Abstract
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, health and social service organizations have rapidly modified and adapted stroke support services to provide virtual delivery options. Virtual programming removed barriers for many people with disabilities allowing for timely, convenient, and efficient access to programming. However, there is a gap in the literature surrounding evaluations of virtually delivered community-based programs. March of Dimes Canada (MODC) is a national non-profit providing services to people with disabilities and their caregivers, including people who have experienced a stroke. In partnership with Heart and Stroke Foundation Canada, MODC launched the virtual Living with Stroke™ program in the spring of 2022 and developed a two-year evaluation to measure program effectiveness and feasibility, and to address the knowledge gap. After completing the Year 1 process evaluation, the evaluation is finding that the virtual Living with Stroke™ program is connecting people with stroke across Canada, increasing psychosocial well-being through common understanding, feelings and experiences, and knowledge of stroke and its lasting effects. This paper highlights the impact of social connection and well-being on physical health outcomes measured through the first year of MODC’s evaluation.
Presenters
Erika ClarkManager, Program Evaluation and Impact Reporting, Knowledge to Action, March of Dimes Canada, Ontario, Canada Michelle L. A. Nelson
Elizabeth Lartey
Christina Sperling
Rambel Palsis
Knowledge Broker: Evidence to Practice, Knowledge to Action, March of Dimes Canada, Ontario, Canada
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Health Promotion and Education
KEYWORDS
Virtual Programming, Stroke, Education, Program Evaluation, Social Connection