Patients Considered for tPA

Why is this important?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use tPA (intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator) when given in the first three hours for acute ischemic stroke patients.  The administration of this clot-dissolving medication has been shown to improve outcomes for carefully screened, eligible patients with acute ischemic stroke.

How WellSpan Compares

The graph below shows the percentage of stroke patients who were screened for administration of intravenous tPA.

Unit of Measurement: Percentage

A higher score is better than a lower score.

What we are doing to improve our performance.

A “Stroke Rapid Response Team” ensures timely evaluation of any suspected stroke patient who arrives within three hours of the beginning of symptoms.  The team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and includes a specially trained registered nurse and a neurologist.  Education is provided to help the public recognize symptoms and to encourage them to call 911 if they suspect a stroke.  An additional goal this year includes Emergency Medical Services training to emphasize the importance of rapid transport to the emergency department if stroke symptoms are apparent.