title: [Training and experience in stroke units].
abstract: The social and sanitary benefits provided by stroke units can not be achieved without an adequate training and learning process. This dynamic process consists of the progressive acquisition of: a) a greater degree of expertise in stroke management by the stroke team; b) better coordination between the stroke team, extrahospitalary emergency medical systems, and other in-hospital professionals involved in stroke assistance, and c) more human and technological resources dedicated to improve attention to stroke patients. The higher degree of experience in a stroke unit will have an effect: a) improving (time and quality) the diagnostic process in acute stroke patients; b) increasing the proportion of patients treated with thrombolysis; c) reducing extra and intrahospitalary latencies to stroke treatment, and d) improving stroke outcome in terms of reducing mortality and increasing functional independence. Finally, comprehensive stroke centers will achieve a higher degree of organizational complexity that will permit a global assessment of the most advanced aspects in stroke management, including education and research.
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Arenillas
mesh_terms: D006302:Health Services Research; D006757:Hospital Units; D006801:Humans; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D020521:Stroke / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D013663:Teaching; D015912:Thrombolytic Therapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016896:Treatment Outcome