title: A feasibility and pilot randomized controlled trial of the "Timing it Right Stroke Family Support Program".
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Examine feasibility of conducting a randomized controlled trial of the Timing it Right Stroke Family Support Program (TIRSFSP) and collect pilot data.
  
  
  METHODS
  Multi-site mixed method randomized controlled trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  Acute and community care in three Canadian cities.
  
  
  METHODS
  Caregivers were family members or friends providing care to individuals who experienced their first stroke.
  
  
  METHODS
  The TIRSFSP offered in two formats, self-directed by the caregiver or stroke support person-directed over time, were compared to standard care.
  
  
  METHODS
  Caregivers completed baseline and follow-up measures 1, 3 and 6 months post-stroke including Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression, Positive Affect, Social Support, and Mastery Scales. We completed in-depth qualitative interviews with caregivers and maintained intervention records describing support provided to each caregiver.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirty-one caregivers received standard care (n=10), self-directed (n=10), or stroke support person-directed (n=11) interventions. We retained 77% of the sample through 6-months. Key areas of support derived from intervention records (n=11) related to caregiver wellbeing, caregiving strategies, patient wellbeing, community re-integration, and service delivery. Compared to standard care, caregivers receiving the stroke support person-directed intervention reported improvements in perceived support (estimate 3.1, P=.04) and mastery (estimate .35, P=.06). Qualitative caregiver interviews (n=19) reflected the complex interaction between caregiver needs, preferences and available options when reporting on level of satisfaction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Preliminary findings suggest the research design is feasible, caregivers' needs are complex, and the support intervention may enhance caregivers' perceived support and mastery. The intervention will be tested further in a large scale trial.
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Canada Department of Medicine, UHN-Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Canada jill.cameron@utoronto.ca.
authors.forename: Jill I
authors.initials: JI
authors.lastname: Cameron
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine and Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Health Sciences; Department of Medicine and Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Canada.
authors.forename: Gary
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Naglie
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Canada Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
authors.forename: Theresa L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Green
authors.affiliation: Institute for Work and Health; Toronto Western Research Institute; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Canada.
authors.forename: Monique A M
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Gignac
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, UHN-Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Canada.
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bayley
authors.affiliation: Family Service Toronto, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto, Canada.
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Huijbregts
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, UHN-Toronto Western Hospital, Canada.
authors.forename: Frank L
authors.initials: FL
authors.lastname: Silver
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Canada.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Czerwonka
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002170:Canada; D017028:Caregivers / Q000193:education* / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015397:Program Evaluation; D018570:Risk Assessment; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D020521:Stroke / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D013997:Time Factors
keywords: Stroke; burden of care; carers; randomized controlled trial; social support