59. Two Decades of Integrated Stroke Services in the Netherlands

This chapter delves into the significant advancements in integrated stroke services in the Netherlands over the past 20 years. It highlights the crucial role of the Dutch Knowledge Network of Stroke Services (KNCN) in coordinating and improving stroke care across the country. The text discusses the implementation of shared care and transmural care, which have led to higher patient satisfaction, better health outcomes, and more efficient use of resources. It also explores various initiatives and projects undertaken by KNCN to enhance the quality of stroke care, such as the development of healthcare standards, knowledge broker networks, and self-evaluation tools. The chapter concludes with a look at the future of integrated stroke services, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement and the potential for expanding these services to cover a wider range of acquired brain and vascular diseases.