Evaluation of a stroke family care worker: results of a randomised controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effect of contact with a stroke family care worker on the physical, social, and psychological status of stroke patients and their carers.


METHODS
Randomised controlled trial with broad entry criteria and blinded outcome assessment six months after randomisation.


METHODS
A well organised stroke service in an Edinburgh teaching hospital.


METHODS
417 patients with an acute stroke in the previous 30 days randomly allocated to be contacted by a stroke family care worker (210) or to receive standard care (207). The patients represented 67% of all stroke patients assessed at the hospital during the study period.


METHODS
Patient completed Barthel index, Frenchay activities index, general health questionnaire, hospital anxiety and depression scale, social adjustment scale, mental adjustment to stroke scale, and patient satisfaction questionnaire; carer completed Frenchay activities index, general health questionnaire, hospital anxiety and depression scale, social adjustment scale, caregiving bassles scale, and carer satisfaction questionnaire.


RESULTS
The groups were balanced for all important baseline variables. There were no significant differences in physical outcomes in patients or carers, though patients in the treatment group were possibly more helpless less well adjusted socially, and more depressed, whereas carers in the treatment group were possibly less hassled and anxious. However, both patients and carers in the group contacted by the stroke family care worker expressed significantly greater satisfaction with certain aspects of their care, in particular those related to communication and support.


CONCLUSIONS
The introduction of a stroke family care worker improved patients' and their carers' satisfaction with services and may have had some effect on psychological and social outcomes but did not improve measures of patients' physical wellbeing.
Dennis
M
M
Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital.
O'Rourke
S
S
Slattery
J
J
Staniforth
T
T
Warlow
C
C
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D001927:Brain Diseases; D017028:Caregivers; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D030881:Disclosure; D006699:Home Care Services; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D007902:Length of Stay; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D035842:Research Subjects; D012606:Scotland; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome