Target: Stroke Phase III

Introducing Target: Stroke Phase III

Target: Stroke has helped hospitals nationwide achieve improved stroke outcomes through reduced door-to-needle times for eligible ischemic stroke patients.

Phase III of this American Heart Association/American Stroke Association initiative further raises the bar by setting more aggressive targets for timely treatment with IV alteplase.

But the aim goes beyond faster door-to-needle times. Phase III introduces a second type of intervention into the mix, setting the first-ever targets for prompt treatment with endovascular therapy.

Updates to the acute ischemic stroke guidelines released in 2015 marked an important change in the treatment landscape, notably the inclusion of endovascular therapy as a recommended intervention for eligible patients. Thrombectomy using stent retrievers is now credited with leading to faster and more complete reperfusion for certain patients and is considered a mainstay of stroke care.

The value of EVT is reflected in the Target: Stroke Phase III Primary goal: initial use of a thrombectomy device Within 90 minutes for direct-arriving patients (60 minutes For transfer patients) in 50 percent or more of eligible Acute ischemic stroke patients.

The primary goals for Target: Stroke Phase III are:

  • Achieve door-to-needle times within 60 minutes in 85 percent or more of acute ischemic stroke patients treated with IV thrombolytics.
  • Achieve door-to-device times (arrival to first pass with thrombectomy device) within 90 minutes for direct-arriving patients and within 60 minutes for transfer patients in 50 percent or more of acute ischemic stroke patients treated with endovascular therapy.

Starting in 2020, hospitals will have the opportunity to be recognized with a new Target: Stroke Honor Roll level. The Honor Roll levels will include: Target: Stroke Honor Roll, Target: Stroke Honor Roll-Elite, Target: Stroke Honor Roll-Elite Plus, Target: Stroke Honor Roll Advanced Therapy.

Learn more about Target: Stroke Honor Roll.

Access the Target: Stroke Phase III Campaign Manual (PDF).

Why Join?

  1. Target: Stroke works: Data shows the impact of Target: Stroke. It’s critical that hospitals actively participate in Target: Stroke Phase II to continue eliminating treatment delays and improving outcomes for acute ischemic stroke patients.
  2. You aren’t alone: Participating hospitals gain access to an extensive network of support that includes more than 1,200 other Target: Stroke hospitals.
  3. Gain support: The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association supports participating hospitals by providing expert consultation, clinical tools, webinars, workshops and research.

Testimonial Videos

Michael Frankel Discusses Get With The Guidelines-Stroke and Target: Stroke

Lynn Hundley Discusses Get With The Guidelines-Stroke and Target: Stroke

Lisa Shumaker Discusses Target: Stroke and Get With The Guidelines-Stroke

Heather Lorenz Discusses Target: Stroke and Get With The Guidelines-Stroke

Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisors.

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