Stroke QI Awards Program Information

See below for information about this year's Stroke Quality Improvement Awards program. When you are ready to begin your application, click the "Continue to Application" button at the bottom of this page.

Background

Successful and effective stroke systems of care require a commitment to continuous quality improvement across the stroke continuum of care. These efforts drive advancement in prevention, education, assessment, emergency transport, hospital care and treatment, rehabilitation, follow-up outpatient care, and long-term care (1). This work may take place in various settings and can also be in collaboration with multidisciplinary partners across the entire care continuum. Examples of places and partnerships include, but are not limited to, clinics, community-based organizations, hospitals, EMS agencies, rehabilitation centers, and skilled-nursing facilities.

Purpose

The award program's primary purpose is to recognize and showcase successful stroke-focused quality improvement (QI) projects throughout the entire stroke system of care in Minnesota. The program also aims to:

Provide an opportunity for clinical and community partners to share their QI projects.
Foster a culture of peer-to-peer learning and collaboration across the care continuum for clinical and community partners.
Encourage creative and innovative approaches to QI.
Highlight initiatives that focus on communities at highest risk for stroke or disproportionately impacted by stroke.

Eligibility

Accepting applications for stroke-focused quality improvement projects across the stroke care continuum happening in Minnesota or in bordering states serving Minnesotans. Work may take place in various settings and can also be in collaboration with multidisciplinary partners. Examples include, but are not limited to:

Clinics
Community-based organizations
Designated stroke hospitals
EMS agencies
Rehabilitation centers
Skilled-nursing facilities
Tribal governments

Application Process & Due Date

Applications will be collected via REDCap. Click the "continue to application" button at the bottom of this page to begin an application. You may save and return to your application as needed.

Applications are due by 4:30pm CT on Friday, August 28th.

Scoring

Applications will be scored by a review committee that independently evaluates each submission. After each reviewer completes their scoring, all score cards are collated, and the reviewers meet to discuss the results. Applications will be scared based on:

Completeness and clarity of each section, including the description of the setting.
Quality of plan design and implementation.
Inclusion and quality of charts/figures/tables displaying results.
Special consideration is given to applications addressing social determinants of health and partnerships across the stroke continuum of care.

Areas of Focus

Projects may focus on any aspect of stroke care, but we encourage projects that address the following themes across the stroke continuum of care:

Leveraging technology
- Utilizing electronic health records (EHR) and health information technology (HIT) as innovative approaches or solutions for the project (e.g., stroke order sets, reports, best practice alerts, social determinants of health screening in the record).
Data driven approaches
- Using qualitative and/or quantitative data (e.g., Minnesota Stroke Registry, performance improvement log, screenings, interviews, stroke quality of care metric reports, etc.) as primary drivers of QI initiatives.
Connecting and collaborating across the stroke continuum of care
- Partnering and collaborating across the care continuum, including partnerships with EMS, clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation programs, and/or community organizations.
Transitions of care, care after stroke
- Linking individuals to community resources and clinical services to support bidirectional referrals, self-management, and lifestyle changes for those who have experienced a stroke and to mitigate barriers to social services and support needs to improve outcomes.
Stroke prevention
- Focusing on communities at highest risk for stroke, such as individuals with undiagnosed or uncontrolled hypertension, high cholesterol, or a history of previous stroke.

Questions?

Refer to the list of frequently asked questions below. Please contact health.stroke@state.mn.us with any additional questions.

1 https://www.cdc.gov/coverdell/php/report/stroke-systems-of-care/index.html

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply?

If you are working within the stroke continuum of care mentioned above or your hospital is participating in the Minnesota Stroke System, you can apply. Fill out and complete the 2026 Stroke Quality Improvement Award application in REDCap. You may work on the application gradually and save your progress in REDCap. You may save your progress and return later by entering your email address to receive a link to your working application. Once you submit it in REDCap, you will receive a confirmation email with a copy of your completed application.

When is this due?

Applications will be accepted until 4:30 pm CT on Friday, August 28^th.

How will the award recipients be recognized?

We plan to acknowledge and celebrate the accomplishments of the award winners on the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Stroke Program website (https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/cardiovascular/stroke/qualityimprovement.html) and during either a webinar and/or in person opportunity. Award recipients will also receive an award plaque to recognize this achievement.

How many awards will be given?

This varies based on the number and quality of applications we receive.

Can we apply again if we were not selected last year?

Yes! You may to apply again using this year's application in REDCap.

Can we apply again if we won an award last year?

Yes! If this year's application is about a new quality improvement initiative or project, you may apply.

When will award winners be notified?

Applicants will receive an email notification if their application has been selected for an award no later than October 2026. This is subject to change if the deadline is adjusted.

How do you score applications?

Completeness and clarity of each section, including the description of the setting.
Quality of plan design and implementation.
Inclusion and quality of charts/figures/tables displaying results.
Special consideration is given to applications addressing social determinants of health and partnerships across the stroke continuum of care.

Where can I find more information on my improvement project's setting?

We suggest reaching out to your administration and/or quality department about the characteristics listed in the "setting" section of the application. This is information they usually have available to describe your clinic, EMS agency, community organization, or hospital's service area. For Minnesota Stroke System hospitals, draw from your hospital's designation site visit opening presentation.

Why focus on those at highest risk for a stroke event?

The Minnesota Stroke Program is committed to continuous quality improvement and recognizes that some communities are impacted by stroke more than others. Prioritization of those disproportionately impacted is an important part of this commitment to ensure all Minnesotans are receiving the best stroke care possible.

Please feel free to send any additional questions to health.stroke@state.mn.us

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