been shown to improve a patient’s sense of well being and decrease the length of stay. Experts from other medical disciplines are readily available for consultation, further enhancing the recovery process, and promoting a faster return to the community.
In 2006, the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Stroke and Neurovascular Program treated 590 patients.
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.
The average number of days a stroke patient spent as an inpatient at Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin in 2006 was below national averages. This means that our patients were able to spend less time in the hospital following their stroke, and either begin aggressive rehabilitation programs or return home sooner.
Because stroke affects 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.
Author: Marla Fraunfelder Last Review Date: Jan. 25, 2008 Online Editor(s): Christopher Sadler |