Module 1: Foundations of Stroke Care (Canadian Standards)
This module provides a strong scientific and clinical foundation for understanding acute stroke. Learners will explore stroke types, mechanisms of neuronal injury, and the importance of the “golden hour.” The module introduces the Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations (CSBPR) and compares stroke epidemiology across Canada, Iran, and African regions to give students an international perspective on stroke care systems.
Module 2: Prehospital Stroke Care & EMS Integration
This module focuses on the crucial role of prehospital emergency systems in early stroke recognition and timely management. Students will learn validated field screening tools (FAST, CPSS, LAMS), determination of last known well (LKW), initial stabilization, rapid transport principles, and Canadian models of Prehospital Stroke Code activation. EMS–ED coordination and structured handover processes are emphasized to build efficient “stroke-ready” workflows.
This module guides learners through the full Emergency Department stroke pathway used in Canadian hospitals. Topics include rapid triage, Direct-to-CT pathways, parallel workflow strategies, achieving door-to-needle times under 60 minutes, and performing the NIHSS accurately. Students gain practical insights into the ED nurse’s role, common errors in acute stroke assessment, and real-world approaches to optimizing emergency stroke care.
This module provides an in-depth review of thrombolytic therapy for acute ischemic stroke. Learners will study indications and contraindications for rtPA, proper dosing, preparation, and administration techniques, as well as blood pressure control protocols before and after infusion. Complication monitoring, management strategies, and an evidence-based comparison of Tenecteplase (TNK) vs Alteplase (tPA) are explored to equip learners with safe and advanced decision-making skills.
This module introduces essential imaging concepts and advanced stroke treatment options. Students will learn key elements of CT Brain, CT Angiography, and CT Perfusion for identifying large vessel occlusions (LVO). The Canadian workflow for evaluating candidates for mechanical thrombectomy—from 6 to 24 hours—is explained in detail. Post-tPA and post-thrombectomy nursing care within Stroke Units is also covered to enhance understanding of comprehensive stroke management.
Module 6: Case-Based Learning & International Protocol Adaptation
This module applies learning through real-world, case-based scenarios from Canadian hospitals. Students will practice decision-making, identify errors, and compare approaches to stroke management across Canada, Iran, and African health systems. The module concludes with a guided workshop on adapting Canadian protocols to local clinical environments, followed by a final integrated case simulation as the program’s summative assessment.
