Mapping A Stroke Survivor's Journey in Northwestern Ontario
By Esmé French & Keli Cristofaro, Northwestern Ontario Regional Stroke Network - June 23, 2018
A new resource for people with stroke and their families or care partners has been developed by the Northwestern Ontario Regional Stroke Network and their partners from across Northwestern Ontario. A visual map, representing "A Stroke Survivor's Journey in Northwestern Ontario" was released to coincide with Stroke Month in June. Patient advisors were integral to the project and provided valuable guidance to make it a truly patient and family friendly resource.
Project Co-Lead, Laura Jones, experienced a stroke in 2014. “I am proud to have been a part of this project. When I had my stroke, I found it hard to focus. A map of where I was that showed my stroke journey and the recovery process including what lay ahead would have been useful. I am optimistic that other stroke survivors find hope for their future from this document,” she said.
The map was designed to share the “big picture” view of stroke care and recovery in Northwestern Ontario and to provide education and support for patients and their families as they navigate the recovery journey ahead. It outlines the journey from initial recognition and reaction to stroke symptoms, through diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, prevention, recovery and re-engagement. It also explains the possible next steps in a survivor’s journey, as well as the multiple paths and resources that are available to provide care, education and support. It is important to recognize that the journey after stroke is different for everyone. It is acknowledged that not all services are physically available in every community but the use of telemedicine technology can help bridge that gap in many situations.
The map is available in English and French online at www.nwostroke.ca, in the Patient and Caregiver area, under the Stroke Survivor and Caregiver Resources tab. Additionally, a "Health Care Provider User Guide" has been developed to support health care providers in using the map with their patients and families.
We are very grateful to project team from across Northwestern Ontario, whose knowledge and advice helped to shape this final document.
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Co-Leads: Laura Jones, Esmé French, Keli Cristofaro
Members: Maria Santos, Chrissy Johnson, Kristina Visser, Denise Taylor, Brock Chisholm, Janine Maxwell, John Hatton, Sharon Jaspers, Lynn Bertin, Jeff and Sarah Jerrard, Marilyn Erwin, Melvin Jourdain, Laverna Brown, Todd Kennedy, Kyle Baysarowich, Samantha Moir, Pauline Mickelson, Monica Hemeon, Julia Jardin, Jill Marcella, Jessica Venasky, & Cherie Kok.
Acknowledgements to our colleagues at the Northeastern Ontario Stroke Network for the concept and to Over the Atlantic for graphic design.
For more information, please contact the Northwestern Ontario Regional Stroke Network at nwostroke@tbh.net or 807-684-6703.