Implementing a Strengths-based Intervention to Support Stroke Care Partners: Proof of Concept

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Psychosocial Support
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Stroke care partners face significant psychosocial and physiological stressors.
• Existing support programs require adaptation for the specific needs of stroke care partners.
• Early supported discharge clinics present a unique setting for implementing care partner interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt an existing care partner support program for skill-building and psychosocial support.
• To examine the implementation of this adapted program in an early supported stroke discharge clinic.
• To investigate the program's effects on care partner mental health and perceived burden.

Main Methods:

• A type 2 hybrid implementation-effectiveness study design was employed.
• Stakeholders adapted the intervention, and care partner roles were evaluated.
• Care partners participated in the adapted support intervention, with feasibility, acceptability, and outcomes assessed at baseline, 12, and 24 weeks.

Main Results:

• The adapted support program was deemed suitable for the stroke clinic setting using a scaling-out strategy.
• Care partners primarily assisted with instrumental activities of daily living.
• Participants reported high satisfaction and acceptability; mental health scores increased, and burden decreased from baseline to 24 weeks.

Conclusions:

• The adapted support program is acceptable and feasible for stroke care partners.
• The program shows potential benefits for care partner well-being and burden reduction.
• Scaling out this intervention could optimize the use of limited care partner services within health systems.