PHX Reporter

Abrazo West Campus has been recognized by the American Heart Association with multiple awards for its dedication to high-quality stroke care. The facility received the Get With The Guidelines - Stroke Gold Plus, Target: Stroke Elite Honor Roll, Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll, and Target: Stroke Advanced Therapy Honor Roll. These honors highlight Abrazo West's adherence to research-based guidelines aimed at improving treatment outcomes for stroke patients.

Stroke ranks as the fifth leading cause of death and is a major cause of disability in the United States. It occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted by a clot or a burst vessel, causing brain cells to die due to lack of oxygen and nutrients. Timely detection and treatment are crucial for enhancing survival rates and reducing long-term disabilities.

The Get With The Guidelines program assists hospitals in implementing evidence-based practices that align with current research. This initiative helps minimize the long-term impacts of strokes and can prevent fatalities.

“Abrazo West Campus is committed to improving patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” said Hans Driessnack, Abrazo West Campus CEO. “Get With The Guidelines makes it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, which studies show can help patients recover better. Our end goal is to help our patients experience longer, healthier lives.”

Hospitals participating in this program demonstrate their commitment annually by adhering to quality care standards for stroke patients. They also educate patients on managing their health post-discharge.

“We are incredibly pleased to recognize Abrazo West Campus for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Steven Messe, M.D., volunteer chairperson of the American Heart Association Stroke System of Care Advisory Group and professor of neurology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. “Participation in Get With The Guidelines is associated with improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates – a win for health care systems, families and communities.”

Abrazo West was awarded the Target: StrokeSM Elite Honor Roll award by meeting criteria that reduce time from hospital arrival to thrombolytic therapy treatment. Additionally, it received recognition through the Target: StrokeSM Honor Roll Advanced Therapy award by meeting criteria related to timely clot removal procedures during ischemic strokes.

Furthermore, Abrazo West earned a spot on the Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll. This award ensures that hospitalized stroke patients with Type 2 diabetes receive updated evidence-based care due to their increased risk of complications.

As a thrombectomy-capable Primary Plus Stroke Center, Abrazo West offers advanced treatments like thrombectomy—an intervention designed for clot removal during ischemic strokes.