Arkansas Methodist Medical Center (AMMC) has received two awards from the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – Coronary Artery Disease Rural program:
Gold Award for STEMI Care Excellence
AMMC received gold recognition for its commitment to treating patients experiencing a specific type of heart attack known as an ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), known to be more severe and dangerous than other types of heart attacks. Each year, more than 1 million cases of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) require hospitalization in the U.S., and about 30% of ACS cases are classified as STEMI, caused by a complete blockage in a coronary artery.[1] Like all heart attacks, this requires timely treatment to restore blood flow as quickly as possible. This award recognizes AMMC’s efforts toward STEMI care excellence demonstrated by composite score compliance to guideline-directed care, including timely electrocardiogram and transfer, aspirin administration, administration of thrombolytic therapy, receptor inhibitor and anticoagulant, and more.
Bronze Award for NSTE-ACS Care Excellence
AMMC received bronze recognition for its commitment to treating patients experiencing non ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS). In the United States, NSTE-ACS affects more than 625,000 patients annually, or almost three-fourths of all patients with acute coronary syndrome.[2] This award recognizes AMMC’s efforts toward acute coronary syndrome care excellence demonstrated by composite score compliance to guideline-directed care, including timely electrocardiogram and troponin results, anticoagulant administration, risk stratification, and follow-up care.
“When someone experiences acute coronary syndrome or a STEMI heart attack, American Heart Association guidelines call for specific actions performed in the hospital in a consistent and timely fashion to prevent further myocardial damage and to save lives,” said Karen E. Joynt Maddox, M.D., MPH, co-author on the American Heart Association’s presidential advisory on rural health. “Where you live should not determine if you live, and rural communities deserve high-quality cardiac care. Arkansas Methodist Medical Center is recognized for consistently providing these patients with the care, guidance, and medical therapy they need to give them the best chance of survival.”
The Get With The Guidelines – Coronary Artery Disease Rural Recognition awards are given to hospitals that demonstrate a commitment to treating patients according to the most up-to-date research-based guidelines for NSTE-ACS and STEMI care as outlined by the American Heart Association.
“We are proud that our team at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center is being recognized for the important work we do every day to improve the lives of people in Paragould and surrounding areas,” said Candice Wicker, AMMC’s Chief Nursing Officer. “As a hospital in a rural community, we face unique challenges, such as extended interfacility transportation times, and limited staffing resources. However, we’ve made it our mission to ensure those hurdles do not affect the standard of care our patients receive. These awards are a testament to that commitment.”
About Arkansas Methodist Medical Center
A recognized leader, Arkansas Methodist Medical Center in Paragould provides progressive, compassionate healthcare to residents throughout Northeast Arkansas and Southeast Missouri. Additional information about AMMC is available at myammc.org.
About Get With The Guidelines®
Get With The Guidelines® is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 14 million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.
[1] Akbar H, Foth C, Kahloon RA, Mountfort S. Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI). StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; January 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532281/.
[2] NTSE-ACS for Professionals. American Heart Association Professional Heart Daily. https://professional.heart.org/en/education/ntse-acs-for-professionals.