Accreditation Canada Program

Accreditation Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Stroke Network, created Stroke Services Distinction to recognize health organizations that demonstrate clinical excellence and an outstanding commitment to leadership in stroke care. It offers rigorous and highly specialized standards of excellence that are closely based on the Canadian Best Practice Recommendations for Stroke Care, addressing acute stroke services, inpatient rehabilitation stroke services, and comprehensive stroke services (for use in a regional setting). Organizations that are currently accredited by Accreditation Canada are eligible for participation in the Stroke Services Distinction program.

In addition to standards and protocols, Distinction requires the ongoing submission of data related to a core set of stroke quality indicators, and an on-site visit by expert evaluators with wide-ranging experience in the stroke care field. During the on-site visit, evaluators interact closely with stroke team members to understand the extent to which the standards and best practice recommendations have been operationalized.

Distinction is a new opportunity for stroke care leaders to:

• Be recognized for their exceptional commitment to excellence, innovation, high-quality service, and positive outcomes
• Be part of an innovative strategy to strengthen the uptake and dissemination of stroke best practice recommendations and clinical practice guidelines
• Achieve and maintain quality and safety by demonstrating compliance with national standards of excellence and meeting performance measure thresholds

Stroke Services Distinction takes into consideration the way stroke programs are integrated across the communities they serve. This program is an important new initiative within the CSS quality strategy, and all stroke care programs in Canada are encouraged to undertake this program as a way to drive quality improvement and consistent monitoring of care and service. Participating in Distinction is a valuable tool that helps stroke service organizations across the continuum to identify and celebrate their strengths in stroke care delivery, and identify areas for ongoing quality improvement.

More information about Stroke Services Distinction can be found at http://www.accreditation.ca/accreditation-programs/distinction/stroke-services