The Canadian Best Practice Recommendations for Stroke Care continue to be recognized as one of the leading sets of stroke guidelines internationally. The stroke best practices website (www.strokebestpractices.ca) has received about 300,000 hits since its launch a little more than a year ago.
In order to maintain the integrity and currency of the guidelines, they undergo rigorous review and update every two years. The update process for 2011 – 2013 has now begun. With the technology available through the website, this year we will update individual sections as new research and information becomes available. This will enable us to get practice changes communicated to all those who provide stroke care delivery in an efficient and timely manner. All updates and changes will be posted on the website and will be accompanied by announcements of the site, in Brainwaves and through emails to all stakeholders.
CSN would gratefully like to acknowledge the healthcare experts who have kindly volunteered to chair the task groups who will be reviewing the literature and updating the recommendations and educational materials.
Chair, 2012 Best Practices Update: Dr. Gord Gubitz.
- Acute care task group: Dr. Leanne Casaubon and Mr. Michael Suddes
- Stroke rehabilitation: Dr. Andrew Dawson and Mr. Jason Knox
- Stroke Prevention: Dr. Shelagh Coutts and Ms. Linda Kelloway
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Depression: Dr. Gail Eskes
- Paediatric Stroke: Dr. Adam Kirton
We are currently exploring several new topic areas that have been proposed for new recommendation development. Decisions regarding inclusion are primarily based on the strength of the available research evidence to guide practice. These areas include sleep apnea, hemicraniectomy, driving after stroke, vocational rehabilitation, and an expanded section on smoking cessation.
We encourage you to contact the stroke best practices office with any suggestions or input you may have as we proceed with the update process. We can be reached through the ‘contact us’ section or at bestpractices@canadianstrokenetwork.ca.
