Driving Innovation in Stroke Care: Insights from the MDR in AIS Consortium Meeting

The MDR in AIS Consortium Meeting and Networking Event, held on 25 – 26 March 2026 in Siena and Grosseto, Italy, brought together project partners, clinical experts, industry representatives, and European stakeholders for an in‑depth exchange on advancing AI‑supported stroke care within the evolving European regulatory landscape.

Over two days, participants explored how innovative “Drip‑and‑Ship” stroke pathways, strengthened collaboration across European stroke networks, and emerging AI‑driven medical technologies can accelerate safe, efficient, and patient‑centred treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS).

Day 1 – Siena: Clinical Insights and European Perspectives

Hosted at Le Scotte Hospital in Siena, the first day opened with institutional greetings from AOUS management and regional representatives. The MDR‑in‑AIS coordination team presented the project’s objectives, followed by a series of clinical sessions highlighting how the Drip‑and‑Ship model has evolved across hub and spoke centres in Tuscany.

European partners from Switzerland, Spain, and Latvia shared their experiences implementing streamlined stroke pathways, offering comparative insights into workflow optimisation, telemedicine integration, and cross‑border reproducibility. The programme also included updates on dissemination activities, scientific outputs, and ongoing research contributions from consortium members.

The day concluded with a dedicated Consortium Coordination Session, where partners reviewed project progress and aligned on upcoming milestones.

Day 2 – Grosseto: Operational Challenges, Technology Demonstrations, and Live Simulation

The second day, hosted at Misericordia Hospital in Grosseto, focused on operational realities and future perspectives of the Drip‑and‑Ship pathway across multiple hospitals in the Tuscany region. Representatives from emergency medical services and stroke units in Grosseto, Arezzo, and Montevarchi presented how local workflows have changed since the project’s launch.

A highlight of the day was the demonstration of the Brainomix AI software, showcasing its potential to support clinical decision‑making and reduce treatment delays. Live simulations and clinical case discussions allowed participants to observe real‑world applications of the optimised pathway.

The event concluded with a final discussion on shared management models, decision‑support tools, and the added value of coordinated European action in stroke care innovation.

Strengthening European Collaboration for Better Stroke Outcomes

Across both days, the event underscored the importance of evidence‑based pathway optimisation, cross‑border knowledge exchange, and regulatory‑aligned AI innovation. By bringing together diverse expertise from hospitals, research institutions, and industry, the MDR in AIS consortium strengthened its collective capacity to deliver safer, faster, and more effective care for AIS patients across Europe.

The meeting also reinforced the project’s commitment to supporting the goals of the Transforming Health and Care Systems (THCS) partnership under Horizon Europe, which funds MDR in AIS.

Keywords: #AcuteIschemicStroke, #Drip‑and‑ShipPathway, #AI‑Supported StrokeCare, #EuropeanHealthCollaboration, #ClinicalWorkflowOptimisation