Development of a self-management intervention for stroke survivors with aphasia using co-production and behaviour change theory: An outline of methods and processes

Abstract

Background Self-management is a promising approach to improve quality of life after stroke. However, evidence for the appropriateness and effectiveness of self-management for stroke survivors with aphasia is limited. This article reports on the process used to develop a supported self-management intervention for stroke survivors with aphasia (SSWA) using co-production and behaviour change theory. Preparatory research included systematic reviews, and qualitative interviews and focus groups with SSWA, family members and speech and language therapists (SLTs). Materials and methods We conducted six, 2 hour long intervention development workshops with key stakeholders. The workshops were informed by principles of co-production and the intervention development process outlined by the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW). We also incorporated the findings of our preparatory research within workshops. Each workshop included an introduction, 1–2 co-production tasks and time for feedback at the end of the session. Data were analysed on an ongoing basis so that findings could be used to feed in to subsequent workshops and intervention development. Results Workshop participants (n = 12) included; SSWA (n = 5), family members (n = 3) and SLTs (n = 4). Together, participants engaged with accessible and participatory co-production tasks which aligned with the BCW framework. Participants engaged in discussion to define self-management in behavioural terms (behavioural diagnosis) and to identify what needed to change to support self-management. Participant’s co-produced solutions for supporting self-management and discussed options to implement these in practice. Prototype materials were generated by the research team and evaluated by participants. Intervention functions and behaviour change techniques (BCTs) were mapped to the solutions generated by participants by the research team, after the final workshop. A supported self-management intervention for SSWA was developed which will be delivered by SLTs through community stroke services. Conclusions This paper reports the process we used to integrate co-production work with behaviour change theory to develop a complex self-management intervention. This is of relevance for researchers looking to harness the strengths of co-production methods and theory in intervention design. Future research will feasibility test the supported self-management intervention developed. This paper provides transparency to our intervention development process which will help others to better interpret the findings of our feasibility work.

Construction and validation of a serial album for companions of patients with stroke

“…The companions of patients who have suffered stroke need subsidies to increase their interaction with survivors and play their role as companions and thus assist patients to perform self-care supported (18) . Interventions that contribute to the supported selfmanagement of care demonstrate positive results for both companions and patients (19) . Therefore, the health education of this public is essential for the rehabilitation of quality of post-stroke patients.…”

Construção e validação de álbum seriado para acompanhantes de pacientes com Acidente Vascular Cerebral

“…Os acompanhantes de pacientes que sofreram AVC necessitam de subsídios para aumentar sua interação com os sobreviventes e desempenhar seu papel de acompanhante e, assim, auxiliar o paciente a realizar o autocuidado apoiado (18) . Intervenções que contribuem para a autogestão apoiada do cuidado demonstram resultados positivos tanto para os acompanhantes quanto para os pacientes (19) . Logo, a educação em saúde desse público é 9…”

Stakeholder-Engaged Research

“…The research agenda was established by the university-based researchers. From the start, we knew that it was essential to have other stakeholder voices influence this work because recent work has demonstrated the benefits of partnering with stakeholders to create interventions (Cruice et al, 2022; Horton et al, 2021; Shiggins et al, 2022; Wray et al, 2021; Yarborough et al, 2013). People with aphasia, care partners of people with aphasia, SLPs working in various settings, and researchers who had expertise in social networks and friendship would thus add critical input to any potential intervention.…”

“…The research agenda was established by the university-based researchers. From the start, we knew that it was essential to have other stakeholder voices influence this work because recent work has demonstrated the benefits of partnering with stakeholders to create interventions (Cruice et al, 2022;Horton et al, 2021;Shiggins et al, 2022;Wray et al, 2021;Yarborough et al, 2013).…”