Relevance of stroke code, stroke unit and stroke networks in organization of acute stroke care--the Madrid acute stroke care program

Cerebrovasc Dis. 2009:27 Suppl 1:140-7. doi: 10.1159/000200452. Epub 2009 Apr 3.

Abstract

Stroke is a neurological emergency. The early administration of specific treatment improves the prognosis of the patients. Emergency care systems with early warning for the hospital regarding patients who are candidates for this treatment (stroke code) increases the number of patients treated. Currently, reperfusion via thrombolysis for ischemic stroke and attention in stroke units are the bases of treatment. Healthcare professionals and health provision authorities need to work together to organize systems that ensure continuous quality care for the patients during the whole process of their disease. To implement this, there needs to be an appropriate analysis of the requirements and resources with the objective of their adjustment for efficient use. It is necessary to provide adequate information and continuous training for all professionals who are involved in stroke care, including primary care physicians, extrahospital emergency teams and all physicians involved in the care of stroke patients within the hospital. The neurologist has the function of coordinating the protocols of intrahospital care. These organizational plans should also take into account the process beyond the acute phase, to ensure the appropriate application of measures of secondary prevention, rehabilitation, and chronic care of the patients that remain in a dependent state. We describe here the stroke care program in the Community of Madrid (Spain).

MeSH terms

  • Community Networks / organization & administration*
  • Continuity of Patient Care / organization & administration
  • Critical Pathways / organization & administration*
  • Emergency Service, Hospital / organization & administration*
  • Health Services Accessibility / organization & administration*
  • Hospital Units / organization & administration*
  • Humans
  • Models, Organizational
  • Neurology / organization & administration*
  • Organizational Objectives
  • Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care*
  • Patient Care Team / organization & administration
  • Program Development
  • Public Health Administration
  • Spain
  • Stroke / diagnosis
  • Stroke / therapy*
  • Thrombolytic Therapy
  • Time Factors
  • Transportation of Patients / organization & administration
  • Treatment Outcome