Regaining Confidence after Stroke (RCAS): a feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT).

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Clinical Psychology
• Health Services Research

Background:

• The Regaining Confidence after Stroke (RCAS) course aims to aid post-rehabilitation adjustment for stroke survivors.
• Evaluating the feasibility of a randomized trial comparing RCAS to usual care was the primary objective.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of a randomized trial for the RCAS course.
• To evaluate screening, recruitment, consent, retention, outcome measure acceptability, and intervention fidelity and acceptability.

Main Methods:

• 47 stroke participants were randomized to either the RCAS course or usual care.
• The RCAS course involved 11 weekly sessions; fidelity was assessed via checklist, and acceptability through interviews.
• Outcomes were measured at 3 and 6 months post-randomization.

Main Results:

• Participant recruitment and retention rates supported trial feasibility.
• Intervention fidelity indicated alignment with the manual, though therapist training may be needed.
• The RCAS course was found to be acceptable and beneficial, with good attendance rates.

Conclusions:

• The study supports the feasibility of conducting a randomized trial to assess the effectiveness of the RCAS course.
• Further research can proceed to evaluate the RCAS course's impact on stroke survivor adjustment.