Situational analysis of acute stroke care in Ukraine: evaluating trends and improving quality

Overview

This report presents a critical analysis of the rising incidence of stroke-related hospital admissions, which remain significantly higher than the European Union average. It extends the previous situation reports on stroke care in Ukraine published in 2023 and in 2024, incorporates recent health system developments and expands the analysis to monitor trends. The trend, exacerbated by the demographic disruptions caused by war, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive investigation and sustained quality improvement in stroke care. Key areas of focus include the implementation of evidence-based policies, infrastructural enhancements, and quality assurance mechanisms. The report emphasizes the importance of further development of integrated and optimized stroke care networks, improvement and implementation of updated national stroke care guidelines, and the gradual expansion of access to diagnostic, therapeutic, and rehabilitative services across all phases of care. Despite the obvious progress in access to effective revascularization procedures and rehabilitation services, the current health system is under strain, necessitating the expansion of services from acute to community-based long-term rehabilitation. Recent normative advancements in stroke care must be continued and supported through coordinated efforts among national and international stakeholders. Furthermore, the report identifies critical gaps in stroke surveillance and data collection, advocating for the establishment of national monitoring systems to inform policy and optimize resource allocation.