[Duration and objectives of hospital admission to stroke units]

The epidemiological importance of Acute Cerebrovascular Disorders (ECVA) has led to a need for specific units to care for these patients. We review the effect of these units on Neurology Departments. Development. In the 1970s Stroke Intensive Care Units were created. In the 1980s these units were replaced by Non-intensive or Intermediate Care Units (Acute Stroke Units). These Acute Stroke Units are more efficient than the previous units and were found to reduce mortality, morbidity, hospital stay and costs. Care was complemented by specific Rehabilitation Units. The design we propose takes into consideration the integration of a Stroke Unit in the Neurology Department, in the Hospital and in the Health Area. After one year results were compared with those of the previous year, when a specific team cared for such patients. There was an 18.5% reduction in total hospital stay and a 23.5% reduction for ECVA patients, with a 21% increase in admissions. The number of complications was reduced by 40.91%.

Stroke Units are extremely useful in Neurology Departments. They lead to reduced morbi-mortality, sequelae, average hospital stay and costs. The functional condition of the patients also improves.