In Northwestern Ontario (NWO), telemedicine is supported by the Ontario Telemedicine Network1 (OTN) and Keewaytinook Okimakanak Telemedicine2 (KOTM). Throughout NWO, there are 155 telemedicine sites which are located in every hospital and other health care locations. Fourteen additional sites are in development.
The use of telemedicine technology allows health care professionals to conduct clinical consultations, or participate in distance education and meetings.
Clinical
Ontario Tele-Stroke Program
Telestroke, an emergency telemedicine application, provides emergency physicians with immediate access to an Ontario neurologist with expertise in stroke care who can support both the assessment and treatment of patients experiencing acute ischemic stroke symptoms. Through Telestroke, patients can access the benefit of treatment with thrombolysis, or tPA, a best practice standard of care for acute ischemic stroke.
Stroke Prevention
Follow-up appointments can be arranged by videoconference by Stroke Prevention Neurologists, Nurse Practitioner, Nurses and Dietitian.
Tele-Rehabilitation
Follow-up appointments can be delivered using telemedicine by stroke rehabilitation staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital (occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech language pathology and social work).
Moving on After a Stroke
A 9-week, 18 session self-management, exercise and support program for people with stroke and their family members is offered throughout NWO via videoconferencing.
Educational
The NWORSN promotes and participates in the delivery and receipt of national, provincial, regional and local stroke education events using telemedicine, primarily via video- or audio-conferencing. Presentations are often archived on-line or broadcast live through web-streaming. As such, access to stroke education opportunities for health care providers in NWO is greatly enhanced.
Provincial Stroke Rounds are well attended across Ontario and offer a variety of topics across the stroke care continuum. The Thunder Bay Chapter of Stroke Recovery Canada, in partnership with the March of Dimes and NWORSN, has also offered educational and peer support services using telemedicine.
Administrative
In order to facilitate engagement of our regional partners, most Stroke Network meetings are offered via video- or tele-conference. Members are able to participate from their own community, minimizing the time and financial impact of committee membership.
Examples: Steering Committee, Indigenous Advisory Group, Educational Advisory Committee, Rehabilitation and Community Engagement Advisory Group, Stroke Prevention Clinic Nursing Group
