Interactive Maps to Improve Stroke Systems of Care in Wisconsin

PEER REVIEWED

This map shows Wisconsin and the locations of large tertiary hospitals: in Appleton (1 primary stroke center), Eau Claire (1 primary stroke center), Fond du Lac (1 primary stroke center), Green Bay (2 comprehensive stroke centers), Janesville (1 primary stroke center), La Crosse (1 primary stroke center), Madison (2 primary stroke centers, 1 comprehensive stroke center), Marshfield (1 primary stroke center), Milwaukee (3 comprehensive stroke centers), Neenah (1 comprehensive stroke center), Waukesha (1 primary stroke center), and Wausau (1 primary stroke center). The map also shows locations of small rural hospitals throughout the state (n = 109); of these, 31 are primary stroke centers, 8 are acute stroke–ready hospitals, and 70 have no stroke accreditation. The map also shows lines indicating which small rural hospitals transfer patients to which large tertiary hospitals. Large tertiary hospitals in 4 cities outside Wisconsin (Duluth, Rochester, and St. Paul, Minnesota, and Rockford, Illinois) also accept transfers of patients from small rural hospitals in Wisconsin.

Transfer patterns for stroke patients from small rural hospitals (spokes, indicated by small circles) to larger tertiary hospitals (hubs, indicated by large circles) in Wisconsin. Visitors to the interactive map website (www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/coverdell/stroke-transfer-map.htm) can click on each transfer line to see estimated driving distance and time, along with the stroke certifications of hospitals. Transfer lines indicate driving distance between hospitals. Understanding the state’s stroke transfer patterns is important to improve care efficiency for emergency management services and hospitals. These maps play an important role in improving stroke systems of care in Wisconsin.

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