Abstract Text
Background: The Southeastern Ontario(SEO) Community Stroke Rehabilitation Program (CSRP) began in 2009. While the program has seen a steady increase in referrals and visits, a consistent approach to the evaluation of patient experience is needed. 
Methods: A literature review and environmental scan was conducted to identify: 1) existing questionnaires/tools, 2) patient perspectives of essential elements of effective community rehabilitation; and 3) best practices for questionnaire implementation. Results were summarized into themes and used to evaluate content of existing tools. Findings and recommendations were presented to an advisory group of patients, caregivers and service providers.   
Results: Eight elements of patient experience were identified as essential including measurement of: 1) impact on patient’s knowledge; 2) impact on ability to perform daily activities; 3) transition from hospital to home; 4) speed of service delivery; 5) access to further rehabilitation within the community; 6) engagement of patient as active participant in their rehabilitation; 7) patients’ self-rating of recovery; and 8) patient feeling prepared for discharge. These elements were mapped against the content of 3 existing tools and supplemental questions were created to address missing themes. Essential elements were confirmed by the advisory group; questions refined; and recommendations were made for pilot testing.
Conclusion: This partnership between students, researchers, knowledge brokers (Stroke Network of SEO), clinicians, stroke survivors and caregivers has produced a practical, evidence-informed program evaluation strategy. Next Steps: A tool incorporating the 8 elements of patient experience and recommendations will be tested for implementation feasibility and final version incorporated into ongoing patient CSRP evaluation.

EVALUATING PATIENT EXPERIENCE IN A COMMUNITY STROKE REHABILITATION PROGRAM: DEVELOPMENT OF A TOOL AND EVALUATION PLAN