Using the Behaviour Change Wheel to develop an intervention to improve conversations about recovery on the stroke...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Health Services Research
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Effective communication regarding stroke recovery is vital for patients and families.
• Stroke unit staff often find discussions about recovery, especially delivering bad news, challenging.
• This study initiated the development of an intervention to enhance these crucial conversations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel complex intervention aimed at improving communication about recovery on stroke units.
• To identify barriers to effective recovery communication and relevant behavior change techniques.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) framework informed by prior qualitative data.
• Conducted an online survey with stroke professionals to gather perspectives on intervention components.
• Identified barriers, intervention functions, and behavior change techniques (BCTs) for the intervention.

Main Results:

• The target behavior was identified as the provision of recovery information by staff to patients and carers.
• Six key barriers were prioritized: lack of confidence, communication skills, knowledge of benefits, timing/format, privacy, and lack of written information.
• An intervention strategy was developed using twelve clinically feasible BCTs across Training, Enablement, Persuasion, and Environmental restructuring functions.

Conclusions:

• The BCW approach facilitated the initial development of an intervention to improve stroke recovery conversations.
• Incorporated stakeholder perspectives through a professional survey.
• Further research is needed to develop intervention materials and evaluate effectiveness on staff and patient outcomes.