Evaluation of a pilot service designed to provide support following stroke: a randomized cross-over design study.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate a day service for people aged 18-55 years who had a stroke.


METHODS
A randomized cross-over study design was used, randomly allocating individuals to attend the service for six months followed by a period of no attendance for six months.


METHODS
A day service pilot project was launched in Cardiff in July 1995 for people who were aged between 18 and 55 years and had a stroke. It met one day a week.


METHODS
Twenty-six participants were recruited to the study between June 1998 and February 2000. Their mean age was 48 years (SD = 7).


METHODS
The service aimed to offer participants the opportunity to identify and pursue meaningful and realistic opportunities within the community. A range of activities occurred at the service including creative activities and social outings.


METHODS
The Barthel ADL Index, Extended ADL Scale, Nottingham Leisure Questionnaire, Short Form 36, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, the Role Checklist and the Semantic Differential Self Concept Scale were used to assess the outcomes from the service.


RESULTS
Attending the service increased occupational performance and satisfaction with performance but there was no evidence that depression and anxiety were reduced or that quality of life and self-concept were improved.


CONCLUSIONS
Although there were some gains from attending the service there were also many unmet needs. Further research is required to continue to identify how best to meet the needs of individuals post stroke under retirement age.
Corr
Susan
S
Division of Occupational Therapy, Centre for Healthcare Education, University College Northampton, Northampton NN2 7AL, UK. susan.corr@northampton.ac.uk
Phillips
Ceri J
CJ
Walker
Marion
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation