The Stroke and Carer Optimal Health Program (SCOHP) to enhance psychosocial health: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Catherine Brasier,David R Thompson,Nicola T Lautenschlager,Jan Cameron,Casey L O’Brien,Simon R Knowles,Susan L Rossell,Gaye Moore,Chantal F Ski,David J Castle,Graeme Gonzales,Rachel Haselden,Ya-Seng Arthur Hsueh

doi:10.1186/s13063-016-1559-y

Abstract

BackgroundStroke is a leading cause of disability and distress, and often profoundly affects the quality of life of stroke survivors and their carers. With the support of carers, many stroke survivors are returning to live in the community despite the presence of disability and ongoing challenges. The sudden and catastrophic changes caused by stroke affects the mental, emotional and social health of both stroke survivors and carers. The aim of this study is to evaluate a Stroke and Carer Optimal Health Program (SCOHP) that adopts a person-centred approach and engages collaborative therapy to educate, support and improve the psychosocial health of stroke survivors and their carers.MethodsThis study is a prospective randomised controlled trial. It will include a total of 168 stroke survivors and carers randomly allocated into an intervention group (SCOHP) or a control group (usual care). Participants randomised to the intervention group will receive nine (8 + 1 booster) sessions guided by a structured workbook. The primary outcome measures for stroke survivors and carers will be health-related quality of life (AQoL-6D and EQ-5D) and self-efficacy (GSE). Secondary outcome measures will include: anxiety and depression (HADS); coping (Brief COPE); work and social adjustment (WSAS); carer strain (MCSI); carer satisfaction (CASI); and treatment evaluation (TEI-SF and CEQ). Process evaluation and a health economic cost analysis will also be conducted.DiscussionWe believe that this is an innovative intervention that engages the stroke survivor and carer and will be significant in improving the psychosocial health, increasing independence and reducing treatment-related costs in this vulnerable patient-carer dyad. In addition, we expect that the intervention will assist carers and stroke survivors to negotiate the complexity of health services across the trajectory of care and provide practical skills to improve self-management.Trial registrationACTRN12615001046594. Registered on 7 October 2015.

Highlights

Stroke is a leading cause of disability and distress, and often profoundly affects the quality of life of stroke survivors and their carers
The informal caring role is pivotal in maintaining stroke survivors in the community but this comes at a significant cost to the carer [4, 9,10,11,12]
The crucial evidence gap lies in the integration and co-ordination of patient and carer support programs within health service delivery

Summary

Introduction

Stroke is a leading cause of disability and distress, and often profoundly affects the quality of life of stroke survivors and their carers. With the support of carers, many stroke survivors are returning to live in the community despite the presence of disability and ongoing challenges. The sudden and catastrophic changes caused by stroke affects the mental, emotional and social health of both stroke survivors and carers. The aim of this study is to evaluate a Stroke and Carer Optimal Health Program (SCOHP) that adopts a person-centred approach and engages collaborative therapy to educate, support and improve the psychosocial health of stroke survivors and their carers. The Stroke and Carer Optimal Health Program (SCOHP) will adopt a person-centred approach combining collaborative therapy and care co-ordination to support and improve the mental and physical health of stroke survivors and their carers

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Conclusion