Access to timely, specialized stroke care can be a challenge in rural communities versus urban communities. Butler County Health is actively addressing this gap through two major initiatives designed to bring advanced, patient-centered stroke care directly to our community.
BCH has recently earned the Skilled Nursing Facility Stroke Rehabilitation Certification offered by the American Heart Association®, a global force changing the future of health of all. This certification enables the hospital to provide comprehensive, individualized rehabilitation services on-site, ensuring that patients recovering from a stroke can stay close to home while receiving the specialized care they need.
The mission of the Stroke Rehabilitation Program is to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care in a safe and compassionate environment, helping patients achieve their highest level of independence. Care is guided by a multidisciplinary Interprofessional Committee made up of physicians, nurses, therapists, pharmacists, social workers and dietary professionals, all collaborating to build a sustainable program focused on best practices and continuous improvement across the patient care journey.
BCH has also partnered with TeledigmHealth and Bryan Telemedicine to offer around-the-clock stroke care through a new Acute Neurology and Telestroke Program. This innovative service uses secure audio and video technology to evaluate patients showing signs of a stroke, helping determine quickly whether a stroke has occurred.
“As a physician in a small community, I want to be able to provide and have the best care available for my patients and community members,” explains Dr. Joshua Sypal. “The Telestroke service helps us physicians treat stroke patients quicker, which gives them a better chance of recovery. It also allows us to have the option of allowing stroke patients to stay here at Butler County Health and recover close to family,” he adds.
Fast diagnosis and treatment are critical for stroke patients. In rural areas, only 21% of patients with neurological conditions have access to a neurologist, compared to 27% in urban settings. Butler County Health’s Telestroke program bridges this gap by connecting patients with the same team of neurologists who provide stroke care at Bryan. This allows patients to receive high-quality care close to home without leaving their primary care provider.
The program includes both the initial assessment and follow-up care, reducing the need for patient transfers and supporting continuity of care. In addition, Telestroke speeds up the administration of tPA, a clot-busting medication used to treat strokes, helping to improve patient outcomes through faster intervention.
“The implementation of the new Telestroke program has been a great asset to our facility when treating patients with stroke symptoms,” says Tara Palensky, RN. “ We are able to quickly get our patients evaluated by a neurologist from the Telestroke team who provides evidence based recommendations for the treatment of the patient in a time-sensitive situation.”
Butler County Health is building a stronger, more connected system of stroke care with implementation of both the Post-Acute Stroke Rehabilitation initiative and the Telestroke Program. These efforts not only improve access to expert care, but also allow patients and their families to stay in their community during one of life’s most vulnerable times.