A world-first online course designed to prevent stroke has been launched today, giving people across Australia and around the world the tools to reduce their risk and save lives.
The University of Tasmania’s Menzies Institute for Medical Research today launched a new Preventing Stroke Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), giving anyone around the world the knowledge and confidence to take action against a leading cause of death and disability.
Stroke is a leading cause of disability and death in Australia with one stroke occurring every 11 minutes, and globally 1 in 4 people will suffer a stroke in their lifetime. The economic impact of stroke is significant - lifetime costs associated with strokes that occurred in Australia in 2023 alone exceed $15 billion.
Unlike other online courses, which mostly look at recovery after stroke, this MOOC aims to empower community members to improve their health literacy to prevent stroke. Regardless of age, background, or health knowledge, individuals will be able to learn how to prevent stroke from happening to themselves, their family and friends.
With research showing that more than 80% of strokes could be prevented, this unique course has the potential to save lives and reduce pressure on health systems.
Lead Researcher of Menzies’ Cardiovascular Research Flagship, Professor Seana Gall, has tested the MOOC in a randomised control trial and her research shows that participation improves an individual’s knowledge of stroke – which she says is an important factor in reducing occurrence of stroke in our communities.
We know that an important first step in stroke prevention is helping people understand the risks and know what steps to take,” Prof Gall said.
That’s exactly what this course is designed to do- and we believe it to be the first MOOC of is kind.”
The MOOC has been codesigned with people with lived experience, and input from leading stroke researchers and medical professionals. It brings together the latest evidence with real-world insight to improve awareness, prevention and early action.
Over 440,000 Australians are estimated to be living with the effects of stroke. The economic impact is significant, with the cost of stroke in Australia estimated at $9 billion in 2023, and lifetime costs exceeding $15 billion when accounting for healthcare, lost productivity and unpaid care.
Assistant Minister for Health, Rebecca White MP chairs a new Ministerial Expert Panel on Women’s Health, which primarily focuses on cardiovascular health and attended today’s launch.
"Having a stroke can change someone’s life in an instant, but we know prevention is possible through better awareness, education and early action. This MOOC will give people practical, trusted information that could help save lives and reduce the impact of stroke in our communities,”
"The conversations I have had through the National Expert Panel on Women's Health focusing on cardiovascular health, have highlighted just how important prevention and health literacy are when it comes to reducing the impact of stroke and cardiovascular disease. Menzies continues to play a leading role in delivering research and education that can help save lives and improve health outcomes for our communities. "
Stroke doesn’t only affect older people- the Stroke Foundation finding that one in four strokes occurring in people aged under 65 years and can have a on devastating toll on young adults, resulting in reduced employment, long-term disability, and a significant reduction in of quality of life.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lisa Murphy, welcomed the new course, saying it has the potential to save lives.
“ 80 per cent of strokes are preventable which means Australians have the power to significantly reduce their risk. That all starts with education and helping people understand the risks so they can make the appropriate changes in their lives,” Dr Murphy said.
Regional Australians are also at higher risk, being 17 per cent more likely to suffer a stroke than those living in metropolitan areas- this initiative empowers people to access world-class, trustworthy health information no matter where they live.
"With Australia facing a projected increase to 72,000 strokes per year by 2050 if no action is taken, prevention has never been more important," Prof Gall said.
The course is suitable for everyone and can be completed online, at your own pace, on any device. It takes approximately eight hours in total and covers stroke risk factors, warning signs, prevention strategies and practical actions individuals can take to protect their health.
The Preventing Stroke MOOC is now open for enrolment and represents a significant step forward in access for community education and stroke prevention. It has been developed thanks to the support Ambulance Tasmania, Diabetes Australia, Monash University, Quit Tasmania, and Stroke Foundation Australia. This MOOC has been funded thanks to NHMRC, Medical Research Future Fund, and Tasmanian Iconic Walks and joins a suite of Massive Open Online Courses provided by Menzies Institute for Medical Research. Since 2017 globally there have been over 1 million registrations for UTAS Health Courses in over 230 countries.