Article

OBJECTIVE: Examine feasibility of conducting a randomized controlled trial of the
Timing it Right Stroke Family Support Program (TIRSFSP) and collect pilot data.
DESIGN: Multi-site mixed method randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Acute and
community care in three Canadian cities. SUBJECTS: Caregivers were family members
or friends providing care to individuals who experienced their first stroke. INTERVENTION:
The TIRSFSP offered in two formats, self-directed by the caregiver
or stroke support person-directed over time, were compared to standard care. MAIN
MEASURES: Caregivers completed baseline and follow-up measures 1, 3 and 6 months
post-stroke including Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression, Positive
Affect, Social Support, and Mastery Scales. We completed in-depth qualitative
interviews with caregivers and maintained intervention records describing support
provided to each caregiver. RESULTS: Thirty-one caregivers received standard care
(n=10), self-directed (n=10), or stroke support person-directed (n=11)
interventions. We retained 77% of the sample through 6-months. Key areas of
support derived from intervention records (n=11) related to caregiver wellbeing,
caregiving strategies, patient wellbeing, community re-integration, and service
delivery. Compared to standard care, caregivers receiving the stroke support
person-directed intervention reported improvements in perceived support (estimate
3.1, P=.04) and mastery (estimate .35, P=.06). Qualitative caregiver interviews
(n=19) reflected the complex interaction between caregiver needs, preferences and
available options when reporting on level of satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS:
Preliminary findings suggest the research design is feasible, caregivers' needs
are complex, and the support intervention may enhance caregivers' perceived
support and mastery. The intervention will be tested further in a large scale trial.
CI - (c) The Author(s) 2014.

Langue : ANGLAIS