Saudi Stroke Standards

QM ToC 2: Interfacility transfer for management of non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage Purpose To ensure that every patient who suffers from spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage, has timely access to expertise in diagnosis and management. Rationale  Subarachnoid hemorrhage carries a significant mortality (greater than 25%) and morbidity.  Prompt diagnosis, identification of source of bleeding, timely securing of the aneurysm (by coiling or clipping), management of hydrocephalus and other complications improve patient’s outcome.  Management of such patients require high level of expertise which may not be available in all hospitals. Therefore, establishment of interfacility timely transfer agreement, protocols and reimbursement mechanism can overcome such limitations and ensure every patient receive standard of care. Standards 1. All hospitals should develop, adopt, and adhere to protocols to transfer SAH patients to a comprehensive stroke hospital immediately. 2. All non-comprehensive hospitals will have transfer agreements with comprehensive stroke hospitals for immediate transfer.