Stroke units and stroke services in Germany.
The German stroke units are sub-intensive units with the possibility of continuous monitoring of vital parameters. This is the main difference to Scandinavian and British non-intensive combined acute and rehabilitation stroke units. Germany has 56 regional and 50 local stroke units, and standards differ between them. Nearly 30% of all strokes in Germany are treated in these units. The German stroke units are cost intensive and unfortunately their effectiveness has not been proven yet.
Busse
Otto
O
Department of Neurology, Minden Hospital, Minden, Germany. otto.busse@klinikum-minden.de
D005858:Germany; D006757:Hospital Units / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units / Q000458:organization & administration; D012041:Regional Medical Programs; D020521:Stroke / Q000191:economics / Q000628:therapy*