In recognition of Stroke Awareness Month this past June, health care providers within the southeast took the opportunity to support the sharing of stroke survivor stories, enhance awareness of stroke and provide information on relevant services.
Community News
“Both my wife (who is a stroke survivor) and I have been attending the stroke support group for several years now. We have found this service to be very effective; a place to go to where you feel like you belong, where you receive answers to your questions and practical guidance. The camaraderie of the group fills an important gap in addressing the loneliness that can occur after a stroke when neighbors, friends and co-workers may drift away over time. There is nothing worse than loneliness and isolation and the support group not only meets this need but also helps you to become a part o
To Since the initiation of the Community Stroke Rehab Program (CSRP) in 2009, admissions to the program have continued to trend upwards (an increase of 228% since 2009). With the onset of COVID, community rehab providers responded by including virtual visits in their model of care. The 2021 Annual CSRP Report includes virtual visit data for the first time noting that the percent of patients receiving at least one virtual visit during this fiscal year was 25% for PT, 26.5% for OT, 25.6% for SLP and 56.9% for SW. An integral part of the Community Stroke Rehab Program is the Community Rehab
The COVID-19 pandemic has called upon health care providers across the continuum of care to make significant adjustments to models of care, embrace innovation and leverage the learnings of others from within our region and beyond.
The first-ever Virtual HPE Community Stroke Partners Expo was held on February 23rd, 2021. Sixteen community agencies from across Hastings Prince Edward County and beyond shared information with the attending health care providers about the services they offer to stroke survivors and their families. This project was a partnership with the University of Ottawa who hosted the event using their OnAir virtual conference platform.
The Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations (2020) advises that all “members of the healthcare team engaged with people with stroke and their families are responsible for partnerships and collaborations to ensure successful transitions and return to the community following stroke.” Within the southeast, we have been working to integrate and sustain effective navigation supports forall healthcare providers involved in post-stroke navigation. Following up on earlier work, the Stroke Network of Southeastern Ontario hosted a virtual workshop in April which welcomed 58 partic
“Involvement in decision-making is important.
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