Stroke Self-Management by Rehabilitation Assistants
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Enhancing Self-Efficacy in Individuals in a Stroke Early Supported Discharge Service: A Feasibility Study of an Integrated Self-Management Programme Facilitated by Rehabilitation Assistants.
IRAS ID
177976
Contact name
Jenny Freeman
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Plymouth
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 6 days
Research summary
Stroke survivors often feel abandoned when they leave hospital and ill-prepared to manage in the longer-term (Care Quality Commission, 2011). This has been related to a high incidence of mood disorders, reduced quality of life and social isolation (Dowswell et al., 2000). Key publications highlight the need for partnership working between health professionals and patients to enhance self-efficacy and enable self-management (Naylor et al., 2013). Relationships exist between higher self-efficacy, reduced incidence of falls and depression, improved quality of life and functional ability, as well as reduced dependence on health and social care (DeSilva 2011). 'Bridges' is a SSMP that is underpinned by self-efficacy principals and preliminary results demonstrate that it enhances self-efficacy and quality of life (McKenna et al., 2011). An integral part of the intervention involves setting patient-centred long-term hopes/goals. However, it has been suggested that therapist's perceptions, didactic tendencies and time limitations present barriers to partnership working and goal-setting with patients (Norris & Kilbride, 2014). Others suggest that stroke survivors feel more comfortable setting goals with rehabilitation assistants (RAs), who are felt to adopt a less judgemental approach (Coster et al., 2012). To date, published studies have delivered SSMPs in addition to rehabilitation, and none have used RAs to deliver them. Theoretically, using RAs to deliver SSMPs and integrating programmes into rehabilitation, may improve efficiency of delivery, reduce provider burden, enhance adherence and therefore improve effectiveness.
The study aims to test the feasibility of the measurement and trial procedures for a Randomised Controlled Trial, as well as the feasibility of delivery of 'Bridges' by RAs over a six-week period, when integrated into rehabilitation, to a sample of rural community-dwelling stroke survivors within an Early Supported Service.
REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/0491
Date of REC Opinion
24 Mar 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion