Stroke

Purpose of Assessment

To summarize and critically analyze the current facts concerning the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of stroke.

Methods

Systematic Review, Cost analysis.

Primary Data Collection

Statistics from national databases.

Review process for the publication

Internal review by project group, SBU Board and SBU Expert Group. Additional external review by experts in the field.

Content of Report

Stroke is one of the most common causes of disability and death in Sweden with nearly 35,000 people affected each year. In Sweden, stroke generates 3-4 million bed days annually with an associated medical care cost of 10 billion SEK. Nearly 25% of all stroke patients die within weeks and up to 40% die within one year.

For now, the most important goal of the health service should be to ensure good and accessible nursing care for stroke patients. Patients that can benefit from treatment and rehabilitation should have access to these services.

The measures which currently appear to be most effective are: early and well planned care and rehabilitation after onset of stroke; and, medical or surgical treatment of underlying conditions for patients with conditions involving a risk for stroke.

Impact of Assessment

SBU has made a follow-up study of the report on patients treated in 9 hospitals in the north of Sweden and one large university hospital in the south. The study shows that the treatment in the acute phase is well in line with the recommendations in the report.