Project: StrokeNet: An Evidence Based Clinical Decision Support System for Stroke

Health Infostructure Support Program

Background

There are approximately 1000 strokes per week in Canada. Of those reaching a hospital, one in 10 patients would avoid death or institutionalization, if provided with the best care as provided by a stroke unit. The majority of Canadians do not receive such care. In Alberta, of the 115 people who have strokes each week, no more than 25 receive organized stroke unit care. This project attempts to use information technology to bridge the gap.

Project Description

The pilot will implement a networked clinical decision support system for physicians treating patients who have suffered a stroke, in a number of Canadian hospitals. The physician will use the system to generate patient order sets and clinical summaries, and will also receive supporting evidence for each decision in a timely manner. The system will use Internet access for a timely update of supporting literature maintained in a central international facility. Data is anonymous and encrypted. The pilot project will run in three regions, with a central referral hospital and rural community sites.

Project Funding under HISP: $247,500.00

Project Management: University of Alberta

For further information contact:

Dr Andrew Penn
Director of Stroke Research
Victoria Heart Institute Foundation
#315 - 1900 Richmond Ave
Victoria, BC
V8R 4R2
Telephone: (250) 595-1551
Fax: (250) 595-6793
andrew.penn@ualberta.ca