Hospitals in Action >> Case Examples

OVERLOOK HOSPITAL – Summit , New Jersey
Community Stroke Education and Screening Program

What is it?
A community-based, free screening and educational program that teaches individuals to identify the warning signs of stroke and how to seek medical attention as soon as these signs are recognized. Individuals learn strategies to help reduce their own risk factors for stroke, which might include lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol, and making lifestyle changes in regard to weight loss, smoking, or diabetes. The program also allows participants to meet one-on-one with a health care professional, who can provide follow-up care if the individual wants it. 

Who is it for?
High-risk groups – including the aging population, African Americans, and those in lower socio-economic groups – within the hospital’s service area of Northern New Jersey. 

How do they do it?
The Community Stroke Education and Screening program operates within the budget of the community health department. It has also often received grants from generous foundations and organizations. The program is led by the stroke grant coordinator who maintains a core group of health professionals to provide the latest in stroke education. A collaborative relationship exists with the Atlantic Neuroscience Institute at Overlook Hospital. The program is held in many civic organizations through out the service area. These include senior centers, YMCAs, libraries, places of worship, municipal buildings, schools, colleges, and health clubs.

A stroke screening is a process to provide individuals the opportunity to be screened for stroke risk factors. Each screening includes a review of (1) personal health history, (2) cholesterol measurement, (3) blood glucose, (4) blood pressure and pulse check, and (5) carotid artery assessment. The health professional reviews the results with the individual and provides education on screening results as well as stroke prevention education.

Why do they do it?
Overlook Hospital is committed to improving the health status of the community and had been recognized as a Comprehensive Stroke Center. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the U.S., and the leading cause of adult disability. According to the National Stroke Association 750,000 Americans will experience a stroke this year. One in five families will be touched by stroke. Individuals must learn to recognize the symptoms of stroke and to seek the latest in emergency medical treatment immediately.  

Impact: Over the past eight years, the hospital has maintained a commitment to hold at least 24 stroke screenings per year (two community-based stroke education/screenings per month). The program screens 800 to 1,000 individuals per year and has increased the public awareness of the symptoms of stroke and how to respond. Individuals have learned to modify and change their own risk factors, based on letters the program has received, follow-up telephone calls, and return visits to reassess if lifestyle changes have made a difference. Very positive verbal feedback has also been received from primary care physicians and the neuroscience team.

Contact: Joyce Passen
Manager
Telephone: 908-522-5355
E-mail: joyce.passen@atlantichealth.org