The final online event of ICTUSnet was held on Thursday, July 29. Professionals from the Neurology Service of the Hospital Complex of Navarre (CHN) and Navarrabiomed started participating in this stroke project in 2018. The mission of this European network was to promote collaboration in research and innovation to improve the integrated care and quality of life of stroke patients with the support of new data analysis technologies and the creation of a network of excellence for agents, who will have the chance to share information, experiences and good practices.

In its development, ICTUSnet made use of artificial intelligence tools such as data mining software, and processes and algorithms for managing anonymized databases (big data) linked to stroke case records in the participating regions. As stated at the event, information was collected to provide full coverage on 20 million inhabitants. The central register now contains information from more than a thousand cases on the acute phase of stroke. All the information obtained was analyzed with the aim of improving care processes. 

Roadmap and web platform 

During the project’s final months, the CHN neurology team, led by neurologist and principal Investigator María Herrera Isasi, together with the Brain Injury Association of Navarre (ADACEN), drew up an action plan and roadmap for improving stroke care in European regions. This document was presented at the event. The document contains statements about stroke and the main recommendations for the health authorities. 

This document and other materials are available on a new web platform created within the framework of the network to provide up-to-date information on stroke for the general public, including a visual comparative report on endovascular reperfusion therapies for ischemic stroke performed in each region over a period of 18 months, as well as an area for professionals with access to tools for data analysis, data mining and artificial intelligence in CT imaging.

ICTUSnet was developed by a consortium of 10 partners, including public and private health and research institutions, and is coordinated by the Catalan Agency for Health Quality and Evaluation (AQuAS). The consortium represented six Southwestern European regions (Aragon, Balearic Islands, Catalonia, Navarre, Occitanie and Northern Portugal) and covered a population of approximately 20 million people. The project was selected by the Interreg Sudoe Program, which is financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

•    Full video of final ICTUSnet event. 
•    Corporate website of the project. 
•    Informative video: Juntos en el ictus (Working Together on Stroke Care Strategies)