The objectives of the Banca Dati Italiana Ictus Acuto (BADIA) Project

The rationale for the realisation of a stroke databank (BADIA: Banca Dati Italiana Ictus Acuto) is discussed on the basis of the recent development in Italy of interesting models (mostly web-based) for the validation of SPREAD guidelines, the definition of outcome indicators, the identification of therapeutic response to rt-PA and the evaluation of the real approach to acute stroke care in Italy in large groups of Italian hospitals distributed in almost all the national regions. The BADIA Project is considered on the basis of possible advantages and objectives but also difficulties in the realisation of the informatics platform adequate to a harmonic and homogeneous approach to stroke care in the different settings presented by Italian hospitals.