The Ministry of Health and the autonomous communities have approved the update of the National Health System Stroke Strategy, which was published in 2009 and established the objectives for improvement at all levels of healthcare for this disease.

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The update of the Stroke Strategy

This document is the result of the work that, together with the Ministry of Health and the autonomous communities, has been carried out by scientific societies and patient associations to achieve better prevention, care and rehabilitation of stroke, based on clinical excellence and equal conditions throughout the territory.

The first evaluation was carried out in 2013 and the second in 2021, showing that a large number of the objectives set have been achieved, including a significant reduction in stroke mortality in Spain, an increase in the autonomy of survivors, as well as a decrease in the variability of results in the different autonomous communities.

Stroke remains a public health problem worldwide, associated with high mortality and disability if not adequately treated.

Some 120,000 people suffer a stroke and around 25,000 die each year in Spain as a result of a stroke. Moreover, it is a disease that brings with it enormous suffering and an impact on all spheres of life.

It is estimated that one in six people in the world will suffer a stroke in their lifetime, making it the leading cause of disability in Europe and one of the leading causes of death.

It can occur at any age. In fact, in recent years its incidence has increased by 25% in the 20-64 age group, although it is more common after the age of 65.

Studies predict a significant increase in its incidence.

All this has led to the publication of comprehensive international action plans, including the European Stroke Action Plan 2018-2030 and the World Stroke Organisation’s Action Plan for Quality Healthcare. Both of these plans emphasise two fundamental aspects: stroke can be effectively prevented and treated.

Prevention
In any case, this disease can be prevented in 80-90% of cases, by acting on lifestyles and modifiable risk factors.

In addition, highly effective diagnostic methods and treatments have been developed, based on scientific evidence, which significantly improve the prognosis of people with stroke.

This requires rapid and specialised action by interdisciplinary teams, coordinated by Neurology, as well as appropriate organisation of care and allocation of resources.

Neurorehabilitation treatments and care for the needs of life after stroke are also crucial to reduce functional disability and improve the quality of life of people with stroke.

The Strategy integrates WHO guidelines and is aligned with the main objectives and recommendations of the European Stroke Action Plan 2018-2030.

It addresses the complexity of cerebrovascular disease from a comprehensive, interdisciplinary, coordinated and person-centred perspective of care. In this regard, it considers equity, sustainability, respect for human rights and bioethics as fundamental pillars.

It also seeks the participation of affected people and their families in decision-making and self-care and addresses the importance of accompaniment and support at all stages to achieve maximum autonomy and quality of life.

Finally, the Strategy addresses the need for adequate coordination between the many professionals involved and continuity of care.