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Neuroscience program, lab earn accreditation
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by Megan Fink
Public Relations
The Department of Neurosciences has reason to celebrate as their stroke
program and two neurophysiology labs earned official recognition last
month demonstrating their commitment to excellence.
The Joint Commission, an independent and nonprofit organization that
evaluates the level of care given to patients, reviewed the certified
primary stroke center last month. The commission survey team analyzed a
collection of data from the past years looking for successful
completion of guidelines, such as the consideration of a clot-busting
drug for every stroke patient and the surveillance and education of
risk factors to prevent stroke recurrence. The center passed without
recommendations, which is the best possible outcome for the regional
leader in stroke care. While the stroke program was initially certified
in 2007, this recent validation grants two more years of certification.
“There’s a satisfaction in knowing that I work at a place that offers
so much for stroke patients,” said Elizabeth Grannell, R.N., stroke
program manager. “Since stroke is so prevalent in our area, there’s
opportunity to be involved and spread the word of our capabilities to
prevent disability and death.” According to the American
Heart Association, stroke is the third leading cause of death in the
United States and the leading cause of serious disability.
In addition to the stroke center’s recertification, the American Board
of Registration of Electroencephalographic and Evoked Potential
Technologists accredited both the electroencephalography (EEG) and
neurophysiologic intraoperative monitoring (NIOM) programs. This
five-year accreditation of both programs comes from a
nationally-recognized organization that establishes the highest
standards in the field. Areas evaluated include medical and technical
standards, program management and organization, and medical expertise.
MUSC’s EEG program is the only accredited site in the state, while the
NIOM program is one of only five accredited locations in the entire
country.
“This is a true accomplishment and a testament to the dedication and
commitment from every level of our Neuroscience Service Line to deliver
the highest level of care to the patients that we serve daily,” said
Adam Kornegay, Clinical Neurophysiology Services manager.
Many people played a role in both these major accomplishment including
June Darby, R.N., Neuroscience Institute Service Line administrator;
Robert Adams, M.D., MUSC Stroke Center director; Jonathan Edwards,
M.D., MUSC Comprehensive Epilepsy Program director and Clinical
Neurophysiology director; the neurophysiology staff; members of the
stroke and cerebrovascular team; Neuroscience physicians and nurses;
and rehabilitation specialists.
According to one of the Joint Commission surveyors, it was evident that
all of MUSC’s staff was involved and very passionate about what they
do. She also noted that the review is not something one can throw
together in a few days knowing their committee is coming for a survey.
MUSC’s performance and adherence to rigorous standards of quality care
is routine and is validated in years of patient outcome documentation.
Friday, Sept. 18, 2009
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