Empowering Practitioners: Enhancing Stroke Outcomes through Evidence-Based Practices

The "Action Plan for Stroke in Europe 2018–2030" provides a comprehensive roadmap for improving stroke care and outcomes across Europe. As practitioners dedicated to creating positive outcomes for children, it's crucial to understand and implement these research-driven recommendations in our therapeutic practices. Here are key takeaways from the plan and how they can be applied to enhance our services.

Key Recommendations from the Action Plan

The plan outlines several overarching targets to be achieved by 2030:

• Reduce the absolute number of strokes in Europe by 10%.
• Treat 90% or more of all stroke patients in dedicated stroke units as the first level of care.
• Implement national plans for stroke care encompassing the entire chain of care.
• Fully implement national strategies for multisector public health interventions.

Implementing Evidence-Based Practices

Primary Prevention

The plan emphasizes the importance of primary prevention through lifestyle changes and risk factor management. Practitioners can incorporate the following strategies:

• Educate families on the importance of a healthy lifestyle, including smoking cessation, reducing alcohol intake, and promoting physical activity.
• Advocate for public health interventions that reduce air pollution and improve socioeconomic and educational status.

Organization of Stroke Services

Efficient organization of stroke services is fundamental to quality care. The plan recommends:

• Training emergency medical services (EMS) personnel to increase the number of patients arriving early at hospitals.
• Establishing clear transportation routes to the closest suitable hospital.
• Implementing telemedicine in remote regions to provide evidence-based acute stroke treatment.

Management of Acute Stroke

Acute stroke management is a medical emergency, and timely intervention is crucial. Practitioners should:

• Ensure rapid diagnostic imaging and organized care within designated stroke units.
• Advocate for early treatment with aspirin and other antiplatelet therapies.
• Promote the use of intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular thrombectomy for eligible patients.

Secondary Prevention

Secondary prevention aims to reduce the risk of recurrent strokes. Key strategies include:

• Regular monitoring and management of blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes.
• Encouraging adherence to prescribed medications, including antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapies.
• Providing patient and carer education about prevention strategies.

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is essential for stroke recovery. The plan highlights:

• Access to early rehabilitation within stroke units for at least 90% of the population.
• Providing early supported discharge (ESD) services to at least 20% of stroke survivors.
• Offering physical fitness programs to all stroke survivors living in the community.

Encouraging Further Research

While the Action Plan provides a solid foundation, ongoing research is crucial to address emerging challenges and improve stroke care. Practitioners are encouraged to:

• Stay updated with the latest research and integrate new findings into practice.
• Participate in research studies to contribute to the growing body of evidence.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative solutions for stroke prevention and management.

Conclusion

By implementing the recommendations from the "Action Plan for Stroke in Europe 2018–2030," practitioners can significantly improve stroke outcomes for children and their families. Continuous education, adherence to evidence-based practices, and active participation in research are key to achieving these goals.To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Action Plan for Stroke in Europe 2018–2030.