Interactive Voice Response-An Innovative Approach to Post-Stroke Depression Self-Management Support

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Psychiatry
• Digital Health

Background:

• Post-stroke depression is common and impacts recovery.
• Automated interactive voice response (IVR) systems offer potential for monitoring and support.
• Feasibility of IVR for stroke patients with depression is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and acceptability of IVR for post-stroke depression follow-up care.
• To evaluate the CarePartner program, a mobile health intervention utilizing IVR.

Main Methods:

• Recruited ischemic stroke patients and caregivers.
• Implemented a 3-month intervention with weekly IVR calls monitoring depressive symptoms and medication adherence.
• Notified caregivers and primary care providers (PCPs) based on IVR feedback.

Main Results:

• 13 of 56 (23%) enrolled stroke patients had depressive symptoms.
• Patients completed 74% of weekly IVR assessments.
• PCPs were notified five times for critical issues, including suicidal ideation and medication non-adherence.

Conclusions:

• Stroke patients with depressive symptoms can successfully engage with IVR call systems.
• IVR technology is a feasible adjunct for post-stroke depression management.
• Further research is needed to confirm the efficacy of IVR for stroke-related outcomes.