Promoting psychosocial well-being following a stroke: Developing a theoretically and empirically sound complex intervention

BackgroundThe psychosocial consequences of stroke are complex and comprehensive and include substantial and longlasting impacts on mood, identity, social relationships, return to work and quality of life. Many studies have explored possible interventions to prevent or treat psychosocial problems, but the results have generally been disappointing. Very few studies have provided adequate theoretical accounts of the mechanisms assumed to contribute to positive outcomes.ObjectivesTo describe the development of a psychosocial nursing intervention aimed at promoting psychosocial health and well-being and to stimulate dialogue about how to develop and report theoretically and empirically sound complex interventions in nursing.DesignA systematic, stepwise approach was used, consistent with the framework recommended for developing and evaluating complex interventions by the UK Medical Research Council.Data sourcesSystematic reviews of empirical studies regarding the psychosocial consequences and needs of patients following stroke; qualitative, experiential studies of stroke and stroke recovery; theories of psychosocial well-being, coping, life skills, narrative approaches to rehabilitation and guided self-determination.Review methodsEach systematic review was examined to determine the major psychosocial challenges and needs experienced by stroke survivors, focusing on how these challenges and needs developed over the illness trajectory, how previous interventions had sought to address them and the effective mechanisms assumed to affect the level of success of interventions. Qualitative studies were examined to reveal the subjective experiences of stroke and stroke recovery, paying particular attention to the development of needs across time and context. A qualitative synthesis of the major characteristics of the trajectory of stroke rehabilitation and recovery during the first year was developed. Theories were examined to illuminate possible effective mechanisms and actions aimed at promoting psychosocial well-being during the stroke recovery process.ResultsA dialogue-based intervention comprising eight encounters between stroke survivors and trained health care workers was designed, based on narrative theories, empowerment philosophy and guided self determination. Worksheets and a guiding topical outline were developed to support the dialogue.ConclusionsThe UK Medical Research Council framework facilitated the systematic development of an empirically and theoretically informed complex nursing intervention aimed at promoting post-stroke psychosocial well-being.