Beschreibung:
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<jats:bold>Background:</jats:bold>
Illinois has approximately 54 certified stroke centers serving the metropolitan Chicago area. It is understood that certified centers impact stroke care and community outreach, but a greater impact could be gained through collaboration and shared resources.
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<jats:bold>Purpose:</jats:bold>
To describe the development and contributions of the Midwest Stroke Action Alliance (MSAA) around the Chicago metropolitan area.
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<jats:bold>Methods:</jats:bold>
In 2007 an informal group gathered to promote stroke community awareness. In 2011 the group decided a greater impact could be made on the community and stroke care through incorporation, formalizing membership and setting goals. Membership was individual, not tied to organizations. An election for the board/committee chairs took place and committees (quality improvement, professional growth/networking, and education) were established.
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<jats:bold>Mission:</jats:bold>
The MSAA is dedicated to utilizing evidence based practice to reduce the risk and burden of stroke by increasing stroke awareness in the broader community and providing a strong united voice for stroke advocacy.
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<jats:bold>Goals:</jats:bold>
1).Support quality stroke care through evidence based practice and clinical research, 2).Provide coordinated professional and community education,and 3).Provide an environment that promotes professional growth and problem solving.
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<jats:bold>Results:</jats:bold>
As of July 2013 MSAA has 42 active members and 52 members at large. Membership includes representation from acute care, rehabilitation, industry and stroke advocacy. MSAA meets quarterly and the board/committees meet monthly. To date, the impact of MSAA on community and quality of stroke care includes: Biannual education/networking events, Annual conference for stroke care professionals, GWTG-Stroke registry benchmark group, Best practice sharing, Stroke Awareness month and National Stroke Alert Day activities, and 2012 & 2013 “Strike Out Stroke” Cellular Field-Chicago White Sox.
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<jats:bold>Conclusions:</jats:bold>
The development of the MSAA has lead to improved collaboration through use of pooled resources in the Chicago metropolitan area and resulted in enhanced community outreach and professional development. The GWTG-Stroke benchmark group will continue to measure the overall impact on stroke care.
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