Feasibility of a Pilot Study of Problem-Solving Therapy for Stroke Survivors.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility and potential effectiveness of problem-solving therapy (PST) on stroke survivors' depressive symptoms and function in the rehabilitation stage of recovery.


METHODS
This study employed a repeated measures experimental design.


METHODS
We recruited a convenience sample of 22 ischemic stroke survivors and randomized to treatment group receiving PST and control group receiving standard care.


RESULTS
Our recruitment and retention rates were 54% and 81%, respectively. Results for depression scores in the treatment group as compared to the control group indicated clinical significance but not statistical significance (p>.05). Function was not statistically significant.


CONCLUSIONS
Problem-solving therapy is potentially therapeutic for stroke survivors.


CONCLUSIONS
Rehabilitation nurses could be educated on the use of PST as a potential intervention for stroke survivors.
School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
Niloufar Niakosari
NN
Hadidi
School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
Ruth
R
Lindquist
College of Nursing, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
Kathleen
K
Buckwalter
School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
Kay
K
Savik
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015146:Midwestern United States; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011340:Problem Solving; D019145:Rehabilitation Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D020521:Stroke / Q000451:nursing; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D017741:Survivors
Poststroke depressive symptoms; poststroke depression; problem-solving therapy