Facilitating diary keeping and participation in valued activities with individuals who have had a stroke : a randomised controlled trial

• Main Author: Fido, Rebecca
• Published: University of Sheffield 2010
• Subjects: 155
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.527257

The literature review evaluates the evidence for approaches designed to facilitate patient involvement in goal setting within stroke and brain injury rehabilitation. Patient involvement in healthcare decision making follows guidance for patient-centred practice and is believed to promote adherence to interventions and improved outcomes. The review identifies a range of approaches designed to improve patient involvement in goal setting for neurological rehabilitation and evaluates the evidence provided for them. Qualitative studies of participant perspectives are examined to identify barriers and facilitators for involving patients with acquired brain injury in rehabilitation goal setting. Research Report: The study aimed to investigate the use of implementation intentions to facilitate diary-keeping and participation in valued activities after discharge from community stroke rehabilitation. Using a randomised procedure, participants (N=29) were allocated to either a Diary Plan intervention group or a No Diary Plan control group. Whilst all participants were required to complete a diary which incorporated implementation intentions for valued activities, only the Diary Plan participants formed an implementation intention for completing the diary. Between-group analyses showed no effects for the implementation intention on diary completion. Single-group analyses found that formation of implementation intentions for valued activities was associated with higher post-intervention activity levels. Due to the small sample size, cautious interpretation of these results is advocated. Methodological limitations and suggestions for future research in the development of self management interventions in stroke rehabilitation are discussed.