Global stroke bill of rights.

Abstract

Stroke is a leading cause of death in developed and developing countries and a major cause of disability. There are over 17 million strokes each year and 6 million lives lost to the disease. Every other second, someone has a stroke, regardless of age or gender. Behind these numbers are real lives. Despite these shocking statistics, many people are affected by stroke and many of them are unable to access the treatments, rehabilitation and support that would provide them with the greatest chance of a good recovery and a healthier, more productive and independent life. The Global Stroke Bill of Rights is an important priority for the World Stroke Organisation. These rights identify the aspects of care that are important for ALL stroke survivors and caregivers from across the world. It is a tool that can be used by individuals and organisations to communicate with stroke care providers and with governments and their agencies about what people affected by stroke think are the most important things in their recovery. Many aspects of care considered important by those affected by stroke, and included in this document, have been shown to reduce death and disability after stroke. The Global Stroke Bill of Rights is not a legal document. It is a guide to the elements of stroke care that are important to stroke survivors and care givers to drive to the best possible outcomes and experiences associated with stroke. The Global Stroke Bill of Rights was developed by us, a group of stroke survivors and caregivers from each region of the world. We were supported by a larger group of survivors and caregivers and by thousands more from different countries, cultures and language who completed surveys to understand if there are any differences in different parts of the world. Their responses demonstrated that what is considered to be important in stroke recovery is consistent regardless of where people affected by stroke live. The issues identified through this process are outlined in the Global Stroke Bill of Rights, listed according to the importance survivors and caregivers placed on them. We hope that it is a useful tool to help improve access to care for people affected by stroke, better diagnosis and treatment of stroke which ultimately leading to improvements in stroke care and support across the globe.