Abstract

FERNANDEZ CONCEPCION, Otman  and  BUERGO ZUAZNABAR, Miguel Ángel. Need of organizational changes in the National Health System to give attention to stroke. Rev. cub. salud pública [online]. 2008, vol.34, n.2, pp. 0-0. ISSN 0864-3466.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0864-34662008000200011.

Stroke patient care has been revolutionized in the last two decades since scientific research has produced a series of results that support the efficacy of two emergency treatment strategies: admission of patients to stroke units and brain thrombolysis treatment. Both strategies significantly reduce death and disability and thus, the cost of post-stroke care. Stroke units assure customized care, which requires changes in hospital infrastructure. Brain thrombolysis depends on time to be effective, so an organized system from pre-hospital care to patient hospitalization is needed. Health systems in most of the developed countries and in a large number of developing nations have introduced substantial changes in this aspect; however, the present conditions of care to those patients suffering from stoke in Cuba have varied a little since the 80´s and the beginning of the 90´s. This article reviewed the results supporting several recommendations for the health authorities, with a view to making changes in the care to the stroke patients.

Keywords : Stroke; health systems; therapeutic thrombolysis; emergency treatment.