Staying Well and Reducing Risk after Stroke

Stroke is a major global health issue, and preventing further strokes in those who have already had one is essential. This research aimed to create a new support programme to help stroke survivors adopt healthier lifestyles and reduce their risk of another stroke. The research used a mix of approaches, including gathering published information, conducting focus group interviews with stroke survivors and their families, and analysing the information gathered. The process followed a structured design method which involved collaboration with researchers, service providers and people with lived experience of stroke in a series of design workshops. The newly generated programme was linked with behaviour change theory and tested with stroke survivors. The study identified effective strategies for encouraging healthy behaviours, such as combining multiple approaches to learning how to have a healthy lifestyle and using talk therapies/counselling for emotional support. Key factors that help people change their behaviour and areas where more support is needed were highlighted. These findings guided the workshops with relevant diverse contributors including researchers, health professionals, service providers and advocates, and people with a lived experience of stroke to imagine and design the programme together. The new model includes individual interviews and group-based interactive sessions covering stroke education, goal setting, exercises, mood and coping skills, healthy behaviour practice and shared peer support. The result is a carefully designed programme that supports stroke survivors in leading healthier lives. This programme was tested and refined through a series of steps to ensure it is based on solid theory and evidence, and acceptable to people with stroke. An important aspect to note is that stroke survivors who participated in the study deemed it acceptable.