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Methods:
Discharge utilization treatment rates were recorded for all patients discharged from the UCLA Stroke Service with a diagnosis of ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack during the initial 3-month period of the program, from April to June 2002. These rates were compared to those obtained from a comparable group of patients admitted to the same service, between April to June 2001 and June to August 1998 before the implementation of the Stroke PROTECT program.

Results:

Table. Percentage discharge treatment utilization rates

Graph. Percentage discharge treatment utilization rates

Conclusions:
Initiation of our protocol during the first 3 months of the program was associated with a significant increase in discharge utilization of antithrombotics, ACE inhibitors/ARBs, and statins. These treatment rates are among the highest overall treatment rates ever reported. The initial findings indicate that cerebrovascular risk factor modification and treatment can be systematically integrated into the treatment provided during stroke hospitalizations without additional resources or medical personnel, and may be more effective than conventional guidelines. A future goal for the program will be 100% utilization for all medication categories in appropriate patients.

Data monitoring of clinical outcomes and recurrent hospitalizations is ongoing.