Integrated care systems in ischemic stroke

Sheila Martins, MD, PhD, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil, discusses the current challenges in treating ischemic stroke. Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability. Recent advancements such as reperfusion therapy have improved the treatment of stroke. However, it is important to organize integrated systems of care where hospitals, prehospitals, and stroke centers are able to cooperate to ensure that stroke patients are hospitalized and treated as soon as possible. Moreover, national stroke policies need to be developed in order to support integrated care initiatives and to educate patients on the importance of receiving care quickly. This interview took place during the XXV World Congress of Neurology (WCN).