Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability throughout the world. Intravenous lytics and endovascular stroke treatment were demonstrated to be highly beneficial in clinical trials and in achieving net cost savings. However, time is of the essence in the management of stroke as for every minute that stroke is left untreated, an estimated 1.9 million neurons are destroyed. An optimized stroke pathway can dramatically impact patient outcome. Every medical service will differ.

Part I: Understanding your goals: The Why-What and Who: What is Stroke?- Guidelines, Regulations-Sources of supporting information .- Who can support this project.- Simplified steps of the stroke pathway.- Defining your priorities.-. Walking the steps and defining your own pathway and goals on the way.- Bringing your goals into shape.- Examples of treatment pathways.- Specific pathways in special cases.- Modern ConceptsPart II: Planning: Strategic/Business Management.- Who manages your Project.- Project management plan.- Establishing whom and what you need in the stroke pathway.- stablishing your resources (equipment, staff, space).- Budget and time frame.- Risk assessment and Management.Part III: The Team : Setting up a project teamPart IV: Getting started: Work packages.- Examples for Work Groups.Part V: Evaluation: Monitoring Project Performance.- Evaluating your work by monitoring times and outcomes.- Dissemination.- Redefining your goals (e.g. expand service).- Closing remarks.