Wisconsin Coverdell Stroke Program: Facts and Figures

A stroke is a devastating health event. It often results in life-changing and permanent disabilities, or even death. Survivors can require intensive rehabilitation. They face major challenges in navigating clinical and community services on the road to recovery.

Data summary

Each year, stroke-related death and disability affect thousands of stroke patients, their families, employers, and communities in Wisconsin. More than 2,500 people died of stroke in Wisconsin in 2017, making it the fifth leading cause of death.^1,2 In 2017, there were more than 11,000 hospitalizations in Wisconsin with stroke as the principal diagnosis. About seven out of 10 occurred in people over the age of 65.³

Thanks to efforts to improve stroke triage and treatment in Wisconsin, 94% of people hospitalized survived their stroke (at the point of discharge from the hospital). However, only about 44% of survivors were discharged to their homes. Most of the other survivors went to skilled care or rehabilitation facilities. These numbers don’t include the thousands of people who had transient ischemic attacks, or mini-strokes, and weren’t admitted to the hospital.

Learn more about the burden of strokes

Background and prevention

Wisconsin has made great strides in improving stroke triage and treatment. There is still much more work that can be done. We need to continue improving:

• Public awareness of stroke.
• Stroke systems.
• Quality of care.
• Stroke patient outcomes.

Optimal stroke care begins with early recognition of stroke signs and symptoms and calling 911. The Wisconsin Ambulance Run Data System (WARDS) shows 40% of stroke patients arrived at the hospital by EMS (emergency medical services) in 2013. Studies have shown that stroke patients who arrive at an emergency department via EMS receive more timely definitive care. EMS can assess and perform initial triage, which hastens the care given by the hospital.

Wisconsin is fortunate to have:

• 11 acute stroke ready hospitals.
• 38 primary stroke centers.
• Seven comprehensive stroke centers.

However, much of the northern and central parts of the state are more than 60 minutes from a certified stroke center.⁴ Feedback from 88 non-specialty, non-stroke certified hospitals showed a strong interest in having resources and technical help to improve their stroke readiness.⁵

There are many ways hospitals and primary care providers can help patients and caregivers. After a stroke, patients need guidance with recovery efforts and help connecting with community resources. For example, Wisconsin’s network of pharmacists certified in medication therapy management can help ensure patients take medications as prescribed. They can assist with home blood pressure monitoring during post-stroke recovery. Increasing these efforts could reduce stroke-related emergency department visits and hospital readmissions.

References

Contact us

Coverdell Epidemiologist and Program Director
ka.xiong@dhs.wisconsin.gov
608-266-1154