• Mark J Alberts, Lawrence R Wechsler, Mary E Lee Jensen, Richard E Latchaw, Todd J Crocco, Mary G George, James Baranski, Robert R Bass, Robert L Ruff, Judy Huang, Barbara Mancini, Tammy Gregory, Daryl Gress, Marian Emr, Margo Warren, and Michael D Walker.
• From the Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas (M.J.A.); Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, PA (L.R.W.); Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging (M.E.L.J.), Department of Neurology (D.G.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville; Department of Radiology, UC Davis Medical Center (R.E.L.); Department of Emergency Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown (T.J.C.); Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA (M.G.G.); National Stroke Association, Englewood, CO (J.B.); National Association of EMS Officials, Falls Church, VA (R.R.B.); Department of Neurology, VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OH (R.L.R.); Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD (J.H.); Inova, Inc, San Diego, CA (B.M.); American Heart Association, Dallas, TX (T.G.); and National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD (M.E., M.W., M.D.W.).
• Stroke. 2013 Dec 1; 44 (12): 3382-93.

Background And PurposeMany patients with an acute stroke live in areas without ready access to a Primary or Comprehensive Stroke Center. The formation of care facilities that meet the needs of these patients might improve their care and outcomes and guide them and emergency responders to such centers within a stroke system of care.MethodsThe Brain Attack Coalition conducted an electronic search of the English medical literature from January 2000 to December 2012 to identify care elements and processes shown to be beneficial for acute stroke care. We used evidence grading and consensus paradigms to synthesize recommendations for Acute Stroke-Ready Hospitals (ASRHs).ResultsSeveral key elements for an ASRH were identified, including acute stroke teams, written care protocols, involvement of emergency medical services and emergency department, and rapid laboratory and neuroimaging testing. Unique aspects include the use of telemedicine, hospital transfer protocols, and drip and ship therapies. Emergent therapies include the use of intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator and the reversal of coagulopathies. Although many of the care elements are similar to those of a Primary Stroke Center, compliance rates of ≥67% are suggested in recognition of the staffing, logistical, and financial challenges faced by rural facilities.ConclusionsASRHs will form the foundation for acute stroke care in many settings. Recommended elements of an ASRH build on those proven to improve care and outcomes at Primary Stroke Centers. The ASRH will be a key component for patient care within an evolving stroke system of care.

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