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Published in: Neurological Sciences 3/2021

Open Access 01-03-2021 | Stroke | Original Article

Coverage of the requirements of first and second level stroke unit in Italy

Authors: Monica Bandettini di Poggio, Danilo Toni, Carlo Gandolfo, Damiano Paolicelli, Andrea Zini, Elio Agostoni, Fabio Bandini, Michele Ragno, Maria Concetta Altavista, Antonio Bertolotto, Gabriele Siciliano, Michele Vecchio, Nicola Tambasco, Antonio Gambardella, Paolo Manganotti, Maurizio Melis, Marco Onofrj, Giuseppe De Michele, Nicoletta Reale, Gioacchino Tedeschi, GianLuigi Mancardi

Published in: Neurological Sciences | Issue 3/2021

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Abstract

Background and aim

In the scientific literature, there is unanimous consensus that hospitalization in stroke unit (SU) is the most important treatment for stroke patients. In this regard, the Act number 70/2015 by the Italian government identified specific skills that contribute to a classification of SU and outlined a “hub and spoke” stroke network. The aim of our study was to check the coverage of requirements of first and second level SU in the national territory and to shed light on any deficit or misdistribution of resources.

Material and methods

In 2019, a survey on the current situation related to stroke care in Italy was carried out by the Italian Society of Neurology (SIN), The Italian Stroke Organization (ISO), and the Association for the Fight against Stroke (A.L.I.Ce).

Results

First level SU was found to be 58 against a requirement, according to the Act 70/2015, of 240. Second level SU was found to be 52 compared with an expected requirement of 60. Neurointerventionists were 280 nationally, with a requirement of 240. A misdistribution of resources within individual regions was often seen.

Conclusions

The survey demonstrated a severe shortage of beds dedicated to cerebrovascular diseases, mainly because of lack of first level SU, especially in central and southern Italy. It also suggests that the current hub and spoke system is not yet fully implemented across the country and that resources should be better distributed in order to ensure uniform and fair care for all stroke patients on the whole territory.
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Metadata
Title
Coverage of the requirements of first and second level stroke unit in Italy
Authors
Monica Bandettini di Poggio
Danilo Toni
Carlo Gandolfo
Damiano Paolicelli
Andrea Zini
Elio Agostoni
Fabio Bandini
Michele Ragno
Maria Concetta Altavista
Antonio Bertolotto
Gabriele Siciliano
Michele Vecchio
Nicola Tambasco
Antonio Gambardella
Paolo Manganotti
Maurizio Melis
Marco Onofrj
Giuseppe De Michele
Nicoletta Reale
Gioacchino Tedeschi
GianLuigi Mancardi
Publication date
01-03-2021
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
Neurological Sciences / Issue 3/2021
Print ISSN: 1590-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1590-3478
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-020-04616-x

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