Study setting
The study was conducted in an outpatient SPC located in an
urban, university-affiliated regional stroke centre hospital. Each
designated Ontario Stroke Centre must meet identified best
practice requirements. They are responsible for organizing the
human and medical resources required to provide continuum
of care stroke services across their respective regions (Ontario
Stroke System, 2008). The study site SPCmanages approximately
1,000 client referrals annually (HHS, 2009). Five neurologists,
one CNS, one part-time nurse clinician, and one administrative
support person routinely staff the SPC. A specialist in internal
medicine with an interest in stroke is available for consultation.
Additionally, a dietetic assistant contributes to monthly client
educational sessions, as one component of usual care.