Exploratory pilot study of a virtual support group for stroke caregivers

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Caregiver Support
• Digital Health

Background:

• Stroke survivors often experience long-term disability, increasing demands on informal caregivers.
• Caregivers face significant emotional, social, and logistical challenges, with limited accessible support systems.
• Existing models of chronic stroke care and caregiver support are often limited and unsustainable.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a virtual stroke caregiver support group.
• To explore preliminary outcomes and benefits for caregivers participating in the virtual support group.

Main Methods:

• An implementation-informed exploratory pilot study was conducted.
• Five participants attended weekly, six-week virtual support group sessions facilitated by healthcare professionals.
• The virtual format aimed to overcome common caregiver accessibility barriers (travel, time, cost, responsibilities).

Main Results:

• Participants reported high satisfaction and perceived benefits, including improved coping and increased confidence.
• The virtual intervention addressed accessibility barriers related to travel, time, and caregiving duties.
• Caregivers experienced validation of their experiences and reported moderate levels of loneliness and some self-care engagement.

Conclusions:

• A virtual caregiver support group is feasible and acceptable in community settings.
• This intervention has the potential to enhance caregiver well-being and promote better coping mechanisms.
• There is a need for scalable caregiver interventions and increased healthcare provider involvement in caregiver support.