In 2019, the seven-state Providence system launched a new care model called Clinical Institutes. Among the many beneficiaries of the program are Providence patients who require neurological care, such as those at Providence Little Company of Mary. The Neuroscience Clinical Institute leaders conduct ongoing review processes to establish best practices and then measure and report their progress toward reaching goals.
We have numerous hospitals treating stroke and neurological disorders. We are able to coordinate the care across the entire region to ensure highly reliable outcomes, cutting-edge research and appropriate distribution of services,” said Bernard Klein, MD, chief executive leader of the Neuroscience Clinical Institutes.
The Neuroscience Clinical Institute is one of six Clinical Institutes in Providence. The others are: Cancer, Cardiovascular, Digestive Health, Musculoskeletal, and Women and Children’s Health.
The hard work of the institutes results in a high-quality experience for patients, with predictable costs and outcomes, says Dr. Klein. There is greater consistency from hospital to hospital because health care teams are following the same high standards. The institute can identify areas in need of additional resources, such as neurologists, neurosurgeons and multidisciplinary teams, and shift resources as indicated.
Care is elevated because health care professionals share information and best practices, according to Dr. Klein.
“Prior to this, hospitals worked in silos,” he says. “This allows us to coordinate care across our geography. We are already seeing more collaboration, sharing of best practices and coordination of care across the region.”
Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance is one of the institutes leading the way in research for treatment of stroke. Under the direction of Jason Tarpley, MD, PhD, they are currently in the planning stage for six clinical trials. According to LosAngeles County Emergency Medical Systems data, PLCMMC Torrance has the highest volume of thrombectomies in all of Los Angeles. This is a testament to the leadership, expertise and teamwork that is in place.
The program encourages and facilitates research and clinical trials, Dr. Klein says. It also emphasizes metrics—collecting and analyzing data and making improvements based on that information. For example, the Neuroscience Clinical Institute has implemented a system in which stroke patients are contacted three months after discharge to assess how they are doing and how the health system can assist them further. They’re asked if they’re taking their medications or need more information.
Another ongoing goal of the Neuroscience Clinical Institute is to aim for administration of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)—a clot-busting drug—within 45 minutes of the onset of an ischemic stroke. The goal is to continue to raise the bar on treatment and to track outcomes.
This type of performance improvement benefits everyone, Dr. Klein says. “There is a lot of negative press about hospitals coming together and hospital systems growing,” he says. “But by being part of a system, we are able to improve quality of care and patient satisfaction while lowering costs. That’s why we’re so committed to the Clinical Institutes.”
To learn more about the Providence Neuroscience Clinical Institute, please visit providence.org/about/initiatives/clinical-institutes/neuroscience-institute.
About the Author
More Content by Providence News Team
