Acute stroke, Bayes’ theorem and the art and science of emergency decision-making

decisions (in fact, most decisions made in everyday life) are generated rapidly and unconsciously through the implicit system. Algorithms, protocols and checklists help to defend the practitioner from making poor decisions by directing them through a series of rigid unbiased evidence-based steps. In the process of developing these algorithms and protocols for an emergency situation, the time taken to follow the algorithm has to be balanced against the benefit it provides in the overall process. In the setting of acute ischemic stroke and the treatments of thrombolysis or thrombectomy, there are several important factors to consider when attempting to improve upon clinician decision-making.