Background
Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations state that stroke survivors referred to community-based rehabilitation should begin their program between 48-72 hours of discharge.  A recent study examining wait times for community rehabilitation indicated that individuals with chronic conditions have excessive wait times for outpatient and community OT and PT services in Ontario, particularly if those individuals are waiting for hospital-based outpatient services.   Preliminary data from Trillium Health Partners Outpatient Neuro Rehab Services revealed stroke patients were waiting an average 58 days from referral to admission to the program.  A Quality Improvement approach to waitlist management was used in an effort to improve access for stroke patients to outpatient therapy by targeting length of stay, process for waitlist management, education of patients prior to admission to service, and education of referring partners on intake criteria. 
Methods 
This work is part of a Quality Improvement project with the Improving and Driving Excellence Across Sectors (IDEAS) Advanced Learning Program.  Several improvement cycles were initiated in an attempt to improve access to the service.
Results
Preliminary results indicate improving patient’s knowledge of the outpatient program, preparing them to participate in the program, refining the inpatient referral process and changing referral criteria decreased time spent on the waitlist.  Our poster will include outcome data.
Conclusions 
There is limited information in the Canadian context of waitlist management for stroke care in the community (outpatient) setting. This Quality Improvement approach identifies several strategies that may improve stroke patients’ access to outpatient therapy.

Utilizing a Quality Improvement Approach to Improve Access for Stroke Patients to Outpatient Neuro Rehab Services at Trillium Health Partners--author request (from registration)