Brussels, July 30, 2018- The eLearning Module 3 of the Stroke Support Organisation Faculty Tool (SSOFT) is published today at the following address www.ssoft.info.

SSOFT’s third module focuses on understanding different types of evidence; how to collate it and how Stroke Support Organisations can use it to their advantage:

3.1          – Use of evidence

3.2          – Types of evidence

3.3          – Interpreting evidence & data

3.4          – How SSOs generate data & evidence

3.5          – Using evidence & data in your communications

Stroke Support Organisations have been at the heart of this tool. For newer or smaller organisations, the information in the tool will provide knowledge that will help them to build and grow their communities.

Larger organisations can also benefit from SSOFT, which can enable them to support their communities and other stroke professionals across Europe, adding more voices to their movement/arguments for change.

This tool is also for anyone who is interested in knowing more about what an SSO is, how to start and develop one and how to make it sustainable.

For those interested in using this innovative eLearning platform, we would encourage them to visit the SSOFT website www.ssoft.info

About SSOFT

SSOFT is an innovative online eLearning advocacy tool being developed by Stroke Alliance for Europe (SAFE), in partnership with the European Stroke Organisation (ESO).

This online learning platform provides knowledge and training on how the creation of effective advocacy activities and campaigns to deliver positive change at a local and national level on stroke prevention, treatment and care. The eLearning platform will include six modules that provide information on:

Module 1: Stroke Support Organisations (SSOs)

Module 2: Making Change Happen

Module 3: Use of Evidence

Module 4: Role of Patient Voice

Module 5: Health System Advocacy

Module 6: Public Advocacy

The modules and learning environment is accessible via the SSOFT website through a simple registration process. Visitors to the website can also learn more about SSOFT, SAFE and ESO, find their nearest SAFE Stroke Support Organisation (SSO) as well as hear from SAFE members about their experiences.

For more information, please send an email ssoft@safestroke.eu  or visit www.ssoft.info

Acknowledgments

SAFE would like to take this opportunity to thank and acknowledge the contributions made by those who have helped in the development of SSOFT and module 1.

Stroke Alliance for Europe Board, who have been involved at every stage of development of this module.

The Peer Reviewers for module 3:

  • Stiftung Deutsche Schlaganfall-Hilfe (Dr Markus Wagner)
  • Hellenic Alliance/Action for Stroke Support Organization (Dr Hariklia Proios)
  • Macedonian Stroke Association (Dr Anita Arsovska & Dr. Maja Bozinovska Smiceska)
  • Norsk forening for slagrammede (Ms Grethe Lunde)
  • Thessaloniki and Wiesbaden NRZ, Rehabilitation Center Germany (Dr Dimitris Artemis)
  • Aristotle University, Greece (Dr Katerina Nicolaidis)
  • Anagenissis Rehabilitation Center, Greece (Ms Eugenia Stamatiou)

Our members who have shared their experiences and knowledge in the video interviews used within the module:

  • Chris Macey – The Irish Heart Foundation, R.Ireland
  • Pnina Rosenzweig – Neeman Association for Stroke Survivors, Israel
  • Ove Puisto – STROKE-Riksförbundet, Sweden
  • Markus Wagner – Stiftung Deutsche Schlaganfall-Hilfe, Germany
  • Monique Lindhout – Hersenletsel, Netherlands

Our partner organisations who have collaborated in the development of the module content:

  • World Stroke Organization
  • European Stroke Organisation.

And all those who participated in the User Acceptance Testing of Module 3.

We would also like to thank the project sponsor Bayer Healthcare who have supported this project through an education grant.

About SAFE

The Stroke Alliance for Europe (SAFE) a non-profit-making organisation formed in 2004. It is the voice of stroke patients in Europe, representing a range of patient groups from 30 European countries.

SAFE’s goal is to decrease the number of strokes in Europe by advocating for better prevention, access to adequate treatment, post-stroke care and rehabilitation.

For more information about SAFE, please visit www.safestroke.eu