ESO East Supplement 2023 - 4

4
European Stroke Journal 8(1S)
During the COVID-pandemic, ESO-EAST, Angels, the
SAPE implementation task force, and the ESO- EAST delegates
worked closely together through the appropriate
channels first to deal with the obstacles associated with the
pandemic and also to find ways to best treat stroke patients
in this challenging clinical setting. As in-person meetings
were not allowed, the implementation process continued
via online meetings, webinars, and teleconferences.
On 24 February 2022, with the Russian invasion of
Ukraine, the ESO stroke implementation program once
again was seriously jeopardized. In fact, currently, the
Ukrainian health system still faces unprecedented pressure
due to a continuously rising number of casualties within the
targeted areas that are densely populated. Besides this,
there is an ongoing emergency to effectively treat individuals
afflicted with severe infectious and chronic conditions.
In light of this, ESO has decided to create the ESO TASK
FORCE 4 UKRAINE, led by Francesca R. Pezzella. This
project will support the delivery of and access to stroke care
throughout Ukraine. Presently, the task force delivers continuous
education through webinars, offers free membership
to Ukrainian stroke physicians, and organizes
department-to-department visits for Ukrainian doctors.
Over the past 7 years of implementing ESO policies,
there have been remarkable successes, as well as unanticipated
failures. Albeit, the ESO-EAST community continues
to flourish, with new members from countries including
Belarus and Cyprus.
This supplement will share some scientific results
achieved over these 7 years. Lina Palaiodimou et al., report
on the quality metrics implementation in the management
of acute stroke in Greece over the first 5 years of
RES-Q (Registry of Stroke Care Quality) (pp. 5-15).
Mehmet Topcuoglu et al., describe acute stroke management
in Turkey, highlighting the current situation and future
projections (pp. 16-20). The hot topic of financial implications
associated with stroke is addressed in a paper authored
by Hrvoje Budincevic et al., who describe the costs of
ischemic stroke in Croatia (pp. 21-27). Nune Yeghiazaryan
et al., share the ongoing evolvement in stroke care in
Armenia, which has led to better access and delivery,
mainly due to the establishment of the Armenian National
Stroke Program (NSP) by the Ministry of Health in 2019,
providing the necessary funding for thrombolytic therapy
and thrombectomy for acute stroke care (pp. 28-34). Janika
Kõrv et al., describe the developments in quality of stroke
care in Estonia, sharing the importance of continuously
monitoring stroke, even in those European countries
regarded as top performers (pp. 35-43).4
Moreover, Elena Terecoasă et al., provide a thorough
overview of the " Quality of acute stroke care in Romania.
With regards to Achievements and Gaps between 20172022. "
(pp. 44-51), Romania is deemed a champion of the
ESO-EAST/Angels Initiative program not only for its
increase in the number of stroke centers and stroke units but
also for its massive increase in stroke awareness throughout
the country. Last but not least, Zuzana Gdovinova et al.,
report on how stroke care has improved in Slovakia over the
last 5 years - another success story brought about by ESO
EAST/Angels Initiative program. We are confident that this
ESJ supplement will provide you with the necessary inspiration
to improve stroke pathways in your country.
References
1. Wafa HA, Wolfe CDA, Emmett E, et al. Burden of stroke
in Europe: thirty-year projections of incidence, prevalence,
deaths, and disability-adjusted life years. Stroke 2020; 51:
2418-2427.
2. Aguiar de Sousa D, von Martial R, Abilleira S, et al. Access
to and delivery of acute ischaemic stroke treatments: a survey
of national scientific societies and stroke experts in 44
European countries. Eur Stroke J 2019; 4: 13-28.
3. Mikulik R, Caso V, Bornstein NM, et al. Enhancing and
accelerating stroke treatment in Eastern European region:
methods and achievement of the ESO EAST program. Eur
Stroke J 2020; 5: 204-212.
4. Caso V, de Sousa DA and Fischer U. Status and perspectives
of acute stroke care in Europe. Neurol Sci 2019; 40:
1087-1088.
5. Norrving B, Barrick J, Davalos A, et al. Action plan for
stroke in Europe 2018-2030. Eur Stroke J 2018; 3: 309-336.
ESO East Supplement 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of ESO East Supplement 2023
