Life after stroke: How telehealth is closing the rural care gap

Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability in Canada—and for survivors in rural and remote communities, recovery often means navigating a health-care system with far fewer resources than their urban counterparts. In this episode of From Here Forward, hosts Carol Eugene Park and Jeevan Sangha sit down with Dr. Brodie Sakakibara, associate professor in UBC's Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy and director of the Okanagan Stroke Research Lab, to unpack how telehealth and virtual rehabilitation are reshaping recovery across BC's Interior.Dr. Sakakibara breaks down why the current health-care system's acute-care focus leaves many stroke survivors without support once they return home—and how that gap contributes to alarming numbers: 16% of stroke survivors will have a second stroke within a year, and one-third within five years. He shares how his lab is using technology to extend care into rural communities, empower patients to self-manage chronic health, and address barriers like device and internet access.Listeners will also learn how to recognize stroke symptoms, the modifiable risk factors that matter most for prevention, and why sleep, stress management, and physical activity remain foundational to long-term recovery. Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Contact CarolContact JeevanFrom Here ForwardPodium Podcast CompanyAbout Brodie SakakibaraLearn more about the StrOKe LabKnow FAST - the signs of stroke (00:00) - Introduction (01:33) - Meet Dr. Brodie Sakakibara (01:58) - Stroke recovery research + long-term health (02:56) - From clinical path to research career (05:02) - The Okanagan Stroke Research Lab (05:42) - Stroke recovery after discharge (07:24) - Telehealth, telerehab + COVID’s impact (09:06) - Rural access + health equity (12:36) - Stroke risk factors + secondary prevention (14:10) - Younger strokes + prevention gaps (16:06) - Extending stroke care into the community (16:58) - Stroke stats everyone should know (18:17) - Stroke awareness + FAST signs (19:22) - Daily habits for stroke prevention (20:42) - Conclusion