[Stroke unit: a cost-effective care need].
BACKGROUND
The development of stroke units (SU) has supposed a landmark in cerebrovascular diseases management. However, the high scientific evidence level in which the recommendations of attendance of acute stroke patients in SU do not correspond to the level of SU implantation.


METHODS
Review of the published studies on SU, with special attention to those demonstrating their efficacy and effectiveness. Finally, we will try to give answers to several open questions regarding the SU practical issues.


RESULTS
Stroke units are the stroke care model more efficacious in comparison with stroke teams as well as with non-neurological assistance. Every stroke patient can benefit from SU care. These units are efficient, cost-effective and their benefits are consistent with time or operation. When comparing to other specific stroke therapies as aspirin or intravenous thrombolysis, SU have higher target population and higher benefit in terms of number of deaths or dependences avoided. News approaches in SU management as the implementation of noninvasive monitoring or clinical pathways could even improve their benefits.


CONCLUSIONS
Stroke units are a cost-effective stroke care need, and they should be consider as a sanitary priority.
Fuentes
B
B
Unidad de Ictus, Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Universidad Autónoma, Madrid.
Díez Tejedor
E
E
D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006748:Hospital Departments / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D020521:Stroke / Q000191:economics / Q000628:therapy