Current Status of Stroke Center Certification Accreditation Recommendations for Comprehensive Stroke Centers Certification: A Consensus Statement from the Stroke Associated Korean Societies

Stroke is the leading cause of death in Korea. The demand for a multidisciplinary approach and transfer of patients between hospitals to receive higher-level treatment is increasing. However, there are many obstacles in selecting optimal hospitals for paramedics or stroke patients. This has led to a need for comprehensive stroke centers (CSC) capable of providing advanced and multidisciplinary care. Articles with information about guidelines, and other relevant clinical and research reports were investigated to establish the concept of certification for a CSC. Experts recommended by stroke-related societies gathered to form a consensus through public hearings, several meetings, and academic conferences. Herein, we aimed to write the policy statement for CSC certification. We described key elements of CSC in Korea. These areas include healthcare personnel with specific expertise in a number of specializations for stroke care, specific infrastructures and advanced diagnostic techniques including neuroimaging capabilities, surgical and endovascular techniques and neurocritical care for complex stroke care, and programmatic elements such as a stroke registry, education, and quality improvement activities. CSCs should have a comprehensive team that includes neurologists, neurosurgeons, vascular surgeons, neurointensivists, neuroradiologists, rehabilitation specialists who perform cutting edge diagnosis and treatment for two or more complex acute stroke patients simultaneously in an all-in-shop model without additional transfer to other hospitals.