The American Heart Association introduced a new certification for health care professionals in telehealth stroke care, aimed at improving access and outcomes for stroke patients, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Long travel times to specialized stroke centers and the scarcity of stroke specialists often delay treatment, increasing the risk of severe outcomes for stroke patients. Telehealth stroke care, or "telestroke", offers a solution by using interactive videoconferencing to provide remote expert evaluations and timely decision-making support for clinicians treating stroke patients in distant facilities.
The American Heart Association’s (AHA) new telehealth stroke certification, supported by the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, is designed to standardize training and enhance the skills of health care providers in delivering stroke care via telehealth. This certification, part of the AHA's science-based certification portfolio, aims to ensure high-quality care and better stroke outcomes through the integration of telehealth technology.
“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, in a statement. “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 certification, accessible via the Association’s Professional Education Hub™, is open to licensed medical professionals who complete prerequisite education. It includes high-quality, evidence-based online education that combines research, hands-on experiences, and best practices. Assessment is delivered through live remote-proctoring, and certification is awarded and renewed via AHA platforms. Certified professionals can also promote their credentials, which are valid for three years.
Stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability in the U.S., with an estimated 9.4 million Americans having experienced a stroke. Projections indicate a 20.5% increase in stroke prevalence by 2030, highlighting the need for enhanced stroke care delivery methods. The new certification is expected to address these challenges by empowering clinicians to provide equitable and effective stroke care through telehealth.
