Feasibility of a self-management intervention for improving mobility for patients following stroke in the community.
Stroke affects walking, upper-limb function and speech leading to emotional and financial problems and a reduced quality of life for the survivors. Walking is a major problem in two-thirds of stroke survivors causing difficulties in doing normal tasks of daily-living and social activities. Annually, 152,000 people in the UK suffer a stroke, with a predicted 123% increase in the number of people living with the after-effects of a stroke by the year 2035. This will result in a huge strain on the resources of an already overburdened health-service.
Patients are offered limited rehabilitation opportunities in the community, which causes them to feel abandoned and unable to reach their maximum potential. We can improve this situation and help patients by offering them opportunities to help themselves through self-management interventions that enable patients to recognise and manage their own health.
This project will test feasibility of a self-management intervention for improving the patients walking, and their emotional well-being.
Ninety people with stroke recruited through NHS community teams will be randomly split between two groups: treatment group will get self-management intervention with education in walking safely, exercises, and peer-support within a group of fellow patients. Participants will be encouraged to set their own goals, monitor their progress and receive advice from a therapist when required. The second group of 45 patients will be instructed in safe walking techniques and encouraged to take regular walks.
All participants will be assessed when they are recruited, at three months and six months for their walking ability, achievement of their goals, confidence and emotional health. Patients views about the intervention and its feasibility will be collected using focus-groups.
The study will take place in the community over a period of two years.