Extrait

Background and study aims A stroke is a serious condition where the blood supply to a part of the brain is cut off, usually by a blood clot blocking an artery (ischaemic stroke) or a bleed (haemorrhagic stroke). A large proportion of stroke victims suffer from long-term complications depending on the area of the brain that is affected, which can affect their ability to move, speak or even their cognitive function (memory loss, difficulty reasoning and confusion). One of the most common complications of a stroke is impaired mobility due to weakness or paralysis on one side of the body. In order to regain mobility, extensive physiotherapy is required, however many patients only receive this for a short time. There is therefore a need to better support stroke survivors with the long-term management of their condition. One way to address this need would be through self-management programmes. Self-management provides a set of techniques to help stroke survivors successfully manage different aspects of their condition. Bridges is a one-to-one self-management programme which is used within the NHS. Importantly, it can increase a person’s belief in their own ability to manage their stroke. Before a properly designed clinical trial to investigate whether group self-management training works for stroke survivors can be done, it is important to find out whether it is feasible – in other words whether it would be possible to conduct a larger research project of group self-management post stroke. The aim of this study is to test the feasibility of delivering a self-management programme called the Bridges self-management programme to stroke survivors. Who can participate? Adults who have had a stroke and have been discharged from community rehabilitation services. What does the study involve? Participants are randomly allocated to one of two groups. Those in the first group take part in the Bridges self-management programme immediately. This involves two-hourly sessions once a week for four weeks. The programme is delivered by trained facilitators and takes place in groups of 5-8 stroke patients. It is made up of content such as problem solving, reflection and future hopes. Each participant receives a work book to work through during the programme. Those in the second group receive the programme after six months of being on a waiting list. At the start of the study and then after the programme (four weeks), two weeks later and six months later, participants in both groups are followed up in order to assess their quality of life, self-efficiency, mood and activities of daily living. The acceptability of the programme is also assessed through follow up interviews with participants. What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? Current evidence suggests self-management programmes may improve quality of life in stroke survivors, as well as build confidence. No effects are evidenced for this particular programme as it is new. However, similar effects have been found in group self-management programmes for other conditions so may be found for those taking part in this study. A group programme will also enable participants to meet other peers in similar positions. As there are no risks reported from the one-to-one programme or group self-management programmes and so this study is considered minimal risk. Where is the study run from? Hyper Acute Stroke Survivor in University College London Hospitals (UK) When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? February 2015 to February 2018 Who is funding the study? National institute for Health Research (UK) Who is the main contact? Miss Ella Clark [email protected]

Critère d'inclusion

• Specialty: Stroke, Primary sub-specialty: Rehabilitation

Liens

• isrctn