Abstract 2545: Does Participation in a Stroke Registry Improve tPA Administration Rates?

Background: The purpose of the Georgia Coverdell Acute Stroke Registry (GCASR) is to improve the quality of patient care. GCASR conducts regular quality improvement activities to educate hospital staff and improve systems and processes. Administration of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV tPA) is standard treatment for eligible acute ischemic stroke patients and can dramatically improve outcomes. Purpose: To determine whether GCASR hospitals were more likely to administer tPA to acute ischemic stroke patients than non-GCASR hospitals. Methods: Hospitalization data from acute care hospitals in Georgia was provided by the Georgia Hospital Association for November 2005 through December 2009. Acute ischemic stroke patients receiving tPA were identified using ICD-9 codes (433 and 434), procedure codes (9910), and healthcare common procedure system codes (J2997). A hospital was defined as a GCASR facility if it was actively participating in the registry at the time of patient hospitalization. A genera...