(NewMediaWire) - June 04, 2024 - DALLAS — Significant barriers prevent or slow treatment for many patients with stroke, including long travel times to stroke center hospitals and the lack of availability of stroke specialists who can evaluate the patient and determine if they are a candidate for treatment.[1] Telehealth stroke care, also known as telestroke, can expand access to rural areas and other communities that face barriers to stroke care.

A new American Heart Association certification for health care professionals is designed to help standardize training and increase skills and competencies for health care providers in telehealth stroke care delivery, as well as help improve stroke outcomes through the integration of telehealth. This is the third individual certification available through the American Heart Association’s best-in-class, science-based certification portfolio.

An estimated 9.4 million Americans ages 20 and older have had a stroke, and stroke accounts for about 1 of every 19 deaths in the United States.[2] Stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability in the United States. And the problem is only getting worse — projections show a 20.5% increase in stroke prevalence by 2030.[3]

Telehealth stroke care uses interactive videoconferencing to provide specialists timely data to assist clinicians at the bedside in stroke-related decision-making for people seeking care at distant facilities that do not have a stroke neurologist available around the clock.

“Timely access to the latest therapies through expanded use of telehealth-enabled stroke care has been shown to greatly improve the quality of care and reduce disability from stroke, especially in areas with fewer neurologists and stroke experts,” said Lee Schwamm, M.D., FAHA, volunteer member of the American Heart Association Center for Telehealth Expert Panel; senior vice president and chief digital health officer of Yale New Haven Health; and associate dean of digital strategy and transformation at Yale School of Medicine. “The American Heart Association’s individual telehealth stroke certification is a way for health care professionals to ensure they are providing the highest quality of care and leveraging this evolving delivery modality to its fullest potential.” 

The new telehealth individual certification, supported by the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, is available through the Association’s Professional Education Hub™. The certification is an offering of the American Heart Association Center for Telehealth.

The certification is open to licensed medical professionals who complete prerequisite education. The certification process features:

• high-quality, evidence-based online telehealth stroke education that combines research, hands-on experiences and best practices;
• assessment delivery via live remote-proctoring, certification award and renewal via American Heart Association platforms; and
• individual promotional opportunities by display of personalized certificate award and credentials, which are good for three years.

Additional Resources:

• VIDEO: ​Lee Schwamm, M.D., Chief Digital Health Officer for the Yale School of Medicine, Yale New Haven Health System and Association Dean for Digital Strategy and Transformation, shares the journey and benefits of telestroke, improving access to time critical treatment through telehealth. 
• Spanish news release
• New telehealth certification available to health care professionals | American Heart Association
• Telehealth | American Heart Association
• Telestroke Fact Sheet (heart.org)

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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

About The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust
The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust aspires to improve lives by supporting exceptional efforts in the U.S. and around the world in health and select place-based initiatives. Since beginning active grantmaking in 2008, Helmsley has committed more than $4.5 billion for a wide range of charitable purposes. Helmsley’s Rural Healthcare Program funds innovative projects that use information technologies to connect rural patients to emergency medical care, bring the latest medical therapies to patients in remote areas, and provide state-of-the-art training for rural hospitals and EMS personnel. To date, this program has awarded more than $600 million to organizations and initiatives in the states of Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. For more information, visit https://helmsleytrust.org/. 

For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173

Michelle Rosenfeld: 214-706-1099; michelle.rosenfeld@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org