University of Tasmania
Browse

File(s) under permanent embargo

The state of stroke services across the globe: Report of World Stroke Organization–World Health Organization surveys

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-21, 00:09 authored by Owolabi, MO, Thrift, AG, Martins, S, Johnson, W, Pandian, J, Abd-Allah, F, Varghese, C, Mahal, A, Yaria, J, Hoang PhanHoang Phan, Roth, G, Seana GallSeana Gall, Beare, R, Phan, TG, Mikulik, R, Norrving, B, Feigin, VL

Background: Improving stroke services is critical for reducing the global stroke burden. The World Stroke Organization–World Health Organization–Lancet Neurology Commission on Stroke conducted a survey of the status of stroke services in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) compared to high-income countries.

Methods: Using a validated World Stroke Organization comprehensive questionnaire, we collected and compared data on stroke services along four pillars of the stroke quadrangle (surveillance, prevention, acute stroke, and rehabilitation) in 84 countries across World Health Organization regions and economic strata. The World Health Organization also conducted a survey of non-communicable diseases in 194 countries in 2019.

Results: Fewer surveillance activities (including presence of registries, presence of recent risk factors surveys, and participation in research) were reported in low-income countries than high-income countries. The overall global score for prevention was 40.2%. Stroke units were present in 91% of high-income countries in contrast to 18% of low-income countries (p < 0.001). Acute stroke treatments were offered in 60% of high-income countries compared to 26% of low-income countries (p ¼ 0.009). Compared to high-income countries, LMICs provided less rehabilitation services including in-patient rehabilitation, home assessment, community rehabilitation, education, early hospital discharge program, and presence of rehabilitation protocol.

Conclusions: There is an urgent need to improve access to stroke units and services globally especially in LMICs. Countries with less stroke services can adapt strategies from those with better services. This could include establishment of a framework for regular monitoring of stroke burden and services, implementation of integrated prevention activities and essential acute stroke care services, and provision of interdisciplinary care for stroke rehabilitation.

Funding

National Health & Medical Research Council

History

Publication title

International Journal of Stroke

Pagination

1-13

ISSN

1747-4930

Department/School

Menzies Institute for Medical Research

Publisher

SAGE Publications

Place of publication

United States

Rights statement

Copyright 2021 World Stroke Organization

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Prevention of human diseases and conditions; Treatment of human diseases and conditions; Health system performance (incl. effectiveness of programs)

Usage metrics

    University Of Tasmania

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC