Challenges for the organization of health care in patients surviving ischemic stroke in the European Union
Information for nursing staff, 2022, 55(4), 20-25.
M. Balaburova1, M. Kamburova2
1 Department of Nursing Therapeutic Care, Faculty of Health Care, Medical University – Pleven
2 Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University – Pleven
Abstract. Introduction: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cerebrovascular disease is the most signifi cant single cause of burden of diseases in the world. According to the Global Burden of Disease studies (2017), stroke is among the three leading causes of “years of life lost due to premature death and disability-adjusted years lived” (DALYs). Objective: To analyze the morbidity and organization of care in patients, surviving an acute phase of ischemic stroke in European Union (EU) countries. Materials and Methods: A documentary method was used to collect retrospective information about the organization of health care in patients, surviving an acute phase of ischemic stroke. Data processing was performed with SPSS 25.0 and Microsoft Excel 2010. Results: Projections from the Burden of Stroke in Europe Report (2017) show that between 2015 and 2035, the total number of ischemic stroke incidents in the EU will increase by 34% (from 613,148 in 2015 to 819,771 in 2035). During the same period, the number of chronic ischemic stroke will increase from 3,718,785 in 2015 to 4,631,050, which increases the importance of the organization and quality of care for patients. In the EU individual monitoring and recording of the expectations of patients and their families is ensured. There is a lack of a unifi ed plan of care in hospital and outpatient settings for patients who have survived ischemic stroke in the EU member states. Conclusion: Organizing care for patients, surviving stroke, is a challenge for the EU member states.
Key words: health care, outpatient care, burden of diseases, stroke, patients
Address for correspondence: M. Balaburova, e-mail: meglena_balaburov@abv.bg