Carers' Alert Thermometer for Stroke (CAT-S): Pilot study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Carers' Alert Thermometer for Stroke (CAT-S): Pilot study
IRAS ID
259060
Contact name
Katherine Knighting
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Edge Hill University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
FOHS 119, Edge Hill University- Faculty Research Ethics Committee (FREC) approval reference number:
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 28 days
Research summary
The majority of stroke survivors rely on family caregivers to provide assistance with their daily activities, which range from physical help to psychological support. However, the information and support needs of the family caregivers are not always met and they often experience deterioration of their own health and well-being. Therefore, early identification of the family caregivers’ needs and support is important to sustain their caring role. Furthermore, research indicates that there is a dearth of stroke specific assessment forms or tools for family caregivers.
Edge Hill University has developed a two-page form called the ‘Carers’ Alert Thermometer for Stroke’ called the ‘CAT-S’. It is an evidence-based triage tool. It is designed to identify and triage the needs of people who are providing support to a family member or friend at home, as an unpaid carer.
This pilot study aims to understand the views and experiences of using the CAT-S from the perspectives of caregivers and stroke healthcare professionals. Therefore, the pilot will establish the usability of the CAT-S with family caregivers of stroke survivors and stroke healthcare professionals in hospital settings. The first stage of the study will require healthcare professionals to use the CAT-S form with caregivers. This stage will last four weeks. The second stage of the study invites caregivers and healthcare professionals to participate in a telephone interview, to convey their experiences of the use of the CAT-S. Caregivers and healthcare professionals who expressed an interest in participating in the interviews, will be contacted by a researcher. These interviews will be conducted four weeks after the first stage of the study has ended. This time gap is to allow caregivers and healthcare professionals follow up time for any necessary assessments, action plans and support that may result from completing the CAT-S.
REC name
West Midlands - Solihull Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/WM/0117
Date of REC Opinion
17 May 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion