OBJECTIVES: This paper presents consensus work conducted with an international group of expert stroke recovery and rehabilitation researchers, clinicians, and people living with stroke to identify and define criteria and measurable indicators for Centers of Clinical Excellence (CoCE) in stroke recovery and rehabilitation. These were intentionally developed to be ambitious and internationally relevant, regardless of a country's development or income status, to drive global improvement in stroke services.
METHODS: Criteria and specific measurable indicators for CoCE were collaboratively developed by an international panel of stroke recovery and rehabilitation experts from 10 countries and consumer groups from 5 countries.
RESULTS: The criteria and associated indicators, ranked in order of importance, focused upon (i) optimal outcome, (ii) research culture, (iii) working collaboratively with people living with stroke, (iv) knowledge exchange, (v) leadership, (vi) education, and (vii) advocacy. Work is currently underway to user-test the criteria and indicators in 14 rehabilitation centers in 10 different countries.
CONCLUSIONS: We anticipate that use of the criteria and indicators could support individual organizations to further develop their services and, more widely, provide a mechanism by which clinical excellence can be articulated and shared to generate global improvements in stroke care.
METHODS: We searched all relevant medical literature, military reports, and travel industry documents on transfer of neurosurgical patients. This review was combined with a senior author's (M.J.) extensive relevant experience, to present important factors for neurosurgeons to consider during planning of aeromedical evacuation, highlighting potential preventable causes of deterioration en route.
RESULTS: Several criteria must be met for a transfer to be considered. The safe transfer of patients with craniospinal pathology requires efficient collaboration between the referring teams, the receiving units/departments, and the medical transfer service. Clear communication, qualified personnel, and appropriate transportation equipment must be available for the transfer. One must consider unique stressors during the air transfer, including the risk of hypoxia on certain types of flights. Vibration, loud noise, acceleration, and changes in barometric pressure en route may negatively affect the patient during transfer. Patient stabilization before transfer is a priority. Medical conditions that can potentially worsen in-flight should be corrected before transfer. The use of a checklist before departure is highly recommended and is included herein. The timing of transfer concerning the postoperative patient deserves special consideration.
CONCLUSIONS: Although there is little published information, this review provides useful criteria and parameters needed for safe aeromedical evacuation of neurosurgical patients.