Psychosocial wellbeing following stroke (completed)

About the Project

The study is being conducted by the University of Oslo, Department of Nursing Science, at the Institute of Health and Society in collaboration with Oslo University Hospital. The study is affiliated with the Research Center for Habilitation and Rehabilitation (CHARM).Background

Background

Many stroke survivors find the rehabilitation process after a stroke to be very challenging. The physical, cognitive, communication, and emotional consequences of stroke are often complex and interrelated. Depressive symptoms, anxiety, and social isolation are common after a stroke. Stroke survivors with aphasia are at risk of developing anxiety, depression, and social isolation, but they are often excluded from research studies.

Several international research studies have shown that structured conversations with healthcare professionals can be helpful in promoting coping and psychosocial well-being after a stroke. Based on this, the research group, led by Professor Marit Kirkevold, has developed a structured, conversation-based psychosocial intervention tailored to Norwegian conditions. The intervention has been tested in various pilot studies with older and younger stroke survivors, as well as those with aphasia.

The Intervention:

The intervention consists of 8 sessions between the stroke survivor and a specially trained nurse, occupational therapist, or other relevant professional background, within the period of 1 to 6 months after the stroke. Each session will last approximately one hour and will focus on specific topics related to living with stroke, such as mood, meaningful activities, body, social networks/interactions with others, and self-understanding. The conversations will be flexible and tailored to the individual's needs. The sessions will take place wherever the stroke survivor desires. Family members can participate in the conversation up to two times during the intervention period. Initially, the sessions will be individual, but there may be an option for group sessions in the later part of the intervention period.

Objectives:

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the conversation-based intervention on a larger group of participants and measure its impact on psychosocial health, coping, and quality of life.

Method:

The study is a randomized, single-blinded, controlled trial with an intervention group (150 participants) and a control group (150 participants). The primary outcome measure is psychosocial health (GHQ-28), but both groups will also be assessed for depression, anxiety, quality of life, and coping at 1, 6, and 12 months after the stroke.

Approvals:

The study has been approved by the Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics (REK-Sør) and registered with the Data Protection Officer at the healthcare institutions involved in recruitment for the study.

Funding:

• South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority (Post-doc)
• Extra Foundation via the Aphasia Association (PhD stipend)
• Scientia Fellows, University of Oslo (Post-doc)

Collaboration:

• Oslo University Hospital
• Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences
• UiT, The Arctic University of Norway, Narvik Campus
• Akershus University Hospital
• Aarhus University
• University of Central Lancashire
• City University of London

Project period

2014 - 2021