TF4UKR Visit Report – Dr. Dmytro Hrynykha

Within ESO TF4UKR D2D visit program I had a great chance to visit Stroke Unit of Hospital Vall d’Hebron in Barcelona,  at a kind invitation of PhD Dr.med. Marc Ribo, interventional neurologist, one of the main stroke researchers and really open-minded man.

With a great pleasure I had the unique opportunity to observe different aspects of one of the best Stroke Units. My direct interest was the organization of the process of stroke care, but the experience I gained turned out to be much broader. During this time, I had the opportunity to be part of the stroke team that admits the patient in the emergency department and completes the patient’s route in the hospital, performing neuroimaging, thrombectomy and discussing clinical cases. All the staff in the department was very kind and glad to share their experience, told about their work routine and answered my questions.

I met so friendly and warm-hearted people, I felt myself like a part of something really big. There are so many research activities and because of that you feel so free in decision-making, this process seems simple and obvious when performed by a team of professionals.

There are a lot of staff –  doctors -neurologists, their work is divided on emergency, the ward work, follow up and neurologists which perform ultrasound investigations, nurses, and other specialists work here to ensure high quality care for patients. Nurses’ work is extremely important, because their assistance is a key point in providing care. And I really hope that something like D2D will be available for nurses in the nearest future.

For several days I also worked with neurologist and neuroradiologist on call. After the ambulance call, the neurologist on duty informs all the staff about the expected patient through the mobile app. It gives us opportunity to see important information about the patient, with neuroimaging and it helps us to make a decision about IV-tPa treatment or thrombectomy.  And I could see the clinical result of our clinical decision during morning examinations. I want to say, that professionalism and working atmosphere created in the stroke center is something the hospital can be proud of.

One of the days I saw the presentation of new paradigm in acute stroke care – One step Ictus, in-hospital route was changed, it was really interesting, it is the best way to have the better in-hospital metrics and as a result-better functional outcome.

Additionally, staying in Barcelona, I had a chance to visit some activities during celebration of Merce, I can say that culture, people and architecture are so nice and beautiful and it is really an obvious benefit in an observership program.

That observership helps to make stroke care better not only in our hospital but in other hospitals of Ukraine. After that 2 weeks I have some ideas which I want to realize in the nearest future. Thanks to ESO TF4UKR D2D visit program, all staff of Stroke Unit of Hospital Vall d’Hebron and PhD Dr.med. Marc Ribo for this great opportunity.

Sincerely, Thanks from Ukraine Dmytro Hrynykha, MD