An updated Stroke Action Plan for Europe has been published in the European Stroke Journal, urging European governments to act now by implementing and funding comprehensive national stroke strategies in line with its recommendations.
This call for decisive action is said to be reinforced by a recent Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) report—titled, ‘The State of Cardiovascular Health in the European Union’—which identifies stroke as the second-leading cause of death from cardiovascular disease and a major contributor of acquired long-term disability.
Developed by the European Stroke Organisation (ESO) and Stroke Alliance for Europe (SAFE), the updated action plan sets a “clear roadmap” for reducing the burden of stroke across Europe by 2030, as per a joint press release from the two groups. Building on progress made since the first Stroke Action Plan for Europe was launched in 2018, the revised document highlights both achievements and persistent gaps in care—particularly around prevention, emergency response, rehabilitation and life after stroke.
“The Stroke Action Plan for Europe is a wakeup call,” said ESO president Simona Sacco (University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy). “We know what works, and the nations of Europe now have an evidence-based blueprint for delivering high-quality stroke care. But, without the political will and investment to implement national stroke strategies, too many people will continue to experience preventable deaths and life-changing disability.”
The Stroke Action Plan for Europe is supported by the latest findings from the 2023 Stroke Services Tracker, which gathers data from 47 countries. The ESO and SAFE relay that, while some countries have made “significant progress” since 2018—including an increase in the number of national stroke plans—the data also reveal stark inequalities in, for example, access to acute treatments like mechanical thrombectomy, as well as long-term support for survivors.
According to the data, only seven countries managed to achieve the recommended ‘door-to-groin’ time—from arrival at a hospital to starting thrombectomy—of 60 minutes or less. In 12 countries, this delay exceeded 90 minutes, which is known to ultimately reduce the chances of a good recovery for the patient. Additionally, only 13 countries report having a dedicated programme for life after stroke, and structured follow-up care remains “rare”, the ESO-SAFE release states, despite clear evidence of its importance for recovery and quality of life.
“Stroke is not only a medical emergency, it is a lifelong condition that demands a joined-up response,” commented SAFE president Hariklia Proios (University of Macedonia, Thessaloniki, Greece). “Stroke is the second-leading cause of death from cardiovascular disease and a major contributor of acquired long-term disability. The Stroke Action Plan for Europe gives governments and health systems a clear path to improve outcomes. Action on stroke must start now.”
The Stroke Action Plan for Europe outlines clear targets in seven domains: primary prevention, organisation of stroke services, management of acute stroke, secondary prevention, rehabilitation, evaluation of outcomes and life after stroke. It also provides measurable benchmarks that countries can use to monitor progress.
“A stroke changes your life instantly,” said Melinda Roaldsen (University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway). “What happens next depends on the systems built around us on community and country levels. The Stroke Action Plan for Europe is a crucial step toward ensuring that survivors across Europe receive the care and dignity they deserve.”
Following the release of their updated action plan, the ESO and SAFE are calling on national policymakers to work in partnership with people with lived experience, health professionals, and stroke support organisations, to implement the Stroke Action Plan for Europe and “ensure equitable care for all”.
