Client-centred self-care intervention after stroke: a feasibility study.
BACKGROUND
The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of client-centred, self-care intervention (CCSCI) on (i) activities of daily living (ADL) and life satisfaction in persons with stroke, (ii) caregiver burden, use of informal care and home-help services, and (iii) the feasibility of the study design.


METHODS
Randomized controlled trial, a pilot study of an intervention group (IG) receiving CCSCI or a control group (CG) receiving ordinary training.


METHODS
Forty persons with stroke (IG n = 19, CG n = 21) were included: non-demented, able to follow instructions, dependent regarding self-care and referred for rehabilitation, and their significant others (IG n = 8, CG n = 8).


METHODS
Data were collected at baseline and three months later using established instruments regarding ADL, life satisfaction, caregiver burden, and use of health services from medical records, the county register, and by interviews.


RESULTS
There were no differences in ADL, life satisfaction, caregiver burden, or use of services at three months. Both groups improved significantly and clinically important improvements were achieved by 86% in IG and 63% in CG.


CONCLUSIONS
The CCSCI appears promising for the recapturing of self-care after stroke and a large randomized controlled trial is warranted, in which the present design and methods with some modification will be feasible.
Guidetti
Susanne
S
Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Occupational Therapy, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden. susanne.guidetti@ki.se
Andersson
Karin
K
Andersson
Magnus
M
Tham
Kerstin
K
Von Koch
Lena
L
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D017281:Cost of Illness; D005260:Female; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D018802:Patient-Centered Care / Q000379:methods*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods*; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology*; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation