Interventions for improving psychosocial well-being after stroke: A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Psychosocial impairments affect up to one-third of stroke patients, impacting their overall well-being.
• Nurses are pivotal in addressing these issues but often lack confidence and knowledge.
• Effective interventions are needed to enhance nurses' ability to provide psychosocial care post-stroke.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify effective interventions and their components for improving psychosocial well-being in stroke patients.
• To determine which aspects of interventions are most effective when delivered by nurses.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review and data synthesis of 60 studies (including randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental designs).
• Studies were selected based on criteria including before-after design, stroke patient population, nurse-deliverable interventions, and psychosocial outcomes.
• Data extraction and quality assessment were performed using Joanna Briggs Institute methodologies.

Main Results:

• Thirty-nine interventions demonstrated positive effects on psychosocial well-being after stroke.
• Effective intervention topics included mood, recovery, coping, emotions, and self-management.
• Active information delivery and physical exercise were identified as effective methods.

Conclusions:

• Interventions should integrate identified effective topics and delivery methods to enhance psychosocial well-being post-stroke.
• Further research is recommended to study the interaction of intervention components.
• Involving nurses and patients in intervention development is crucial for practical application and effectiveness.