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Improving Access to Quality Stroke Care in Waterloo Wellington
Project focus: why improving stroke care matters
Stroke is the third most common cause of death in the Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network (WWLHIN) area and the ninth most common chronic condition.
The WWLHIN and local health service providers are committed to improving access to quality stroke care in Waterloo Wellington. The WWLHIN Integrated Health Service Plan (IHSP) 2010-2013 identifies improving outcomes for stroke patients through integrated programs as one of eight priorities for the local health system.
Project scope: what the WWLHIN is doing to improve stroke care in Waterloo Wellington
The WWLHIN has partnered with the Ontario Stroke Network (OSN) since 2010, and is working with both the regional and district stroke coordinators to complete an external review of stroke care in Waterloo Wellington.
The goal of this review is to enhance local stroke care programming by aligning the present model with the 2010 Stroke Best Practice Guidelines.
Recommendations from the review will feed directly into the final phase of this project - the development of an implementation plan utilizing stroke recovery best practice delivery initiatives across the WWLHIN.
Public consultation: listening to our community
Comprehensive research was completed during stage one of the stroke review in 2010 that included data collection, literature reviews and public consultations.
Focus groups were conducted in stage one to help us understand current care delivery, patient outcomes, and to identify key issues and opportunities for improving care. Included in the focus groups were stroke recovery group members, local doctors, front-line health care providers, emergency care workers, and hospital administrators.
Stage two of the public consultation for this project was completed during 2011. The goal of the second round of consultations was to gather further input and feedback from key stakeholders prior to the report being finalized. This consultation process and data review led to changes in the recommendations. The information from this second conusltation phase is available as an addendum to the Final Draft prepared in January 2011, and is posted below.
A stroke review working committee is meeting to develop an implementation plan based on the recommendations of the final stroke report, and the addendum. The implementation plan is scheduled for discussion and approval in 2012.
Read the Draft Stoke Report, and the addendum below. The Stroke Care Review has now become part of the Rehab Review, as one of the four “Streams of Care”. While the Stroke Care Stream is further along in development than the other streams, it is well aligned with the broader rehabilitation care model and is grounded in evidence-based best practice.
What are the next steps?
Feedback on the overall draft Rehab Review Report is being gathered before a final report is submitted to the WWLHIN Board of Directors. Work is now underway to present the stroke review implementation plan to other stakeholder groups in preparation for implementation. Please email your comments/suggestions to Tammy Tebbutt, Director District Stroke Program at tammy.tebbutt@grhosp.on.caDraft Stroke Report
Contact
Tammy Tebbutt
Director District Stroke Program
Grand River Hospital
Phone: (519) 749-4300 ext 2605
tammy.tebbutt@grhosp.on.ca