Webinar list

Heart Month Webinar 2024: Cardiac Arrest – Fast Action Saves Lives

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February 28, 2024

Presenters:
Christian Vaillancourt MD, MSc, FRCPC, CSPQ 
Full Professor of Emergency Medicine with University of Ottawa, and
Senior Scientist, with the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute

Katrysha Gellis
Person with lived experience of cardiac arrest

About this Panel Presentation
In Canada, a cardiac arrest occurs every 9 minutes, and current statistics show that only 10% of people who experience cardiac arrest outside of hospital survive. This doesn’t need to be the case. This February is Heart Month, and Heart & Stroke is shining a light on out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and the importance of quick action. This webinar will provide a brief review of Heart & Stroke’s recently released Heart Month Report, including new data on the number of yearly cardiac arrests in Canada. This webinar also aims to inform potential bystanders on the importance of learning CPR and how to use an AED. With insight from both a professional lens and from a person with lived experience of cardiac arrest, participants will leave with a better understanding of the current landscape of cardiac arrest in Canada, and knowledge on how we can improve survival rates from an individual, community and systems perspective.

Learning Objectives

• Recognize the current landscape and incidence of cardiac arrest in Canada.
• Understand what happens to the heart during a cardiac arrest and who might be at risk.
• Describe potential signs and symptoms of early cardiac arrest. 
• Recognize out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and know what to do to help.
• Identify opportunities to improve education, awareness and availability of AEDs.
• Describe future CPR learning opportunities for participants to engage in.

Unseen, Unheard: The mental health impact of stroke on women

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November 21, 2023

Presenters:
Abe Snaiderman, MD, FRCPC
Director, Neuropsychiatry Clinic 
Brain and Spinal Cord Program 
Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. 
 
Rebecca Morrison, RN 
Woman With Lived Experience of Stroke  

Katherine Isaac
Woman With Lived Experience of Stroke

About this Presentation:
Stroke disproportionately affects women –women have worse outcomes after stroke, more women are living with the effects of stroke and women face more challenges as they recover. June is Stroke Month and this year is focused specifically on the impact of stroke on women. This live panel discussion will take a deeper dive into how mental health can impact the experiences and recovery of women following stroke. Post-stroke mental health issues are reported to affect up to 30% to 60% of people in the first year after experiencing a stroke. Of equal concern is the large number of family members and informal caregivers who also may also experience mental health challenges during this time. Due to the disproportionate effects of stroke on women, it is important to raise awareness and understand their unique experiences, and to provide tools and resources that may aid in recognition, assessment, recovery, and self-management. The purpose of this webinar is to provide healthcare providers and women with lived experience practical tools and resources in order to promote better health outcomes for women after stroke. 

Learning Objectives 

• Recognize the variety of mental health conditions that may present in women after stroke. 
• Describe potential signs and symptoms of mental health conditions in women who have experienced a stroke. 
• Discuss strategies and tools for healthcare professionals to apply for recognition, assessment and management of mental health conditions in women with stroke.
• Summarize effective and personalized strategies that a woman with lived experience of stroke can utilize to support their mental health.
• Identify strategies for family members and caregivers to apply while supporting women through mental health challenges following stroke. 
• Discuss opportunities to improve health outcomes for women with lived experience of stroke throughout their mental health journey.  

It’s Not Normal to be Breathless. Know the Signs and Symptoms of Heart Failure: Act Now and Live Longer

Joint Webinar with Heart & Stroke and HeartLife

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May 2, 2023

Presenters:
Sunny Tutt
Person With Lived Experience of Heart Failure, Heart Transplant Recipient, Patient Partner on the CMA board

Bonnie Catlin
MScN, Vancouver Coastal Health Regional Director (Clinical Education–Nursing & Allied Health and Professional Practice- Nursing), HeartLife Foundation Nursing Champion

About this Presentation:
Heart failure is a chronic condition caused by the heart not functioning as it should or a problem with its structure. It can happen if the heart is too weak or too stiff, or both. Heart failure is on the rise with more than 750,000 people in Canada currently living with the chronic condition. Heart Failure Awareness Week is May 1st - 7th, 2023 and this year is focused on promoting awareness of what heart failure is, who is most at risk and how to know when someone is experiencing early signs and symptoms. The purpose of this webinar is to provide primary care provider and lived experienced perspectives on diagnosis of heart failure as well as living with heart failure. The intent is to improve health outcomes by raising awareness among healthcare professionals, those who may be at risk for developing heart failure and those living with heart failure. 

Learning Objectives 

• Describe the early signs and symptoms of heart failure 
• Discuss strategies and tools for primary healthcare professionals to recognize and diagnose heart failure
• Gain perspective on the heart failure journey from a person with lived experience
• Discuss opportunities to improve health outcomes for people with lived experience of heart failure through better understanding of warning signs and earlier diagnosis in the community

Lifting Her Voice: Advancing Equity in Care for Women Living with Heart Conditions and Stroke

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February 7, 2023

Presenters:
Dr. Andrea Lavoie
Cardiologist, Heart Failure Specialist, Head of Cardiology, Regina, SK

Dr. Inderveer Mahal
Family Doctor (with a focus on women with chronic pain), Vancouver, BC

Barb Hess
Woman with Lived Experience, SK

About this Presentation:
The burden and impact of heart conditions, stroke and vascular cognitive impairment on women in Canada is high and inequitable. Women living with heart conditions have reported significant challenges due to gender inequities in healthcare, as a result of damaging systemic and historical biases and barriers. The purpose of this webinar is to raise awareness of the inequities experienced by women, to empower women living with heart conditions to be champions of their own health and to discuss how healthcare professionals and health systems can advance equity and create safe spaces for women receiving heart and brain care. Heart & Stroke aims to uplift women’s voices and improve their health outcomes as a result.  

Learning Objectives 

• Describe the current landscape and historical context of challenges women living with heart conditions and stroke face when accessing care. 
• Discuss opportunities to integrate gender equity into practice for healthcare professionals. 
• Identify practical strategies for healthcare professionals and empower women living with heart conditions and stroke to advance equity in care and improve women’s health outcomes.

2022 Hnatyshyn and the Louise and Frank Nieboer lecturers

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Friday October 21, 2022

Presenters:
Ms. Angela Wright
Janice Eng, PhD, PT 

About this Presentation:
Heart & Stroke, the Canadian Stroke Consortium and the Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery are proud to announce that Janice Eng, PhD, PT delivered the 2022 Hnatyshyn Lecture, and patient advocate Ms. Angela Wright delivered the inaugural Louise and Frank Nieboer Lecture.
Please join us to celebrate the achievements of these two outstanding individuals!

From Acute to Community: Meeting the needs of people after stroke

(Joint Webinar with Heart & Stroke and March of Dimes Canada)

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Monday June 13, 2022

Presenters
Dr. Michel Shamy, MD MA FRCPC
Dr. Isabelle Gaboury
Bruce Young

About this presentation
This webinar will provide an overview of acute stroke management and unique needs of people with stroke transitioning into the home and community environment. It will open with key highlights from the new Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations, Acute Stroke Management, 7^th edition which is set to release in the upcoming months. The needs of people who experience a stroke as they transition from acute care into the home and community environment may change in relation to emotions, activities of daily living, routine, relationships, lifestyle factors and others. This webinar will take a deeper look at those needs and how community organizations can support them. Practical strategies and guidance around the transition from acute care to community living, as well as the roles and responsibilities of health care providers will be explored. Panel members will each share their experiences and perspectives related to this transition, community programs and support and will participate in a panel question and answer session. 

Learning objectives 

• Review and describe selected highlights from the new CSBP Recommendations Acute Stroke Management 7^th edition  
• Discuss the needs of people living with stroke and explore how these needs can be accommodated for during and after the transition from the acute setting to the community setting  
• Describe the roles and responsibilities for health care providers from community-based organizations supporting people living with stroke   
• Discuss available resources, supports and self-management techniques that are essential for people with lived experience and care supporters to continue recovery.  

Feelings of the Heart Addressing Mental Health in Heart Failure Care

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Tuesday February 8, 2022

Presenters:
Jillianne Code, PhD/PWLE  
Pascale Lehoux, PhD 
Vidya Raj, MB ChB 

About this Presentation:
The purpose of this webinar is to raise awareness and normalize, educate and encourage health care professionals to incorporate mental health into routine care and to encourage people living with heart failure to raise concerns about their mental health with their health care team and seek the support they need to optimize all aspects of their health.

2021 Hnatyshyn and the Louise and Frank Nieboer lecturers

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Friday November 26, 2021

Presenters:
Ms. Jennifer Monaghan
Dr. Stephen Phillips 

About this Presentation:
Heart & Stroke, the Canadian Stroke Consortium and the Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery are proud to announce that Halifax stroke neurologist Dr. Stephen Phillips delivered the 2021 Hnatyshyn Lecture, and patient advocate Ms. Jennifer Monaghan delivered the inaugural Louise and Frank Nieboer Lecture.

Please join us to celebrate the achievements of these two outstanding individuals!

The Evolution of Virtual Care Through the Stroke Continuum

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Wednesday June 16th, 2021

Presenters

Hass Mawji
Volunteer, Person with lived experience, MODC client

Anita Mountain, MD, FRCPC
Assistant Professor, Dalhousie University 
Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; Medical Lead Acquired Brain Injury Program,
Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, Nova Scotia Rehabilitation Centre Site

Michelle Nelson, MA; PhD
Principal Investigator; Collaboratory for Research and Innovation Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute; Sinai Health System
Chief Knowledge Officer, March of Dimes Canada

Moderators 

Patrice Lindsay RN, PhD, FWSO
Director, Health Systems Change, Heart & Stroke, Canada

Christina Sperling, MScCH
National Director, Community Programs & After Stroke, March of Dimes Canada 

About this presentation 
This webinar will provide an overview of the evolving integration of virtual care into the management of people with stroke across the continuum. It will provide practical strategies and guidance to health professionals and people with lived experience on how to effectively engage in healthcare visits delivered through virtual formats, as well as the limitations of virtual care and decision-making regarding the appropriate setting for care. Panel members will each share their experiences and perspectives on use of virtual care for people with stroke, followed by a panel question and answer session. 

Learning objectives: 

• Describe current landscape and challenges in stroke care
• Discuss opportunities in using virtual modalities (channels, methods) for stroke care across the continuum
• Describe how community-based organizations pivoted services to virtual delivery as a result of COVID-19 and the lessons learned
• Improve health outcomes through practical tips, tools and implementation strategies

Enhancing Virtual Heart Failure Care

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Tuesday May 4, 2021

Presenters
Wayne Sandvik
Volunteer, Heart & Stroke Foundation, HeartLife Foundation, Ontario

Stephanie Poon MD. MSc, FRCPC
Assistant Professor, University of Toronto, Cardiologist, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre,
Medical Co-Director, Heart Function and Rapid Cardiology Assessment Clinic, Ontario

Kyla Siatecki RN, NP
Nurse Practitioner, Heart Failure Clinic, Saint Boniface Hospital, Manitoba

Moderators 

Patrice Lindsay RN, PhD, FWSO
Director, Health Systems Change, Heart & Stroke, Ontario

Marc Bains
CoFounder, HeartLife Foundation, British Columbia 

About this presentation 

This webinar will provide a brief overview of the integration of virtual care into the management of people with heart failure. It will provide practical strategies and guidance to health professionals and people with lived experience on how to effectively engage in healthcare visits delivered through virtual formats, as well as the limitations of virtual care. Panel members will each share their experiences and perspectives on use of virtual care for heart failure, followed by a panel question and answer session. 

Learning Objectives:

• Describe current landscape and challenges in heart failure care
  
• Discuss opportunities in using virtual modalities (channels, methods) for heart failure care
• Improve health outcomes through practical tips, tools and implementation strategies

Virtual Care in Rehabilitation

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Wednesday December 2, 2020

Presenters and Discussion Topics

Robert Teasell, MD, FRCPC, Parkwood Institute 
Chair’s Introduction 

Denis Feltrin, Person with lived experience
Perspective of virtual rehabilitation after stroke during the COVID-19 pandemic 

Patrice Lindsay, PhD, Heart & Stroke
Stroke systems change post-COVID-19 

Hélène Corriveau, PhD, Université de Sherbrooke
Implementation of telerehabilitation for stroke 

Brodie Sakakibara, PhD, University of British Columbia
Virtual rehabilitation post-COVID-19 

Elizabeth Inness, PT, PhD, Toronto Rehab-UHN
Telerehabilitation toolkit 

Followed by a panel discussion

About This Presentation

A joint webinar is being held by Heart & Stroke and Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery, with a focus on virtual care in rehabilitation. Virtual care has become an essential part of healthcare delivery, seen especially during the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Speakers will discuss virtual care and rehabilitation from a more broad system level , through to clinical care delivery and available supporting tools.

Advancing Stroke Prevention Care in Canada

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Wednesday March 3rd, 2021

Ontario Regional Education Group (OREG) in Collaboration with Heart & Stroke Presents: Provincial Stroke Rounds

Presented by:
P. Lindsay, RN PhD
Director of Health Systems Change at the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada

Dr. D. Gladstone
Associate Professor U of T, 
Director, Sunnybrook Stroke Prevention Clinic

Dr. A.Y. Poppe,
Stroke Neurologist,
Associate Professor Université de Montréal

About This Presentation

The Ontario Regional Education Group (OREG), in collaboration with Heart & Stroke, presents the latest Provincial Stroke Rounds. This month's topic relates to the upcoming Heart & Stroke Secondary Prevention of Stroke module, 7th Edition, of the Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations (CSBPR). Find more information about the CSBPR at: http://www.strokebestpractices.ca. 

Learning Objectives

1. Identify emerging evidence in the area of secondary stroke prevention
2. Describe new and updated recommendations in the 7th edition of the CSBPR Secondary Prevention of Stroke module
3. Discuss implications of the updates in current clinical practice

Breathe In, Breathe Out: Air Quality, and Heart and Brain Health

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Tuesday, November 10, 2020

Presented by:
Jennifer Harris, BscPT
Manager, Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation Outreach Programs, University of Ottawa,  Heart Institute, ON

Patrick Goegan, M.Sc.
Biologist, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch of Health Canada, Ottawa, ON

About This Presentation
This webinar will provide a brief overview of the relationship between air quality and heart conditions, stroke and vascular cognitive impairment, based on current evidence and experience. Additionally, as the weather changes and the impacts of COVID-19 increase the amount of time people spend indoors; indoor air quality is also raising concerns. Presenters will focus on providing practical guidance for health professionals and people living with these conditions in reducing risks of poor indoor air quality.

Key Topics
1. To discuss air quality as a risk factor for people with heart conditions, stroke, and vascular cognitive impairment while exploring some of the supporting evidence.
2. To share practical tips, available resources and strategies as ways to mitigate the negative impacts of indoor air pollution on one’s health, and on the health of patients and their families.
3. To share practical tips for staying active through colder months
4. To host an open question period, in which webinar attendees can inquire further and receive answers from the panelists and experts.

Please complete a brief evaluation for this session, which will provide a certificate of participation.

Sleep and Vascular Health

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Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Presented by:

Mark Boulos, MD FRCP(C), CSCN(EEG), MSc
Staff Neurologist (Stroke & Sleep), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Assistant Professor, University of Toronto
Associate Scientist, Sunnybrook Research institute
Graduate Faculty, Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto

Overview:

Sleep health has many important direct and indirect influences on overall health and well-being, including in the physical, mental and cognitive domains. Sleep health is of particular importance in people who have stroke, heart conditions and vascular cognitive impairment, both as a risk factor and as a post-event sequelae. This presentation will review the current scientific evidence and clinical approaches to promoting sleep health and managing sleep related conditions in people with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease.

Learning Objectives:

Participants of this program will be able to:
1. Describe the evidence-based impact of sleep disorders on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health.
2. Outline strategies for assessment of sleep health and sleep disorders.
3. Identify and apply management strategies to help improve sleep health to lower cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risk.

Please complete a brief evaluation for this session, which will provide a certificate of participation.

Use of Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA) for Prevention of vascular events: What do we tell people to do now?

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Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Presented by:

Theodore Wein, MD, FRCPC, FAHA
Assistant Professor of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University
Stroke Prevention Clinic, Montreal General Hospital

Jeff Habert, MD, CCFP, FCFP
Assistant Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto

Christine Papoushek, PharmD
Department of Pharmacy, University Health Network

Overview:

Emerging evidence has changed the way we think about the role of Acetylsalicylic acids (ASA) in the prevention of stroke, heart conditions, vascular cognitive impairment and peripheral artery disease.  During this webinar, experts will review the recent evidence, present the new Canadian Best Practice recommendations on this topic, and provide practical examples of who these apply to, roles and responsibilities of all health professionals in educating patients and the public,  and identifying the areas where research gaps still exist.  The audience will be able to post questions that our expert panel will address at the end of the webinar.

Learning Objectives

Participants of this program will be able to:
1. Appraise the current evidence for the use of ASA in primary and secondary prevention of vascular disease.
2. Interpret and apply recommendations for the use of ASA for primary prevention
3. Identify appropriate patients start, stop or continue ASA
4. Discuss the gaps in research evidence to guide practice for some populations.

Please complete a brief evaluation for this session, which will provide a certificate of participation.

2020 Heart Month Webinar: Women specific experience and care for congenital heart disease

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Tuesday, February 11, 2020

Presented by:

Valérie Hay 
Person with lived experience

Lorna Swan, MB ChB, MD, FRCP (UK) 
Staff Cardiologist, University Health Network

Shereli Soldevilla, MN-NP 
Nurse Practitioner, Cardiovascular Surgery and Critical Care, University Health Network

Overview:

In support of heart month and congenital heart defects (CHD) awareness week, this one-hour presentation will highlight specific experience and care for women living with CHD. Through the story of lived experience and discussion with CHD experts, the webinar will highlight the specific experience and needs of women living with CHD from a lifelong journey perspective, particularly on transition from pediatrics to adult care, and psychosocial support.

Learning Objectives

Participants of this program will be able to:

1. Examine and explain specific care for women living with CHD, such as pregnancy related risks and surgery options. 
2. Describe the experience and specific needs for women living with CHD from a lifelong journey perspective 
3. Describe the integrated care approach to support physical and psychosocial needs for women with CHD 
4. Discuss actions health professionals could take to provide better care for women with CHD 

Please complete a brief evaluation for this session, which will provide a certificate of participation.

Vaping: New challenges for cardiovascular disease prevention

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Thursday, January 23, 2020

Presented by:
Andrew Pipe CM, BA, MD
Division of Prevention and Rehabilitation, University of Ottawa Heart Institute
Professor, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa
Chair, Board of Directors, Heart & Stroke

Overview: 

Dr. Pipe is the chair of Heart & Stroke's national board of directors and Canada's foremost expert on smoking cessation. In this one-hour session he will speak to the impact vaping has on the health of people in Canada and will touch on what can be done to influence public policy around this contentious issue and open discussions in the clinical setting. This discussion will include a focus on the youth vaping trend and the concept of nicotine as a gateway drug. Dr. Pipe will discuss the challenges faced with vaping and the steps that need to be taken to combat this issue. In addition, the advantages and shortcomings of nicotine replacement therapy will be discussed. Join this important and timely webinar to learn about vaping and the associated risks and challenges for cardiovascular disease prevention from one of the top experts in the field.

Learning Objectives

Participants of this program will be able to:

1. Examine and explain the controversies surrounding vaping and the importance of influencing healthy public policy.
2. Describe the risks associated with vaping and the impact on cardiovascular disease prevention.
3. Discuss how to engage in meaningful discussion about vaping and smoking cessation with individuals.
4. Recognize the advantages and shortcomings of nicotine replacement therapy.

Please complete a brief evaluation for this session, which will provide a certificate of participation.

Rehabilitation for Women: Overcoming challenges, seizing opportunities

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Monday December 16, 2019
 
Presented by:
Anita Mountain, MD
Assistant Professor, Dalhousie University
Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; Medical Lead Acquired Brain Injury Program, Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, Nova Scotia Rehabilitation Centre Site
 
Jennifer Price RN, PhD, BNSc, MScN, ACNP, CCN(C)
Chief Nursing and Professional Practice Executive, Advanced Practice Nurse Cardiology, Women's College Hospital
 
Jodi Edwards, PhD
Scientist, University of Ottawa Heart Institute
Director, Brain and Heart Nexus Research Program, University of Ottawa Heart Institute
Affiliate Investigator, Clinical Epidemiology Research Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute

Kelly Saylor
Woman with lived experience speaking about rehab from her context

Overview:
People with stroke, heart conditions or vascular cognitive impairment require rehabilitation to help them reach their optimal physical, cognitive, emotional, communicative, and social functional potential. Research has demonstrated that sex and gender can impact a person's access, involvement and success in rehabilitation, leaving women at a disadvantage. For example, less than half of people with stroke who participate in rehabilitation are women (46%). Cardiac rehabilitation adherence is significantly lower among women than men. The evidence regarding sex and gender differences in cognitive rehabilitation is uncertain.

The Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations module Rehabilitation, Recovery and Community Participation following Stroke provide guidance for health professionals to identify and support achievement of rehabilitation and recovery goals. These same principles apply to people with all heart and brain conditions. Our data indicates that women do not have the same access to rehabilitation, and therefore may not have the same opportunity for optimal recovery and community participation. Attention needs to be given to women with stroke, heart conditions, and vascular cognitive impairment, to explore and understand why women are at a disadvantage for rehabilitation and have differences in participation and compliance in order to provide optimal care and advocate for equal opportunity.

During this webinar, participants will learn about sex and gender differences in rehabilitation for women with stroke, heart conditions, and vascular cognitive impairment, presented by a woman with lived experience Kelly Saylor, Dr. Anita Mountain, Dr. Jennifer Price and Dr. Jodi Edwards.

Learning objectives:

Participants of this program will be able to:
1. Recognize gaps and inequities in stroke, cardiac and cognitive rehabilitation for women.
2. Apply knowledge of issues specific to women experiencing stroke, heart conditions, or vascular cognitive impairment into clinical practice.
3. Describe interventions that health professionals can do to promote optimal rehabilitation and recovery for women.
4. Engage in meaningful discussions about the impact of sex and gender on rehabilitation with people who have experienced stroke, heart conditions or vascular cognitive impairment, and their family members and caregivers

Please complete a brief evaluation for this session, which will provide a certificate of participation.

Mind and body fitness: What really works

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November 20, 2019

Presented by:

Bobby Stojanoski PhD
Research Scientist
The Brain and Mind Institute, Western University

Ada Tang PT PhD
Associate Professor, School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University
Clinician-Scientist (Phase II) | Heart & Stroke Foundation Ontario

Julie Richardson PhD
Professor
Assistant Dean, Rehabilitation Science Program 
School of Rehabilitation, McMaster University

Patrice Lindsay, RN, PhD
Director of Systems Change and Stroke Program, Heart & Stroke

Overview:

People with stroke, heart conditions or vascular cognitive impairment require rehabilitation to help them to reach their optimal physical, cognitive, emotional, communicative, and social functional level. There are different strategies and therapies available to help people reach their rehabilitation and recovery goals.
 The Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations modules Mood, Cognition and Fatigue following Stroke and Rehabilitation after Stroke emphasize the need for exercise for both brain and body and provide guidance for health professionals supporting people after a stroke. During this webinar, participants will learn about practical applications of physical and cognitive exercise and learn more about implementation of community programs. Our goal is to maximize optimal recovery in people with stroke, heart conditions or vascular cognitive impairment.
Bobby Stojanoski will discuss our current understanding of cognitive training by presenting new results about what cognitive exercise does to the brain, the evidence behind brain improvement apps, and how it pertains to dementia-related cognitive decline. Ada Tang and Julie Richardson will present their research on "Fit for Function: Leveraging a community partnership to promote wellness after stroke" and discuss practical implications to support community exercise programs and broader implementation strategies. Physical exercise is an essential component of rehabilitation and recovery for people with stroke, heart conditions or vascular cognitive impairment.

Learning objectives:

● Explain the importance of physical and cognitive exercise to promote recovery and maintain health.
● Describe interventions that health professionals can do to promote optimal rehabilitation and recovery.
● Explain what cognitive exercise does for the brain and the evidence behind brain improvement applications ("apps").
● Discuss the impacts and benefits of a community wellness and exercise program for people with stroke.
● Engage in meaningful discussions about physical and cognitive rehabilitation with people who have experienced stroke, heart conditions or vascular cognitive impairment, and their family members and caregivers.

Please complete a brief evaluation for this session, which will provide a certificate of participation.

Paramedic Chiefs of Canada: Stroke care and recent updates to H&S guidelines/protocols

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July 5, 2019

Presented by:

Patrice Lindsay, RN, PhD
Director of Systems Change and Stroke Program, Heart & Stroke

Tim Hillier, MA, ACP, Deputy Chief, Professional Standards at Medavie Health Services West in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

Overview:
Hosted by the Paramedic Chiefs on Canada, this webinar pertains to recent updates to stroke guidelines within Canada.

Building bridges: A nursing perspective on the heart-brain connection

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May 9, 2019

Presented by:

Patrice Lindsay, RN, PhD
Director of Systems Change and Stroke Program, Heart & Stroke

Cindy Yip, Ph.D., PMP
Director Data, Knowledge Management and Heart Program, Heart & Stroke

Joe Carr
BN/RN, C-CCN, ENC(C)
Critical Care Flight Nurse

Overview:
The Heart and Stroke Foundation provides guidance for healthcare providers supporting people who have experienced heart conditions, stroke and vascular cognitive impairment.  The 2019 Heart and Stroke Report examines the connections between these conditions. Nurses have a unique first-hand experience of these strong associations through the care they provide. In recognition of Nursing Week, Dr. Patrice Lindsay and Dr. Cindy Yip will discuss the research presented in the 2019 Heart and Stroke Report and how this relates to direct nursing care.

Learning objectives:

• Explain the connection between heart conditions, stroke and vascular cognitive impairment.
• Identify key challenges experienced by people who have experienced these conditions.
• Engage in meaningful conversations with people, their families and caregivers about their experiences navigating the health care system and opportunities for improvement.
• Advocate for seamless transitions of care for people with multimorbidities and the role nurses play.

Return to work after stroke and cardiac events - Building opportunities and overcoming challenges

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April 10, 2019

Presented by:

Allan Garland, MD, MA  
Professor of Medicine & Community Health Sciences
Co-Head, Section of Critical Care Medicine
University of Manitoba

Samuel Kim, BScOT and Gerard Curley, BScOT,
Occupational Therapists and Productivity Consultants
Community Accessible Rehabilitation - Alberta Health Services

Overview:
The Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations for Stroke Rehabilitation provides guidance for healthcare providers supporting people returning to work after a stroke.  People who have experienced a stroke or heart condition can face challenges when returning to their previous role due to physical, communication, psychological, and cognitive changes. During this webinar, Dr. Allan Garland will discuss his research published this year that demonstrates the impact that stroke and cardiovascular events have on an individual's work and earnings.  This will be followed by two occupational therapists who are experts in vocational rehabilitation and they will provide practical approaches and strategies to support people who are planning to return to work following a stroke or cardiac event.  Participants will learn more about implementation of our stroke best practice recommendations, research, strategies, and assessments for people who are returning to work or looking into vocational opportunities following a stroke or heart condition.

Learning objectives:
Participants of this program will be able to:

• Explain the impact that stroke and cardiovascular events can have on an individual's work and earnings.
• Identify relevant issues around returning to work that people experience following a stroke or heart condition.
• Discuss vocational assessments, working with employers, and other relevant strategies for healthcare providers to advocate for people who have experienced a stroke or heart condition and their family and caregivers.
• Engage in meaningful discussions with people who have experienced a stroke or heart condition and the challenges and opportunities they experienced when returning to work.

Heart & Stroke H.J.M. Barnett Lectureship and Visiting Professorship: The TIA Saga

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March 8, 2019
 
Presented by:

Donald Easton, MD
Professor of Neurology, University of California - 
San Francisco
 
Learning objectives:

After participating in this educational activity, clinicians will have greater competence related to:

• Knowing the rationale for the new definition of TIA
• Understanding the rationale for urgent evaluation and treatment of acute TIA and minor ischemic stroke
• Understanding the benefits and risks of using dual antiplatelet treatment in acute TIA and minor ischemic strokes.

Heart & Stroke Report 2019

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February 12, 2019

Presented by:

Moderators
Dr. Patrice Lindsay, Director of Systems Change and Stroke Program, Heart & Stroke
Dr. Cindy Yip, Director Data, Knowledge Management and Heart Program, Heart & Stroke

Presenters
Ms. Jennifer Monaghan, Heart & Stroke Volunteer, Member of the Vascular Cognitive Impairment Mission Critical Area Council, Lived experience with Stroke
Dr. Sharon Mulvagh, Professor, Division of Cardiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax.
Dr. Jeffrey Habert, Assistant Professor, University of Toronto, Dept. of Family and Community Medicine; Member, Canadian Stroke Best Practices and Quality Advisory Committee

About this presentation
Heart & Stroke will be releasing its 2019 Report. During this webinar, speakers will highlight key findings from the 2019 Heart & Stroke Report, and present their perspective, underlying evidence and data, as well as practical guidance for healthcare providers and other audience members.  This learning event is non-accredited. 

Spasticity - The who, why, when and how

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Thursday November 15, 2018

Presented by:

Dr. Theodore Wein
Assistant Professor of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University

Overview:
Spasticity is a common post-stroke condition which can affect the muscles in arms, legs, hands and feet. With spasticity, muscles become stiffer and tight, with loss of voluntary movement, increased pain, and may become continuously contracted without treatment. This leads to a loss in range of motion which may impact the affected person's ability to perform activities of daily living, and may require additional caregiver support and effort. Spasticity often leads to frustration and slows recovery because it impacts active participation. Several factors need to be considered when assessing and managing people post stroke who exhibit signs of spasticity. Traditionally, spasticity is assessed and treated during rehabilitation several days after stroke onset. Current thinking is changing and assessment and treatment should occur earlier in the recovery process.

In this presentation, Dr Theodore Wein will review current literature and best practice on assessment and management of spasticity, including identification of patients who experience spasticity, how to assess them, when to treat them and how to treat them, as well as ongoing management.

Learning objectives:
Upon completion of this program participants will be able to:

• Identify spasticity in the stroke population
• Identify steps to complete the Canadian Neurological Scale.
• Recognize that spasticity does occur in the acute setting
• Discuss the importance of early detection and treatment

Please complete a brief evaluation for this training video, which will provide a certificate of participation.

Canadian Neurological Scale Training Video

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July 5, 2018

Presented by:

Rhonda McNicoll Whiteman, R.N. MN, CCC(c)
Stroke Best Practice Clinical Nurse Specialist – Central South Regional Stroke Network, Hamilton Health Sciences,
Part Time Assistant Clinical Professor, School of Nursing,
Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario.
Member of Canadian Stroke Best Practice expert nursing group.

Overview:
This training video is a part of the Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations Acute Stroke Management module providing guidance and tools to stroke team members, clinicians, healthcare staff, hospital administrators and policymakers to advance and improve stroke services to achieve optimal inpatient stroke care delivery and patient outcomes in hospitals across Canada.

Learning objectives:

• Review the background and evidence related to the Canadian Neurological Scale.
• Identify steps to complete the Canadian Neurological Scale.
• Apply the scoring of the Canadian Neurological Scale using Case Scenarios.
• Describe the tools available to support staff in utilizing the Canadian Neurological Scale.

Please complete a brief evaluation for this training video, which will provide a certificate of participation.

Lives disrupted: The impact of stroke on women - Highlights from Stroke Report 2018

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June 6,2018

Presented by:

Dr. Patrice Lindsay
Director, Stroke
Heart and Stroke Foundation

Dr. Thalia Field
Assistant Professor
Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia
Stroke Neurologist and Fellowship Program Director
Vancouver Stroke Program.

Dr. Anita Mountain
Assistant Professor, Dalhousie University
Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Medical Lead Acquired Brain Injury Program
Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre
Nova Scotia Rehabilitation Centre Site

Overview:
This webinar discusses the highlights from Stroke Report 2018 - Lives disrupted: The impact of stroke on women. To access the full report click here.

Please complete a brief evaluation for this session.

Resumption of life roles and activities following stroke webinar - Driving rehabilitation

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April 25, 2018

Presented by:

Michael Cammarata OT, Ph.D. student
Nellemarie Hyde, OT, CDRS, Saint Elizabeth Health Care

Overview:
The Heart & Stroke Canadian Stroke Best Practice Rehabilitation and Managing Transitions of Stroke Care Recommendations provide specific guidance for healthcare professionals on the recovery and resumption of life roles after stroke. Stroke survivors often experience motor, cognitive and psychosocial changes that impact their ability to resume pre stroke pursuits. Return to driving, return to work and vocational pursuits, sexual activity and leisure activities have each been cited as important rehabilitation goals for patients and evidence indicates that the resumption of these activities are associated with increased quality of life. During this webinar participants will learn more about the recommendations, research, and practical approaches for returning to driving.

Upon completion of this program participants will be able to:

• Describe stroke best practice recommendations related to return to driving following a stroke from both the Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations Rehabilitation and Managing Transitions of Stroke Care modules.
• State issues related to provincial regulations regarding driving after stroke.
• Discuss practical approaches to rehabilitation and recovery related to return to driving following stroke and access to driving assessments.

Please complete a brief evaluation for this session.

Resumption of life roles following stroke - Intimacy after stroke

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February 21, 2018

Presented by:

Shawna McCusker, RSW, MSW
Trauma and Bariatric Centre of Excellence
The Ottawa Hospital – Civic Campus
Tracy Palmer, RN, CRRN, BA SEXOLOGY
Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre

Overview:
The Heart & Stroke Canadian Stroke Best Practice Rehabilitation and Managing Transitions of Stroke Care Recommendations provide specific guidance for healthcare professionals on the recovery and resumption of life roles after stroke. Stroke survivors often experience motor, cognitive and psychosocial changes that impact their ability to resume pre stroke pursuits. Return to driving, return to work and vocational pursuits, sexual activity and leisure activities have each been cited as important rehabilitation goals for patients and evidence indicates that the resumption of these activities are associated with increased quality of life. During this three part webinar series participants will learn more about the recommendations, research, and practical approaches for returning to driving, return to work and vocational pursuits, and sexual activity during recovery after stroke. Participants will hear directly from experts in these areas.

Learning objectives:

• Describe the Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations from the Rehabilitation and Managing Transitions of Stroke Care modules on sexuality.
• Identify relevant issues around intimacy/sexuality with people who have experienced stroke and their partners.
• Engage in meaningful discussions with people who have experienced stroke and their partners regarding intimacy sexual relationships.
• Explain where to find more information about intimacy/sexuality, for knowledge, and to share with patients and families.

Please complete a brief evaluation for this session.

Incidence and Secondary Prevention of Stroke during Pregnancy

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December 2, 2017

Presented by:

Dr. Rick Swartz
Medical Director North East GTA Regional Stroke Program
Director, University of Toronto Stroke Program
Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine (Neurology),
University of Toronto

Dr. Noor Ladhani
Associate Scientist, Evaluative Clinical Sciences,
Women & Babies Research Program,
Sunnybrook Research Institute
Staff physician, maternal-fetal medicine,
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Assistant professor,
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
University of Toronto

Overview
The Heart & Stroke Canadian Stroke Best Practice Consensus Statement: Secondary Stroke Prevention during Pregnancy provides the first broad-based, stroke-specific guidance around secondary stroke prevention in pregnancy. The first part of a two part series, this statement focuses on unique aspects of secondary stroke prevention in a woman with a prior history of stroke or transient ischemic attack who is, or is planning to become, pregnant. During this webinar participants will learn more about the current rates of stroke occurring in pregnancy, and secondary prevention of stroke management considerations and strategies during pregnancy as addressed in the consensus statement. Some highlights of the acute stroke management during pregnancy consensus statement will also be presented. Participants will hear directly from the writing group Chairs, and engage in a question and answer period with them.

Learning objectives:
Participants of this program will be able to:

• State the importance of an interdisciplinary team approach to management of stroke in pregnancy.
• Describe counseling and risk factor screening considerations for a woman who has a history of stroke and is now pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
• Develop a specifically-tailored management approach to secondary stroke prevention during pregnancy.
• Discuss options for pharmacotherapy for antithrombotics and management of blood pressure.

Please complete a brief evaluation for this session.

Hot Topics in Secondary Stroke Prevention

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November 24, 2018

Presented by:

Dr. Ted Wein
Assistant Professor of Neurology and Neurosurgery
McGill University Stroke Prevention Clinic
Montreal General Hospital

Overview
The Sixth Edition of the CSBPR Secondary Prevention of Stroke Guidelines have been published. Recent trial releases have impacted changes to the guidelines which include lipid management, diabetes and stroke, and patent foramen ovale (PFO) and stroke management. During this webinar the evidence and changes to the guidelines related to these topics will be discussed.

Learning objectives:
Participants of this program will be able to:

• Explain lipid management and diabetes and stroke CSBPR guideline changes from recent clinical trial releases.
• Describe the evidence from the Close and Reduce trial, discussing PFO management and stroke, and the revised recommendations due to the trial’s results.
• Discuss challenges and approaches to secondary prevention of stroke in complex patients with multimorbidities.
• Engage participants in the webinar through a question and answer session at the end of the presentation.

Please complete a brief evaluation for this session.

Stroke Report 2017: Triumphs and Challenges after Stroke – Helping Patients and Families to Keep Moving Forward.

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June 12, 2017

Presented by:

Dr. Patrice Lindsay, Dr. Jill Cameron, and Heather Purvis

Overview
This webinar will discuss the key messages from the Heart and Stroke 2017 Stroke Report.

Learning objectives:

• Compare the common and unique needs of people who experience stroke at different ages across the lifespan.
• Describe the core areas of support needed by people impacted by stroke.
• Discuss the healthcare professional’s role and strategies in supporting people impacted by stroke.
• Discuss current service availability and solutions to gaps in service for people impacted by stroke.

Please complete a brief evaluation for this session.

Learning to mobilize your community after stroke

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August 22, 2017

Presented by:

Dr. Patrice Lindsay, Dr. Maureen Markle-Reid, Rebecca Fleck OT Reg. (Ont.), and Luis Rivas

Overview
This webinar will provide people who have experienced a stroke and care partners with information about how to be engaged in their recovery including concepts related to self-management, and how to manage transitions to the community including accessing resources to improve and support recovery once they have left the hospital.

Learning objectives:
Participants of this program will be able to:

• Understand their role in their own recovery and that of the family caregiver
• Understand the concept of self-management, and identify self-management strategies.
• Transition from hospital to community. Navigate and identify resources and supports available in their community.
• Access resources available from the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Please complete a brief evaluation for this session.

CSBPR: Palliative and end of life care for stroke patients

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April 12, 2017

Presented by:

Dr. Jeff Myers MSEd, CCFP(PC), and Julie Wilding OT

Overview
This webinar will provide Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations information on palliative and end of life care.

Learning objectives:
At the end of this webinar participants will be able to:

• Define palliative and end of life care
• Discuss the Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations for palliative and end of life care.
• Describe the different roles interprofessional team members play, along with their knowledge and skills, in the management of palliative and end of life care situations.
• Identify strategies to work with patients and families who are dealing with palliative and end of life care.

Please complete a brief evaluation for this session.

Improve your compliance with stroke best practice across settings and professions: Practical methods for reducing language barriers for patients with aphasia

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January 19, 2017

Presented by:

Aura Kagan

Overview
You are a busy stroke care provider/researcher/educator – why add aphasia and communication to the mix? This webinar will cover the following:

• Thinking differently about aphasia and why this is relevant to most aspects of stroke recovery and stroke education from Day One
• The benefits and impact of reducing language barriers to Best Practice in stroke care
• Practical, evidence-based methods and resources to reduce language barriers and increase communicative access - with video illustration
• A new free online tool (Communicative Access Measure for Stroke – CAMS) that can be used for quality improvement in hospitals and other settings
• Suggested first steps for individuals and/or organizations

Please complete a brief evaluation for this session.

Integration and application of telestroke across the continuum

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January 19, 2017

Presented by:

Dr. Dylan Blacquiere and Dr. Gail Eskes

Overview
This webinar will discuss updates to the Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations, Telestroke module; practical advice and tips on providing telestroke services; and lessons learned from a cognitive deficit telerehabilitation research project.

Please complete a brief evaluation for this session

Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations Secondary prevention webinar

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November 17, 2016

Presented by:

Dr. Patrice Lindsay and Dr. Ashkan Shoamanesh

Overview:

• Dr. Patrice Lindsay discusses the core elements of stroke prevention services and application across Canada, along with strategies to use to increase access, including Geoinformatics to support decision-making.
• Dr. Ashkan Shoamanesh provides new updates to secondary stroke prevention best practices for intracerebral hemorrhage.

Please complete a brief evaluation for this session

Stroke Report 2016: the Stroke and Dementia Connection

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June 9, 2016

Presented by:

Dr. Eric Smith and Dr. Patrice Lindsay

Overview:

• Dr. Patrice Lindsay discusses The Heart and Stroke Foundation’s Stroke Report. The focus of the report is the relationship between stroke and vascular dementia; preventing stroke will help prevent dementia.
• Dr. Eric Smith’s presents trials of treatments for patients with VCI (Vascular Cognitive Impairment). The link between stroke and dementia is stronger than we think.
  • PURE-MIND study.
  • Canadian Alliance for Healthy Hearts and Minds.
  • Treating Symptomatic VCI. Systematic Review by the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration and Aging Vascular Team.

Please complete a brief evaluation for this session.

Emerging Practices in Stroke Rehabilitation: Are They Ready for Prime Time?

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May 19, 2016

Presented by:

Dr. Robert Teasell and Debbie Hebert

Overview:

• Optimizing outpatient and community rehabilitation, including Early Supported Discharge
• What is the new evidence for management of impairment in the lower and upper limb?
• What’s new in the assessment and management of dysphagia?
• What implications could the results of the AVERT trial have on rehabilitation practices?
• An overview of the integration of pediatric recommendations into the CSBPR

Please complete a brief evaluation for this session.

Mental health associations and impacts on recovery from stroke, heart conditions and vascular cognitive impairment

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September 18, 2019

Presented by:

Patrice Lindsay, RN, PhD
Director of Systems Change and Stroke Program, Heart & Stroke

Krista Lanctôt, PhD
Senior scientist, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Gayla Tennen, MD, FRCPC
Psychiatrist, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Overview:
During this webinar, Dr. Krista Lanctôt and Dr. Gayla Tennen will discuss the etiology and associations between mental health conditions and recovery in people who have experienced stroke, heart conditions or vascular cognitive impairment. Participants will learn more about implementation of our stroke best practice recommendations, the research evidence that informed the recommendations, as well as practical applications including assessment and management strategies. Our goal is to improve early detection and intervention for mental health issues in people with stroke, heart conditions or vascular cognitive impairment.

Learning objectives:

• Explain the impact that mental health can have on people who have experienced stroke, heart conditions or vascular cognitive impairment.  
• Engage in meaningful discussions about mental health with people who have experienced stroke, heart conditions or vascular cognitive impairment.
• Describe common depression assessment tools that can be used with these populations.
• Discuss strategies to promote optimal mental health with people who have experienced stroke, heart conditions and vascular cognitive impairment.

Practical Approaches for Taking Action for Optimal Community and Long-Term Stroke Care (TACLS)

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December 14, 2016

Presented by:

Patrice Lindsay, Margo Collver and Trudy Taylor

Learning objectives:

• Development of ‘Taking Action in Long-Term Stroke Care: A Resource for Healthcare Providers’ (TACLS)
• Organization of stroke care in the community
• The team approach to community stroke care
• Practical solutions to challenges in community stroke care:
  • Communication
  • Positioning, Transfers and Mobility
  • Vision, visual perception, and neglect
  • Promoting ongoing rehabilitation and recovery

Please complete a brief evaluation for this session

Acute Inpatient Stroke Care: An Update on the Evidence

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December 10, 2015

Presented by:

Dawn Tymianski and Melanie Penn

Learning objectives:

• Describe care for the stroke patient after endovascular therapy
• Review best practices for care of the patient with intracerebral hemorrhage
• Identify care of the patient post-hemicraniectomy
• Explain DVT prophylaxis in the hemorrhagic stroke patient
• Identify the goal of acute inpatient stroke care within the stroke care continuum
• Review the components of acute inpatient stroke care based on the Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations
• Identify what is NEW with the 2015 Update
• Focus on assessment and new evidence in cardiovascular investigations, DVT prophylaxis and early mobilization

Please complete a brief evaluation for this session

Vascular Cognitive Assessment: When Where and How?

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November 12, 2015

Presented by:

Dr. Gail Eskes

Learning objectives:

• To understand the concept of Vascular Cognitive Impairment (VCI)
• To be aware of the Best Practice Recommendations for cognitive screening in VCI
• To become familiar with the practical aspects of cognitive assessment: the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test
• Supplementary information: Montreal Cognitive Assessment Demonstration Video

Please complete a brief evaluation for this session.