Enhancing stroke survivor recovery through effective goal setting in community rehabilitation

Phase I, II, III

Aim(s):

The aims of this clinical lectureship research programme are to:

  1. Optimise a developed Goal setting and action planning (G-AP) framework in line with the findings of a recent evaluation (this will involve: understanding of the regulatory function of goal non-attainment; improving the functionality of G-AP online training, developing an app version of the G-AP record and an accessible version for stroke survivors with communication difficulties)
  2. Develop a flexible G-AP implementation protocol and
  3. Evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of G-AP.

Summary:

Community rehabilitation should be effective and responsive to stroke survivors’ personal goals.  Goal setting practice is highly variable and carried out in the absence of high-quality evidence to demonstrate its effectiveness. An evidence-based Goal setting and Action Planning (G-AP) framework (pilot training programme and stroke survivor held record) was developed to enhance patient-centred goal setting practice and stroke survivor recovery. This Stroke Association clinical lectureship research programme aims to build on this work to meet the above-noted aims.

Methods:  A series of inter-related studies will be conducted involving development work, qualitative and quantitative methodologies and a research visit to four Australian centres of excellence in stroke rehabilitation research.

Outcomes/Impact:

This research programme will:

  1. Produce freely available G-AP training resources and G-AP stroke survivor held record options
  2. Inform the effective management of goal adjustment in stroke rehabilitation contexts and
  3. Develop evidence of the effectiveness of G-AP in practice to optimise stroke survivor recovery and wellbeing.

These outcomes will impact on stroke rehabilitation practice in community settings (for example, by producing training materials and resources to optimise goal setting practice; reducing the evidence-practice gap in goal setting practice) and stroke survivor recovery and wellbeing (for example, by supporting stroke survivors through the experience of goal adjustment; producing accessible resources to support their engagement in the goal setting process). This project is also expected to make a methodological contribution to the evaluation and implementation of complex interventions.

Principal Investigator: Dr Lesley Scobbie

NMAHP Research Unit Collaborators: Professor Marian Brady

External Collaborators: Dixon D - University of Strathclyde, Lannin N - La Trobe University Melbourne, Levack W - University of Otago, Playford ED, UCLH Trust, Williams B - Edinburgh Napier University, Worrall L - University of Queensland, Morris J - University of Dundee

Funder: The Stroke Association UK Lectureship Programme