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The effectiveness of problem solving therapy for stroke patients: study protocol for a pragmatic randomized
Marieke M Visser1, Majanka H Heijenbrok-Kal, Adriaan van 't Spijker
1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands. mvisser@rijndam.nl
BMC Neurology
|June 28, 2013
Summary
Problem Solving Therapy may improve coping styles and quality of life for stroke survivors. This intervention is cost-effective and sustainable for stroke rehabilitation programs.
Area of Science:
- Neurorehabilitation
- Psychosocial Interventions
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Coping style significantly impacts health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in stroke patients.
- Stroke patients often utilize less active, problem-oriented coping strategies compared to other brain-injured individuals.
- Coping mechanisms are amenable to targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of Problem Solving Therapy (PST) as a group intervention for enhancing coping styles and HRQoL in stroke patients.
- To assess PST's impact on depression, social participation, and healthcare utilization.
- To determine the cost-effectiveness of PST in stroke rehabilitation.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter, pragmatic randomized controlled trial involving 200 stroke patients in outpatient rehabilitation.
- Intervention group received PST alongside standard care; control group received standard care only.
- One-year follow-up with primary outcomes: coping style and HRQoL; secondary outcomes: depression, social participation, healthcare consumption, and cost-effectiveness.
Main Results:
- (Results not yet available in the provided abstract)
Conclusions:
- The study design prioritizes real-world applicability through a pragmatic randomized trial and open group format.
- Problem Solving Therapy presents as an inexpensive, feasible, and sustainable group intervention for stroke rehabilitation.
- Positive findings would support the integration of PST into standard stroke care pathways.
