Development of a person-centred lifestyle intervention for older adults following a stroke or transient ischaemic attack

Abstract

Background: Older adults with mild to moderate stroke or transient ischaemic attack often experience anxiety, depression and reduced social participation in their daily lives. Interventions addressing the long-term consequences of stroke are needed. Objective: To describe the process of developing a person-centred lifestyle intervention for older adults with stroke. Methods: The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure was used to develop the content of the intervention. Lifestyle groups were implemented at senior centres once a week for nine months. Content analysis was used to analyse the intervention content. Results: A total of 132 participants (median age 79 years, 55% women, 52% lived alone) were recruited from hospitals. The participants prioritized 392 occupational problems, mainly related to active recreation, household and community management, mobility, and socialization. The occupational issues were addressed in the group interventions. New themes also emerged in line with the participants' choices through group discussions, such as information on stroke and prevention of new strokes, outdoor mobility and transportation, “brain use” and memory. Conclusion: The study demonstrates the development of intervention following stroke, addressing its process, structure, and components. Whether the person-centred process increases the potential for enhancing participants' social participation and well-being should be evaluated in future studies.

Key words::

• Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM)
• individual needs evaluations
• lifestyle intervention
• occupational therapy
• stroke

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank all the participants who took part in this study and those who assisted with the recruitment and the group leadership. They would also like to thank Professor Chris Mayers, Research Fellow (Occupational Therapy), Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, York St John University for her assistance with the English language. The Eastern Health Region in Norway, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevaal, Research Unit, the Department of Geriatric Medicine and the Norwegian Women's Public Health Association have funded this study. The study was also supported by grants from Oslo University College and the Norwegian Association for Occupational Therapists.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.