What is an Integrated Stroke Strategy?
What are the Core Elements?

An integrated stroke strategy closes the gap between evidence and practice by focusing on integration and coordination along the full continuum of care (prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and community reintegration) with implementation of evidence-based best practice and an inter-disciplinary team approach. Key elements of an integrated stroke strategy include:

• A health system organized to support implementation of best practice
• Early, targeted interventions to address risk factors
• Education on warning signs and symptoms
• Consistent use of effective treatments (e.g. clot-busting drugs)
• Coordinated acute stroke units and sub-acute stroke rehabilitation units to improve patient outcomes
• Rehabilitation at the right time and at the right intensity
• Support in the community for stroke survivors and their families
• Optimal access to all elements of the stroke care continuum.

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