Wellbeing After Stroke (WAterS-2) v1

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Wellbeing After Stroke (WAterS-2): Upskilling a workforce to deliver inclusive, accessible psychological support after stroke

• IRAS ID

  287785

• Contact name

  Emma Patchwood

• Contact email

  Emma.Patchwood@manchester.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  University of Manchester

• ISRCTN Number

  ISRCTN17628580

• Duration of Study in the UK

  0 years, 11 months, 30 days

• Research summary

  Stroke survivors face a range of challenges adjusting to life after stroke. There are limited treatment options and a lack of psychologists to provide support. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has successfully improved wellbeing.

  An earlier study working with stroke survivors, healthcare professionals and researchers developed WAterS (Wellbeing after stroke). WAterS is informed by ACT, designed specifically for groups of stroke survivors for remote delivery. We also developed a training and supervision programme for staff without ACT expertise to deliver WAterS. Findings were promising. Changes are required to make WAterS more inclusive.

  AIMS
  To deliver an adapted therapy (WAterS-2), within the NHS, targeting stroke survivors with communication disabilities and those from minoritized ethnic communities. We will explore:
  - if WAterS-2 can be provided as planned
  - patient and staff experiences of WAterS-2 in terms of perceived impact, acceptability and safety
  - factors that may help or hinder future WAterS research

  METHODS
  We will recruit and train up to 10 staff working in NHS or other settings, with experience of supporting stroke survivors, to deliver WAterS-2.

  We will also recruit up to 30 stroke survivors, at least 4 months post-stroke, with self-reported difficulty adjusting. Recruitment will take place over a 3 month period. We will run up to 3 separate courses of WAterS-2 groups. Each course will consist of 8 online group sessions lasting up to two hours. If a participant requires support to take part, a supporting individual will also be recruited and will feedback on experience.

  We will use online surveys and feedback questionnaires, and will review recordings of sessions to collect information on delivery success and acceptability. We will invite a sub-sample of staff and stroke survivor participants to interview with a researcher to understand more about their experiences.

  Findings will help plan studies looking at the effectiveness of WAterS-2.
  

• REC name

  Wales REC 6

• REC reference

  24/WA/0238

• Date of REC Opinion

  29 Aug 2024

• REC opinion

  Favourable Opinion