Improving the Stroke Pathway

Planning an Early Supported Discharge Service (ESD)

Overview of the Project

Stroke is the main cause of disability in England and it is imperative that our services focus on supporting patients through the whole pathway. This project aimed to bring together health and their partner organisations to improve care and rehabilitation. Evidence shows that patients who are safe for discharge have faster and greater recovery if given the same therapeutic interventions in their home. With ongoing pressures on in-patient beds it has also become essential to rationalise length of stay. I have led the work-stream to plan and model the development of an early supported discharge service.

Personal Challenges: Self discovery, confidence and challenging my inner values. Understanding and accepting my role and influence within a project that rapidly became more strategic. Learning from mistakes and counting failure as part of the success.

Results
Project outcomes: Strategic agreement for development of an ESD service. Business case will now be presented for local commissioning. Workforce productivity tool has given insight into patient and non patient related activity for Allied Health Professionals in the Stroke pathway to inform service development. Agreement from Social Care for stroke specialist Re-ablement services to joint work with an ESD service. Personal outcomes: Courage to speak up and stand out.

Leadership Challenges
Project challenges: Managing the conflict between regional and financial priorities against stakeholder and patient focused aims. Lack of dedicated project time for leads restricted planning and communication. Engagement of specialist stroke, health and social care representatives and breaking down barriers to joint working. Identifying the value and non value added activity within the pathway. Modelling patient flow to establish the blockages in the system.

Recognition of my strengths and weaknesses and the strategies to use

them flexibly and effectively.

Discovery of my ability to influence and knowledge that small change can

have a big effect.

Contact Information Julie Burden Deputy Manager for Adult Occupational Therapy and Wheelchair Services Julie.burden@swft.nhs.uk 01926 317724 (Work)