1. Development of the "Kalmer" relaxation intervention: co-design with stroke survivors with aphasia.
- Author
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El-Helou, Rebecca, Ryan, Brooke, and Kneebone, Ian
- Subjects
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STROKE , *MEDICAL technology , *APHASIA , *HUMAN services programs , *PATIENTS' attitudes , *QUALITATIVE research , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *RESEARCH funding , *RELAXATION techniques , *ANXIETY , *THEMATIC analysis , *DATA analysis software , *PSYCHOTHERAPY , *DISEASE complications - Abstract
Anxiety is common after stroke and more prevalent in survivors with aphasia. Relaxation is an effective first-line therapy. The current study aimed to obtain the perspectives of stroke survivors with aphasia to inform the development of an accessible, technology-based, relaxation intervention. Qualitative co-design methods were used with twelve people with aphasia after stroke. The "Kalmer" Relaxation treatment package materials were iteratively based on participants' experiences and preferences; barriers and facilitators to treatment compliance were explored. Participants were also asked to consider how the intervention might be evaluated in a research trial. A thematic analysis highlighted the importance and need for the development of an appropriate and inclusive relaxation product, to be implemented by health professionals early post-stroke. Several behavioural strategies to improve treatment adherence were recommended. Participants had varying perspectives on clinically meaningful treatment outcomes. Overall, a co-designed accessible relaxation product was viewed as a necessary component of usual stroke care. Acceptability and feasibility and preliminary efficacy of the "Kalmer" intervention should be trialled in future studies. Co-designing psychological interventions for people with aphasia after stroke is needed to meet the needs of this at-risk population. Technology-based relaxation interventions to manage anxiety after stroke are viewed positively by people with aphasia and deemed acceptable and feasible. Clinical trials of these co-designed relaxation interventions are required before recommending integration into routine practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
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