Developing the Bridges self-management programme for New Zealand stroke survivors: A case study

Abstract

Background/aim This case study describes the adaptation of the UK-developed Bridges stroke self-management programme (Bridges SMP) into a version relevant and acceptable to the New Zealand (NZ) context. Methods Stakeholder consultation and qualitative methodology explored the acceptability and relevance of the Bridges SMP in NZ. Focus group discussions were held with stroke survivors (n=60) and neurorehabilitation therapists (n= 17). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 stroke survivors. Based on data gathered the authors culturally and contextually adapted the accompanying Bridges SMP workbook. This study piloted the adapted programme with six stroke survivors and used semi-structured interviews to explore their perceptions of it. Findings The Bridges SMP was considered acceptable and beneficial for developing skills to self-manage recovery following stroke. The main recommended adaptation was the inclusion of NZ stories into the accompanying workbook. Four themes reflected the six pilot study participants' perceptions of the programme: you are not alone, reflection and taking action, life continues after stroke, and taking responsibility. Conclusions The Bridges SMP was considered relevant and only required moderate adaptation for use in NZ. The process the authors undertook to contextualise Bridges SMP for NZ will provide guidance to the programme's introduction into other international regions.

Adapting the Bridges stroke self-management programme for use in Australia

“…While the Bridges SSMP resources have been developed for use in the UK, the workbook was seen to be applicable to an Australian context with minor changes to wording and the inclusion of some patient stories with an Australian flavor. Similarly to the work undertaken by Hale et al (2014), the adapted workbook would need to be piloted and evaluated within a range of settings and stroke services in Australia, prior to widespread use.…”

“…A study carried out in in New Zealand (NZ), explored the relevance and content of the Bridges SSMP with stroke survivors. After stakeholder consultation with several groups of stroke survivors, the Bridges SSMP workbook was revised and the modified programme successfully trialed (Hale et al, 2014). The revised workbook incorporated patient stories that were felt to be more representative of the multicultural society in NZ, using appropriate language and making reference to specific life roles and experiences that were contextually appropriate (Hale et al, 2014).…”

“…After stakeholder consultation with several groups of stroke survivors, the Bridges SSMP workbook was revised and the modified programme successfully trialed (Hale et al, 2014). The revised workbook incorporated patient stories that were felt to be more representative of the multicultural society in NZ, using appropriate language and making reference to specific life roles and experiences that were contextually appropriate (Hale et al, 2014). Although Australia could be expected to share many of the same contextual health issues as the UK and NZ, there may be distinct cultural differences which could impact on the relevance of the Bridges SSMP and interest in this approach in Australia.…”

Functional and Cognitive Occupational Therapy (FaCoT) Improves Self-Efficacy and Behavioral–Emotional Status of Individuals with Mild Stroke; Analysis of Secondary Outcomes

“…The ‘Bridges self-management program’, for example, developed by Jones et al [ 23 ] for individuals post stroke, includes one to six individual sessions using goal setting and strategies to promote specific behavior and problem solving to improve self-efficacy, functional activity, participation, and mood. Positive findings were seen in their preliminary study [ 23 , 25 ] and feasibility RCT [ 26 ]; participants exhibited increased self-efficacy and sense of control and improved functional activity and mood; however, only 12 individuals participated in the intervention.…”

Implementing and evaluating the Bridges stroke self-management programme into a New Zealand district health board stroke service: A case study

“…This approach, developed in the United Kingdom, may not be acceptable or suitable in a New Zealand context. Our first study contextualised Bridges and its accompanying workbook for New Zealand, and established its relevancy and acceptability to both stroke survivors and stroke rehabilitation practitioners (Hale et al, 2014).…”