RESUMO
Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in Europe, but standards of care vary widely. It has been shown that improving the organization of care for people with stroke significantly improves the outcome. To improve stroke management in Europe, a consensus meeting took place in Helsinborg, Sweden. The meeting was arranged by the WHO Regional Office for Europe and the European Stroke Council in collaboration with the European Federation of Neurological Societies, the International Stroke Society, the World Confederation of Physical Therapy-Europe and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists. The participants defined the most cost-effective strategies available for stroke care, rehabilitation and secondary prevention and discussed partnership. The meeting adopted the Helsingborg Declaration on Stroke Management in Europe. Principles were formulated for interventions and the organization of stroke care services. Quality of care indicators and targets on stroke management were agreed on, and areas for future research were identified
