Development and implementation of a novel social participation program for stroke survivors: A feasibility study

Stroke survivors face multi-dimensional personal and environmental challenges in returning to normal life. However, few studies have designed comprehensive intervention for social participation improvement among stroke survivors.

This study developed and tested the feasibility of a novel Social PArticipation Redesign intervention for stroKe survivors (SPARK).

Guided by the social ecological model and adapted from the lifestyle redesign framework, the SPARK comprised a 6-week WeChat-based group intervention plus two individual online interviews. A single-group pre-post study was carried out to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, safety, fidelity and preliminary changes in outcomes of the SPARK program. The primary outcome was the social participation frequency.

Of 38 eligible participants, 20 consented and 15 completed the program. Recruitment, adherence, and retention rates were 80%, 66.7%, and 80%, respectively, indicating good feasibility. Participants reported high acceptability of the SPARK program, with a satisfaction score of 48.8 out of 50 on a study-specific acceptability questionnaire. The program fidelity was confirmed through assessments by two independent observers. For preliminary changes in outcomes, participants exhibited significant improvements in social participation frequency and reduction in participation restrictions, depression, and anxiety at post-intervention. They also exhibited enhanced cognitive function and perceived social support.

The SPARK program is feasible to implement among stroke survivors and may have potential benefits for psychological, cognitive, and social rehabilitation outcomes. Additional larger randomized controlled trials could be conducted to determine the effectiveness and usability of the SPARK program in clinical practice.