Author/Authors :
Shahjouei, Shima Department of Neurosurgery - School of Medicine - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran , Bavarsad-Shahripour, Reza Department of Neurology - University of Alabama - Birmingham - Alabama, USA , Assarzadegan, Farhad Department of Neurology - School of Medicine - Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran , Rikhtegar, Reza Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz , Mehrpour, Masoud Department of Neurology - School of Medicine - Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran , Zamani, Babak Department of Neurology - School of Medicine - Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran , Tsivgoulis, Georgios Department of Neurology - University of Tennessee Health Science Center - Memphis - Tennessee, USA , Alexandrov, Andrei Department of Neurology - University of Tennessee Health Science Center - Memphis - Tennessee, USA , Alexandrov, Anne Department of Neurology - University of Tennessee Health Science Center - Memphis - Tennessee, USA , Zand, Ramin Department of Neurology - University of Tennessee Health Science Center - Memphis - Tennessee, USA
Abstract :
Background: Stroke is among the leading causes of mortality and permanent disability in the world. Iran is located in the stroke belt and has a high age- adjusted stroke incidence rate. In this multistep prospective qualitative study, we aimed at investigating the status and challenges of stroke management in Iran and explore possible solutions. Methods: In the first and second phase, we attempted to define the status of stroke management in Iran by searching the relevant literature and conducting semi-structured interviews with health-care providers in thirteen hospitals located in seven large cities in Iran. In the third phase, we tried to recommend possible solutions based on international standards and experience, as well as interviews with strok expertsin iran and the United states
Keywords :
Stroke , Thrombolytic Therapy , Tissue Plasminogen Activator , Hospital Rapid Response Team , Quality Improvement , Iran
