Abstract TP38: Evaluation Of A Stroke Survivor To Survivor Program

Abstract

Background: Since 2015 a Primary Stroke Center in the Midwest has had a Stroke Survivor to Survivor Program (SS2S). The SS2S program was developed by a local non-profit organization whose mission is to provide advocacy, support, education and resources to stroke survivors and their families. SS2S is a telephone-based peer support program that aims to encourage, support, network, and provide resources to stroke survivors post discharge. The SS2S program provides at least 2 monthly calls from trained SS2S stroke volunteers to participants and/or caregivers. The volunteers educate on treatment and appointment adherence, offer community resources, information on support groups, access to Podcasts, and a connection to survivors and/or caregivers with other survivors. Purpose: An evaluation of SS2S was conducted to inform program effectiveness, as well as identify opportunities for program improvement for replication and scalability. Methods: The evaluation study was a one-group, post-only design. Adults who experienced a stroke and received treatment at the study hospital were eligible to participate. Participants who met the inclusion criteria were invited to participate in the SS2S program evaluation. A third party conducted the interviews using a semi-structured interview guide approved by the IRB. Interviews were transcribed and coded for themes using an inductive and deductive thematic approach and analyzed using NVivo 12. Results: Interviews were conducted for four months. 32 participants were contacted, 6 agreed to a full interview and 2 agreed to provide limited feedback. The majority were male and had at least 2 calls with a SS2S volunteer. The majority indicated they had a positive experience. Both participants and coordinators agreed that stroke survivors with residual stroke complications, limited resources and limited social support would benefit from the program the most. The majority of participants agreed that they enjoyed receiving a follow up phone call and were encouraged by them. Conclusions: Although the study sample size was small, the results support the SS2S program aims. The program works best when it connects patients with relevant and timely resources as well as offers the survivors the emotional support to talk freely and feel heard.