Stroke can happen at any age ... but what does that mean for someone who is going to school, working full-time, raising a family, and may be a caregiver for elderly parents? So many questions come to mind. Why did it happen to me? How do I make sure it doesn't happen again? Will I ever get my life back? How can I look after my family?   

A stroke can change one’s life in a moment, those who experience a stroke as a young adult face these distinct challenges as they recover.  

Stroke in young adults is increasing. Regardless of what age is used as the cutoff age for "young", stroke in young adults is rising at a rate faster than older adults:

• 19% of hospital admissions for stroke & TIA were for patients between 20-59 years of age (HSF 2017) 
• 20% of all strokes occur under the age of 60 years

Read more here … https://cesnstroke.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/June-is-Stroke-Awareness-Month_Young-Stroke-Survivors_Regional.pdf 

Students will lead a project related to Young Stroke. This project will provide students with an opportunity to comprehensively review young stroke issues, needs and available resources. The goals of the project are:

• to better understand the needs of young stroke, the education resources and community programs/services available to support recovery 
• to provide health care providers with education and resources to enable them to better support young persons with stroke

The expected outcomes and deliverables will depend on the number of students assigned.

Expected outcomes can include: 

1. Improved understanding of young stroke needs in the CESN region (Simcoe, Muskoka, York, Durham and Haliburton, Kawartha Lakes, Pine Ridge).
2. Enhanced awareness of available regional resources
3. Development of educational materials for healthcare providers
4. Creation of resources for young stroke survivors and their families

Deliverables can include:

1. Develop learning materials for healthcare providers which can include a learning module for the CESN Learning Management System, huddle resources
2. Create a toolkit of resources that can be used at community events (i.e., presentation, infographic, puzzles). 
3. Patient and family education materials (i.e., flyers, resource lists, handouts, video clips of people speaking of their experiences)
4. Populating / enhancing a section on the CESN website regarding young stroke - CESN - Central East Stroke Network

Students will work collaboratively with the CESN team. The CESN team works remotely. As such, student(s) will work primarily remotely. Frequent connection with the CESN team will be supported through Microsoft Teams. There will be opportunities to meet with the CESN team in person at RVH locations (main site / Bell Farm Road property). Scheduled meetings will occur at least weekly however additional connection is available as needed.

Specific activities will include:

• Review available data on the incidence of young stroke across the region
• Complete an environmental scan to understand available resources
• Interview staff from stroke units in the region
• Interview patients with lived experience and their families/caregivers. 
• Final presentation to the CESN Coordinators Group (CESN Regional and District Stroke Teams)

1. Resources Required (if any):
2. (Are there specific tools, data, or access requirements needed for students to complete the project?, i.e. electronic records)

• Aggregate level data will be provided for analysis
• Students will require access to a computer with Microsoft applications including Word, PowerPoint, Teams
• Students will require internet access to participate in research, Teams Meetings, etc.

1. Support Offered to Students (i.e. weekly meetings, mentorship, etc.):

Support and guidance will be provided through weekly meetings and additional touchpoints as needed. Mentorship will be available through the CESN team lead as well as other members of the team as needed. In person meetings will be arranged as needed at an RVH location.