Purpose: A strong interpersonal relationship after stroke is important for the prevention of depression in survivors and family caregivers. This study aimed to test the feasibility of quality of relationship intervention for stroke dyads called Hand in Hand (HiH). Methods: Sixteen dyads were randomized into either the HiH group ( n = 8) or information, support, and referral (ISR) control group ( n = 8). HiH dyads received up to eight sessions, with topics prioritized according to a 17-item screening tool. ISR dyads received up to eight sessions that included information, active listening, and referrals. Feasibility, acceptability, and outcomes data were collected for both groups. Results: The HiH and ISR groups were feasible and acceptable. Caregivers in both groups, as well as survivors in the ISR group, experienced improvements in depressive symptoms and other select outcomes. Conclusions: Findings suggest that HiH is feasible to implement with stroke dyads and that it merits further refinement and testing.
Latinx and American Indians experience high rates of chronic health conditions. Family members play a significant role as informal caregivers for loved ones with chronic conditions and both patients and family caregivers report poor psychosocial outcomes. This systematic review synthesizes published studies about psychosocial interventions for Latinx and American Indian care dyads to determine: (i) the benefits of these interventions; (ii) their distinguishing features or adaptations, and; (iii) recommendations for future intervention development. Out of 366 records identified, seven studies met inclusion criteria. Interventions demonstrated benefits to outcomes such as disease knowledge, caregiver self-efficacy and burden, patient and caregiver well-being, symptom distress, anxiety and depression, and dyadic communication. Distinguishing features included tailoring to cultural values, beliefs, and delivery preferences, participants’ level of acculturation, and population-specific issues such as migratory stressors and support networks. Based upon this review, six recommendations for future intervention development are put forth.
A strong interpersonal relationship after stroke is important for the well-being of survivors and family caregivers. However, few interventions are designed to strengthen the relationship between members of the care dyad in order to prevent depression and other poor outcomes. The aim of this study was to feasibility test a quality of relationship intervention for stroke dyads called Hand in Hand (HiH). Sixteen survivor-caregiver dyads were recruited and randomized into either the HiH intervention group (n=8) or the Information, Support, and Referral (ISR) control group (n=8). HiH dyads received up to 8 sessions with a social worker in-person, by telephone, or by Zoom web conference, prioritized according to a 17-item screening tool with 17 corresponding HiH content areas. ISR dyads received up to 8 sessions that included information, active listening, and referrals as needed. Process, satisfaction, and pre/post outcomes data were collected for both groups. Seventy-five percent of HiH dyads completed over half the sessions which lasted, on average, 55 minutes (range 26-76). Sixty-two percent of ISR dyads completed over half the sessions which lasted, on average, 21 minutes (range 15-33). Dyads in both groups reported being satisfied with the program materials and processes. Survivors and caregivers in both groups experienced improvements in outcomes, particularly caregivers in the HiH group who showed improvements in communication, coping, subjective relationship quality, and depressive symptoms. Findings suggest that HiH is feasible to implement with stroke dyads and has promise for improving outcomes for participants. Additional research is needed to determine program efficacy.
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