Sustaining gains following post-stroke memory rehabilitation using eHealth maintenance interventions: The...

Area of Science:

• Neurorehabilitation
• Digital Health Interventions
• Stroke Recovery

Background:

• Stroke survivors often experience persistent memory deficits impacting daily life.
• Sustaining the benefits of initial memory rehabilitation is crucial for long-term functional recovery.
• eHealth interventions offer potential solutions for accessible and continuous post-stroke care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary effectiveness of two eHealth maintenance interventions (Telehealth Boosters, Electronic Reminders) versus usual care.
• To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of these eHealth strategies in sustaining post-stroke memory rehabilitation effects.
• To compare the long-term impact of different maintenance strategies on memory function in stroke survivors.

Main Methods:

• A pilot randomized controlled trial involving 38 community-dwelling stroke survivors with memory problems.
• Participants received a 6-week memory skills group followed by randomization to Telehealth Boosters, Electronic Reminders, or Usual Care.
• Outcomes included acceptability, feasibility, nine efficacy measures, and intervention costs, assessed at multiple time points.

Main Results:

• High acceptability and feasibility were reported across all intervention groups.
• Memory gains achieved post-rehabilitation were sustained over time in all conditions, including usual care.
• Telehealth Booster sessions demonstrated the largest within-group effect sizes for most efficacy outcomes.
• While Telehealth Boosters had higher delivery costs, Electronic Reminders incurred greater total costs due to increased service utilization.

Conclusions:

• eHealth interventions are acceptable and feasible for maintaining post-stroke memory rehabilitation effects.
• Telehealth Booster sessions may offer the most effective maintenance strategy without significantly increasing overall costs.
• Further research is warranted to confirm the long-term efficacy and cost-effectiveness of these digital health approaches in stroke recovery.