The researchers examined the quality of guideline-recommended care for 8,201 patients with TIA or minor stroke who received care across the Veterans Health Administration system nationwide during the 2014 federal fiscal year.
They assessed 10 elements of care using validated electronic quality measures. Performance varied across several elements of care, including brain imaging, antithrombotic use, hypertension control and neurology consultation.
Additionally, performance varied considerably across care facilities. The researchers found higher performance levels for patients who were admitted to the care facility than for patients who only received care in emergency departments.
“Health care systems should engage in ongoing TIA care performance assessment to complement existing stroke performance measurement,” the researchers concluded.
More articles on healthcare quality:
DC health officials fault United Medical Center for care lapses contributing to patient death: 5 things to know
PPI use not associated with cognitive decline
MSU restructures health colleges for care quality, safety in wake of Dr. Larry Nassar scandal
