The stroke regional outreach & knowledge exchange (STROKE) project: Contributing to the sustained delivery of evidence-based stroke care across regional Victoria

Abstract

Background: The activities of the Victorian Stroke Clinical Network (VSCN) including the placement of stroke clinical network facilitators at strategic regional health services has resulted in enhanced stroke service delivery across regional Victoria. With the tenure of the last facilitators about to conclude there is a perceived risk that recent stroke service capacity may not be sustained or delivered consistently. Aim(s): A sub-committee of the VSCN, the STroke Regional Outreach & Knowledge Exchange (STROKE) Project Team, was convened to develop an education delivery platform that would reduce this risk. Method(s): Experts in stroke management have been engaged to present case reviews on various aspects of stroke care, including stroke unit care and thrombolysis for acute ischaemic stroke. Regional clinicians dial into the Department of Health's teleconference facility whereby they listen to the presenter deliver a pre-disseminated power point case review. Result(s): Since the initial meeting of stakeholders in March 2012, there have been 10 STROKE sessions presented with almost 700 participants from over 40 sites (average participation rate is 76). Conclusion(s): An analysis of participant data and feedback indicates that the STROKE Project is engaging a broad range of clinicians involved in stroke care from across Victorian health services. Indications are that the 'outreach and knowledge exchange' features of the STROKE Project may assist in the sustainability of the delivery of evidence-based stroke care in regional Victoria.