Background:
Persons with stroke often experience fragmented care involving multiple health care providers (HCPs) from different settings. Stronger relationships between HCPs across the system can improve care coordination and the transition experience for persons with stroke and their families. The Toronto Stroke Networks adapted and implemented a learning program called Stroke Care Observerships (SCOs) to foster learning and meaningful collaboration between HCPs across the system. This current work aims to examine the value and outcomes of SCOs in supporting seamless stroke care. 

Methods: 
With tools to support mutual goal-setting and reflection, six SCOs were implemented in Toronto since 2012 and involved seven programs representing acute, rehab and community-based services. These SCOs involved multiple professions, including clinical and administrative participants. Using thematic analysis, qualitative themes related to the value of SCOs will be abstracted from post-SCO reflections, debrief discussions, and evaluations.

Results:
Preliminary results revealed that participants reported value in SCOs to foster in-depth cross-continuum learning and collaborations on new initiatives that support stroke best practices and alignment with system and local priorities. Some suggestions to improve transitions included the use of cross-continuum assessment tools and resources, standard educational materials for patients and their families/caregivers, and the need for continued collaborations.  

Conclusions:
Based on initial themes, the SCO program enabled planning of meaningful observerships to foster mutual learning about other care environments and build relationships between providers within the system. Learnings from this work will support broader application of SCOs to other sites and inform stroke system planning.

STROKE CARE OBSERVERSHIPS: AN INTERPROFESSIONAL COLLABORATIVE APPROACH TO SUPPORT TRANSITION EXPERIENCES