Amsterdam, 8th December 2016 – The Burden of Stroke is the main topic of this year’s Working Conference, with two days dedicated to analysis of the preliminary research findings around 12 indicators of care.

After a successful start yesterday, and a full day of discussion based on preliminary findings, SAFE delegates continue to work on recommendations on how to improve stroke prevention, acute & long-term care across 33 European countries.

This is just a start of an important journey which will culminate in second week of May 2017, the European Stroke Awareness Week, at the big launching event.Apart from discussing future recommendations, the second day of the Working Conference will be partly dedicated to empowering SAFE members with the series of workshops related to communication and advocating, setting up a telephone helpline, fundraising, setting up and running SSO management committee, organising support groups and more.

All of these materials will be available for members to download from the Members’ section of this web site, after the Working Conference.

With almost 100 delegates actively involved in working sessions, this is set to be the biggest SAFE Working Conference since SAFE was formed in 2004.

The 12 indicators for the Burden of Stroke

capture-jelenaPRIMARY PREVENTION
1. Campaigns to encourage healthy lifestyles (e.g. blood pressure and cholesterol awareness and monitoring)
2. Blood pressure is checked regularly and treated to a goal of 140/90 (in patients without comorbidities)
3. Adults with atrial fibrillation at increased risk of stroke are treated appropriately with anticoagulants (to INR 2.0–3.0)

EMERGENCY RESPONSE
4. Public campaigns and professional education emphasise that stroke is a medical emergency
5. Emergency services (ambulance) staff are trained to screen patients for suspected stroke/TIA and arrange immediate transfer to hospital

ACUTE MANAGEMENT
6. In-hospital services offer organised stroke care (stroke unit care)
7. Patients are assessed for thrombolysis and receive it (if clinically indicated) as soon as possible after the start of stroke symptoms

TIA
8. Patients with suspected TIA are urgently assessed for subsequent stroke risk

REHABILITATION (ACUTE PHASE)
9. Patients are assessed for rehabilitation needs within the first three days after admission and provided with rehabilitation by multidisciplinary staff on the basis of need
10. Early discharge from acute care (to inpatient rehabilitation unit or to community) is supported for medically stable patients with mild or moderate impairment

FOLLOW UP / POST-ACUTE REHABILITATION
11. Patients are offered a review six months after the stroke for assessment of medical and rehabilitation needs
12. Patients and their family/carers have access to practical and emotional support