Community News

            Since the initiation of the Community Stroke Rehab Program (CSRP) in 2009, admissions to the program have essentially doubled.  Data from the current annual evaluation report demonstrated variations between urban/rural geographies.   Various data points (e.g., visit averages, referral rates, wait times for initial therapy service) help to inform quality improvement.  The report and infographic also include key messages for rehab providers.   The CSRP provides enhanced rehab intensity for up to 12 weeks following discharge from hospital.  Therapy services include PT, OT, SLP and

             According to the 2020 annual report and infographic, an increasing number of stroke survivors are participating in stroke support programs offered by the community support agencies in this region.

Stroke support groups in the southeast provide a variety of supportive services to stroke survivors and caregivers.  For members of these groups, meetings are an opportunity to share experiences, learn about stroke and caregiving, get connected to resources and reduce social isolation.   While at this writing, limited in-person stroke support meetings have resumed, the COVID trajectory remains uncertain making virtual care an important component in a multi-faceted care approach.  It may well become a preferred intervention in other situations (e.g., geographical isolation, seasonal weather

Just in time learning support through linkage with another stroke clinician has been part of the stroke network’s education support for several years.  These Shared Work Days are often used in the community rehab setting to support clinicians.  These opportunities are helping clinicians support each other with more complex clients to ensure progress in rehabilitation goals.   During the COVID-19 pandemic the stroke network has continued to support clinicians to learn from one another even if it cannot be face to face!  “I greatly appreciate this opportunity and I know the client did as well

The annual Community Stroke Rehab Program Report and accompanying Infographic provides an overview of the Community Stroke Rehabilitation Program (CSRP) since service inception in 2009 and reflects the most recent fiscal year data (April 1 – March 31).  The Report also includes key reminders for health care providers to ensure optimization of the Program.Key highlights in the 2018/19 report included:447 referrals to the CSRP (a 19% increase from the previous fiscal)Median age ranges of 71 for males and 77 for femalesClients received an average of 15 therapy visitsIncreased number of Communi

The annual Southeastern Ontario Regional Stroke Support Groups Report has been released as well as an Infographic.  The Southeast Ontario Stroke Support Groups are funded by the South East LHIN and are all professionally facilitated.  Presently, groups are held in Kingston, Sydenham, Napanee, Trenton, Picton, Belleville, Perth and Brockville.  Models across the region include stroke survivor, caregiver, couples, social/recreational and transition groups.

Community partners have worked collaboratively to support Adults with Aphasia in the community.  In Belleville, Community Care for South Hastings and Quinte & District Rehabilitation have partnered to provide the Belleville Aphasia Conversation Group (ACG); VON Greater Kingston (VON) has partnered with Kaymar Rehabilitation Inc.

To further support transitions from acute stroke units and respond to patient and provider feedback, a pilot of referrals to the South East LHIN’s Rapid Response Nurse (RRN) program, in conjunction with referrals being made to the South East LHIN’s Community Stroke Rehabilitation Program occurred between October 2017 and March 2019. Evaluations demonstrated that RRN interventions improved medication management and linkages to primary care as well as supportingpatients and families through education and connections to relevant resources.

Working with the Stroke Network’s Community Reintegration Leadership Team, a Patient Journey Map has been created.  This map visually displays the recovery journey following a stroke beginning with the stroke event and moving through acute, rehab and community care. The map is intended to reflect a diversity of patient journeys to stimulate and support conversations between patients/families and clinicians.  A handout of the Patient Journey Map includes a listing of potential resources on the reverse side.  This can be used by clinicians to provide the patient and family with a better under

Returning to driving after a stroke can be a complicated and costly endeavor for stroke survivors and their families.  Understanding the rationale for suspending a driver’s licence and the process involved in a return to driving is imperative as the stroke survivor and family adapt to a changed life situationThis southeast Driving After a Stroke in Ontario resource is intended to help stroke survivors (and families) connect with supports and services that can assist them during the process of returning to driving.  The resource also recognizes that not all stroke survivors will be able to r