Seven hospitals and two EMS agencies in North Dakota have been recognized by the American Heart Association for their efforts to improve outcomes for Americans with heart disease and stroke. Agencies across the state took part in the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines initiative to ensure all patients have access to lifesaving care. Mindy Cook is Senior Quality Improvement Manager for the American Heart Association.
"It's been demonstrated over and over again that these performance metrics and guidelines translate directly into better outcomes for patients. Better lives, better quality of life, less morbidity, and less deficits for patients when they suffer a condition. It's not just metrics, it really does translate to individuals' quality of life improvements and longer, healthier lives."
Each year, the American Heart Association recognizes hospitals across the country for consistently following up-to-date, research-based guidelines.
"I think it's something that's regionally so important that the public understands how hard our healthcare systems are working and how they're coordinating together to make sure that we have great, quality care in the region. So, however that can be highlighted, I think it's a testament to the commitment of our health systems and the individuals working in those health systems."