EU4Health projects deploying best practices across Europe to reduce the burden of stroke

The EU4Health programme co-funds several projects targeting cardiovascular diseases, including stroke as one of the leading causes of death and disability in Europe. 

11 projects, with total funding of close to €62 million, contribute to reducing the impact of stroke through: 

• Awareness campaigns on risk factors (e.g., hypertension, diabetes);
• Screening and early detection programmes;
• Better monitoring through digital tools and artificial intelligence;
• Integration of care pathways across EU and associated countries;  
• Strengthening health system resilience and coordination. 

At the occasion of European Stroke Awareness Day, we take a look at a selection of these. 

Through the Joint Action JACARDI, 81 institutions across 21 countries are working together to improve prevention, care and long-term outcomes for cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. With 143 pilot interventions, JACARDI is focusing on equity and is developing  practical solutions across the entire patient journey. 

The work of the project is critical for stroke outcomes especially when it comes to health literacy and awareness, primary prevention, screening of high-risk groups, diagnosis and treatment, integrated care pathways, rehabilitation and self-management. For instance, JACARDI is analysing and comparing some implemented best practices that are increasing workplace inclusivity and supporting the return to work of people after an acute event related to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), thereby improving their independence and quality of life.  

In addition, in Aragón, Spain, JACARDI pilots are focusing on strengthening post-stroke care. One initiative improves patients’ health literacy to support their follow-up and self-management, while another facilitates integrated care pathways by improving coordination between healthcare providers and ensuring structured follow-up after hospital discharge. These efforts demonstrate how collaboration, innovation and knowledge-sharing can contribute to more coordinated and patient-centred health systems across Europe. 

PROVIDE focuses on prediction and prevention of cardiovascular diseases in pre- and type 2 diabetes. It tackles stroke prevention by targeting atrial fibrillation (a major stroke precursor) via advanced electrocardiogram monitoring. In addition, this project addresses classical stroke risk factors (hypertension, obesity, dyslipidaemia) through personalised analysis of and interventions on metabolism. PROVIDE also expands access to preventive care via community screenings and public health campaigns. 

caregIVR promotes education based on Immersive Virtual‑Reality (IVR) for formal and informal (i.e. family members) caregivers of stroke survivors. Immersive simulations for stroke caregivers mean practicing real-life situations (e.g. helping a patient move safely), learning how to respond to complications and building confidence before these cases happen in real life.  Furthermore, the project focuses on both ischemic stroke and haemorrhagic stroke, analysing warning signs (e.g. sudden unilateral weakness or numbness, speech and vision disturbances, dizziness, severe headache) and emphasising that a second stroke is possible and thus immediate ambulance activation and hospital admission are essential. 

RESIL-Card develops a resilience assessment tool for cardiovascular care pathways during crises such as pandemics and other emergencies. In particular, the project has identified gaps in care delivery for stroke during the COVID-19 pandemic. The biggest challenge in those circumstances is that treatment effectiveness depends on speed, as even minutes matter and can make a difference. In this regard, the creation of cardiology and stroke hubs appear to be an effective measure. These hubs are specialised centres that are operating 24/7, and are designated to continue treating urgent cardiovascular cases during crisis.  

HaDEA also manages some EU4Health projects that are not exclusively stroke-specific, but still very relevant in relation to rehabilitation efforts. For instance, Care4Elders proposes a person-centred, integrated elderly care model covering prevention, detection, treatment and long-term support. This model is relevant for stroke because stroke patients (especially elderly) require coordinated long-term care and many stroke survivors develop cognitive impairment or dementia. Therefore, the project strengthens healthcare systems that are also used for post-stroke care. 

Background  

EU4Health is the fourth and largest of the EU health programmes. The EU4Health programme goes beyond an ambitious response to the COVID-19 crisis to address the resilience of European healthcare systems. The programme provides funding to national authorities, health organisations and other bodies through grants and public procurement, contributing to a healthier Europe.   

HaDEA manages the vast majority of the total EU4Health budget and implements the programme by managing calls for proposals and tenders from 2021 to 2027.