Background: Systematic treatment in a stroke-unit increases the chance to survive and regain independence in patients with acute stroke. There are variations in the care of stroke. The objective of establishing guidelines is to ensure that patients receive the best practice across the country. The purpose of this review is to present indicators for best acute stroke care.
Material and method: The article is based upon results from a Medline search with relevant key words. We also searched the Cochrane database for meta-analyses. Indicators identified from meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials have been most emphasized. Attention has also been paid to recommendations by experts.
Results and interpretation: We recommend indicators for good acute stroke care from the early phase before hospitalization, through acute treatment and investigations in the stroke unit to the organization of the stroke unit, secondary prophylaxis and rehabilitation. The indicators are presented as guidance and decisions about diagnostics and treatment need to be adapted to the individual patient. The highest possible proportion of patients should be managed according to the most important indicators. Stroke units should use practice guidelines to improve the outcome. Hospitals can use the indicators to evaluate their performance and increase the quality of care.