ABSTRACT
Introduction: Quality improvement activities have traditionally been face-to-face, a model limited in reach and regional and remote inequities. The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) necessitated adaptation to an interactive digital format which led to the development of the National Webinar Series. Aims: To improve stroke patient outcomes and reduce inequities in the provision care through a national digital quality improvement program. Methods: Collaborating with state and territory hospitals, specialists stroke experts and other expert organisations, we piloted a national digital interactive quality improvement program. The program utilised data and evidence from the National Stroke Audit and Clinical Guidelines for Stroke Management to support clinicians to identify barriers and gaps and provide effective improvements in quality of care. A secure webinar environment facilitated collaboration between sites and states, and a peer-topeer model allows opportunities for exemplary hospitals to share strategies for improvement Results: From July- December 2021, 940 health professionals, from 235 sites, attended our webinars. The online format has successfully enabled nationally equitable access for professional development, regardless of location, and continuity of education throughout disruptive lockdowns/ border closures. Topics include discharge planning and 'My Stroke Journey', audit, living guidelines, stroke prevention, sexuality, delirium, and best practice smoking cessation. Participants surveys showed that 93% agreed the program would help improve national consistency in stroke care, 100% recognised the training value for staff new to stroke, 91% would recommend the webinars to others and 100% were interested in future webinars. Conclusion/Discussion: We have learned from health professionals participating in our National Webinars that the webinars educational model could be an effective tool for patient support post-discharge from hospital. COVID-19 has placed a strain on hospitals and staffing. As a result, stroke patients are being discharged early and aren't receiving all the information they need to transition from hospital to home and support their recovery.