Global expert consensus on the importance of secondary stroke prevention: challenges, care coordination and unmet needs for non-cardioembolic ischaemic stroke survivors

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Despite advances in clinical care and treatment options, recurrent stroke risk remains significant. The unmet needs and challenges in secondary stroke prevention (SSP) after a non-cardioembolic ischaemic stroke are not fully understood, leaving many patients at risk of stroke recurrence. This study summarises expert consensus on the challenges in current SSP treatment and management. Patients and methods We conducted a 2-round modified Delphi study with 13 international stroke experts. This multidisciplinary panel included stroke neurologists, a stroke nurse, a dementia care nurse with lived experience and patient advocacy group representatives. The Delphi co-chairs developed 11 statements which were presented to the experts. Agreement was sought through a 2-round, anonymous survey and a final consensus discussion. Results All 11 statements achieved consensus after the 2 survey rounds. The statements addressed key areas including the burden of recurrent stroke, treatment and lifestyle interventions, management of stroke care and future needs to enhance SSP. Conclusion This is the first Delphi-based global consensus focused specifically on unmet needs in SSP. The experts agreed on several challenges—notably, recurrent stroke risks—and consistently emphasised that the impact of recurrent stroke is underappreciated. This Delphi panel’s strong consensus underscores the real-world barriers, clinical inefficiencies and unmet needs that remain in SSP treatment and management. Addressing these challenges will require sustained investment in SSP treatments, education and innovation.