A feasibility and pilot randomized controlled trial of the “Timing it Right Stroke Family Support Program”

Abstract

Preliminary findings suggest the research design is feasible, caregivers' needs are complex, and the support intervention may enhance caregivers' perceived support and mastery. The intervention will be tested further in a large scale trial.

Update on the State of the Evidence for Stroke Family Caregiver and Dyad Interventions

“…For example, three of the caregiver studies did not measure survivor outcomes, 9,10,13 and the two that did, 11,12 did not find significant results. All of the dyad intervention studies reported at least one significant caregiver outcome; however, most were primarily targeted toward the survivor with positive survivor outcomes.…”

“…9,10,13,14,17,18 One large study used cluster randomization by unit. 11 The remaining three studies were quasi-experimental (e.g., non-random assignment to condition 12,16 or single group 15 ).…”

“…11 Five studies had sample sizes of less than 50. 10,12,14,15,17 These studies should be interpreted with caution, particularly since small pilot studies do not provide meaningful effect size estimates for larger studies, let alone enough power for hypothesis testing. 19 Some smaller studies reported statistically significant results, which could have resulted from Type I error.…”

“…13 Two studies included caregivers of survivors who were 60 years of age or older, 13,15 resulting in limited generalizability for survivors who are in early to mid-life and experiencing the unique stressors that accompany those life stages. 21 Six countries were represented (USA, 9,14,18 Canada, 10 UK, 11 Germany, 12,13 Netherlands, 16 Korea 15,17 ), many with drastically different healthcare systems and cultural norms around illness recovery and caregiving, raising further questions about generalizability; however, these studies provide a more global perspective.…”

“…10,15–17 Recommendations from the original scientific statement emphasized the importance of using a combination of skill-building and psycho-educational interventions. 4 Skill-building strategies focus on processes such as problem solving, stress management, goal setting, or hands on training.…”