[From the evidence to the organisation of stroke care]

Acute stroke care in stroke units (SU) compared to care in general medicine wards provides benefits to the patient.

Acute stroke care in an SU has shown benefits in reducing mortality, institutionalisation, dependency and costs compared to care in internal medicine wards, and even a lower risk of recurrence in the long term. The benefits are associated with specific treatments developed in the SU, such as thrombolytic therapy, development of clinical pathways, standardised procedures, and training and experience of professionals in the SU. This evidence should lead to the proper organisation of hospitals to ensure that all acute stroke patients may benefit from care in an SU. The introduction of SUs is a priority in Europe, although the number of stroke patients admitted to SUs is still low.

Based on current evidence, acute stroke patients should be cared for in an SU due to the associated clinical benefits and hospitals should organise to provide this care to patients.