Development of a Dyad-Focused Intervention for Stroke Survivors and Their Family Caregivers: A Feasibility Study

Abstract

Importance: Transitioning from the hospital to the community poses significant challenges for stroke survivors and their caregivers.

Objective: To examine the feasibility and preliminary effects of a dyad-focused strategy training intervention.

Design: Single-arm trial with data collection at baseline, postintervention, and 3-mo follow-up.

Setting: Rehabilitation settings in Taiwan.

Participants: Sixteen stroke survivor-caregiver dyads.

Interventions: Dyad-focused strategy training was provided to stroke survivor-caregiver dyads twice a week over 6 wk. The training included shared decision-making, goal setting, performance evaluation, strategy development and implementation, and therapeutic guided discovery.

Outcomes and measures: Feasibility indicators were Goal Attainment Scaling, Dyadic Relationship Scale, Participation Measure-3 Domains, 4 Dimensions, Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Trail Making Test, Stroop Color and Word Test, Preparedness for Caregiving Scale, and Zarit Burden Interview.

Results: In total, 15 dyads completed all intervention sessions with full attendance. Both stroke survivors and their caregivers demonstrated high engagement and comprehension and reported moderate to high satisfaction with the intervention. From baseline to postintervention, the effects on goal attainment, frequency and perceived difficulty of community participation, executive function, mobility function, and caregiver preparedness were significant and positive.

Conclusions and relevance: Our study supports the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of dyad-focused strategy training for stroke survivor-caregiver dyads transitioning from the hospital to the community in Taiwan. Our preliminary evidence indicates that dyads who receive strategy training exhibit advancement toward their goals and experience considerable enhancements in their individual outcomes. Plain-Language Summary: This study addresses the scarcity of interventions catering to both stroke survivors and their caregivers. By demonstrating the feasibility of our dyad-focused intervention, the research offers preliminary evidence that supports the potential advantages of involving both stroke survivors and their caregivers in the intervention process.