Taking ACTion Together
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Taking ACTion Together: Exploring psychological adjustment to stroke amongst expert by experience co-facilitators
IRAS ID
356334
Contact name
Megan Letch
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Surrey
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 16 days
Research summary
Taking ACTion Together: Exploring psychological adjustment to stroke amongst expert by experience co-facilitators, aims to explore the experiences of stroke survivors in adjusting to life after stroke while acting as experts by experience (EbE) co-facilitators in a psychological intervention group. Stroke can have long-term physical, cognitive, emotional, and social impacts, with many survivors experiencing depression, anxiety, and difficulties in daily functioning. Causing difficulties with adjustment to life after a stroke. Psychological support for stroke survivors is often limited, and there is growing interest in understanding how peer support and lived experience involvement can contribute to recovery and adjustment. This study will recruit 6–10 adult stroke survivors who have undertaken EbE training and co-facilitated at least one intervention group for adjustment in fellow stroke survivors. Individual in-depth semi-structured interviews will explore participants’ stories of psychological adjustment post-stroke, the process of training as an EbE, and their role in supporting others, impacting their own adjustment. Demographic and health-related information, including age, gender, ethnicity, time since stroke, type of stroke, and comorbidities, will also be collected. Interviews will be conducted online via video call, or in person in participants' homes or other private settings, depending on what is convenient for participants. Interviews are expected to last approximately 60–90 minutes, with flexibility to allow for reasonable adjustments. Participants will be offered a £25 voucher in recognition of their time and contribution. The findings are expected to provide insight into the process of psychological adjustment following stroke, further understanding of the potential impacts of involvement of EbE as peer support in psychological interventions following stroke for patients and EbE adjustment. This research could inform future research, contribute to the current understanding of the long-term psychological needs of stroke survivors, and guide the potential wider implementation of peer-supported interventions.
REC name
HSC REC B
REC reference
25/NI/0164
Date of REC Opinion
27 Jan 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion