The Restore4Stroke self-management intervention 'Plan ahead!': rationale and description of the treatment protocol based on proactive action planning.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the rationale behind and description of a group-based self-management intervention developed for stroke patients and their partners.


BACKGROUND
Based on the assumption that proactive coping strategies are beneficial for the re-uptake of daily life by stroke patients and partners, we developed a new stroke-specific, group-based self-management intervention based on proactive action planning. A first concept of the treatment protocol was developed based on the proactive coping theory, the Health Action Process Approach model, existing interventions and expert consultations. Further adjustments were based on two pilot studies, including addition of solution-based therapeutic techniques.


METHODS
'Plan ahead!' is a 10-week group-based self-management intervention, consisting of six 2-hour sessions in the first six weeks and a 2-hour booster session in the 10th week. It is offered in an outpatient setting by two rehabilitation professionals with experience in group counselling and working with stroke patients. It is provided to groups of four stroke patients living at home (stroke ≥2 months ago) and their partners. The main features are (1) proactive action planning as the main constituent, (2) stroke-specific elements and (3) considering partners as full participants.


CONCLUSIONS
This stroke-specific intervention is expected to increase the use of proactive action planning and thus improve the participation of stroke patients and their partners. It is innovative in its aim to change behaviour patterns of participants directly, teaching participants a general action planning strategy and considering partners as full participants with their own goals and opportunities.
School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands Brain Center Rudolf Magnus and Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Nienke S
NS
Tielemans
Brain Center Rudolf Magnus and Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Vera Pm
VP
Schepers
Brain Center Rudolf Magnus and Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Johanna Ma
JM
Visser-Meily
Dutch Heart Foundation, The Hague, The Netherlands.
Jos
J
van Erp
Merem Treatment Centres, Rehabilitation Centre De Trappenberg, Almere, The Netherlands.
Mariette
M
Eijkenaar
School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neurosciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands c.vanheugten@maastrichtuniversity.nl.
Caroline M
CM
van Heugten
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology*; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D017028:Caregivers / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D006040:Goals; D006801:Humans; D017146:Models, Organizational; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology / Q000592:standards*
Stroke; family-centred; group intervention; proactive coping