Stroke Systems of Care Framework: Partner
Developing partnerships is a key element of strengthening stroke systems of care.
Establishing networks with hospitals, emergency medical services (EMS), and post-hospital providers is important.
Creating a stroke coalition within your state with representatives across the continuum of care to support improved patient outcomes is necessary.
Coordinate partnerships by establishing and maintaining:
- A steering committee to include:
- Stroke systems of care partners, such as EMS, acute stroke care hospitals, and post-hospital providers.
- Major stroke partners and stakeholders.
- Collaborations with existing state-based stroke councils, coalitions, or stroke professional organizations.
- Collaborations with state or regional EMS directors.
Additionally, your team can recruit EMS systems and hospitals to:
- Participate in an integrated data system that combines EMS, in-hospital, and post-hospital data.
- Conduct quality improvement activities.
- Focus on coordinating effective patient handoff procedures and improving care transitions.
Related Tools
Building Blocks of a Stroke Program [PDF – 2.46 MB]external icon
Hospitals can use this toolkit to help build a stroke program at their site. It includes Brain Attack Coalition’s recommendations for basic stroke care, guidance from HA, tips for self-assessment, and use case examples.
Washington Coverdell Stroke Program Works with Rural Hospitals to Improve Stroke Care
Read lessons learned from quality improvement managers and stroke program coordinators from 13 rural hospitals who partnered to improve stroke care in Washington.
Explore these resources, developed by the Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Program grantees, and use them to support your program’s stroke systems of care. Learn more.
