A stroke system approach involves coordinating stroke care along the entire continuum, from primary prevention through rehabilitation. A systems approach is necessary to improve how stroke is treated so that patients have access to the most advanced treatment in centers that are best equipped to deal with their critical and time-sensitive needs.

The essential parts of a coordinated system of stroke care have been outlined by the ASA's Task Force on the Development of Stroke Systems in Recommendations for the Establishment of Stroke Systems of Care. The statement recommends that coordinated stroke systems promote patient access to the full range of services associated with prevention, treatment and rehabilitation, including these key components:

• Primordial and Primary Prevention
• Notification and Response of Emergency Medical Services for Stroke
• Acute Treatment for Stroke
• Sub-Acute Stroke Care and Secondary Prevention for Stroke
• Rehabilitation of Stroke Patients
• Continuous Quality Improvement Initiatives

Download a .pdf of the Recommendations for the Establishment of Stroke Systems of Care  

Download the Stroke Systems of Care — Making the Case

Designed to support the Recommendations for Establishment of Stroke Systems of Care, this template helps you assess your state’s capacity, resources and gaps in stroke care. The result will be a baseline assessment for your state and a living document that you can use for many years.

The AHA/ASA says that if every state exemplified the components of the model for stroke care as published in the Recommendations for the Establishment of Stroke Systems of Care, significant progress could be made toward the organization's mission and 2010 impact goal to achieve a 25 percent reduction in coronary heart disease, stroke and risk.

Since the inception of the SSSP initiative, a resulting benefit is the establishment of a national network of state-focused leadership groups dedicated to collectively leveraging their expertise and resources to improve stroke care. This unique structure is providing the ability to identify specific market needs, share best practices and strategies, prioritize collective resources and allocate them to the most influential and effective initiatives.

For information on activities within a particular state, please refer to the state contact list. For information on the national initiative, please contact Cortney Nicolato.

This content is reviewed regularly. Last updated 01/20/10.