J Korean Neurol Assoc.  2009 Aug;27(3):195-205.

Models and Actual Status of Stroke Unit Services in Developed Countries

• Lee WY
• Bae HJ

Abstract

BACKGROUND: It has been reported that organized inpatient (stroke unit) care reduces the mortality rate, and the need for institutional care or dependent living after stroke. Based on this evidence, stroke units have becomes popular among large-scale hospitals in developed countries. The aim of this study was to provide perspective regarding the efficacy of stroke units and their current status in developed countries. Methods and RESULTS: An electronic search was conducted using the Cochrane Database, PubMed, and other online databases, in addition to a manual search. The efficacy of stroke-unit care compared to general-ward care was summarized and is presented with respect to death, death or institutional care, and death or dependency by the end of the scheduled follow-up. Current concepts and the status of stroke-unit services among developed countries were reviewed and compared with each other. The desirable models of stroke-unit services are discussed in terms of the stroke center.
CONCLUSIONS
Stroke is the second leading cause of death in Korea and there that stroke-unit care is effective at improving the outcome of stroke patients. The expeditious development and realization of organized inpatient care for stroke victims should be a Government priority.

Keyword

Stroke Unit; Organized Inpatient Care

MeSH Terms

Cause of Death
Dependency (Psychology)
Developed Countries
Electronics
Electrons
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Inpatients
Korea
Stroke