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Web-based interventions may assist in post-discharge stroke care. However, strategies for maximising uptake and engagement are needed. Aims: To determine the: (1) effectiveness of a discharge support intervention (EnableMe web-based portal and strategies to encourage use) in improving quality of life and reducing depression (primary outcome); anxiety and unmet needs of survivors of stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA); and (2) EnableMe use and acceptability. An open, parallel-group, multi-centre randomised controlled trial (RCT) of the intervention compared to usual care for survivors of stroke/TIA and their support persons. Participants recruited from eight hospitals completed questionnaires at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Outcomes included quality of life, depression, anxiety and unmet needs. 98 survivors (n=52 intervention, n=47 control) and 30 support persons (n=11 intervention, n=19 control) enrolled in the RCT. Bayesian analyses showed substantial evidence of an intervention effect on survivors' quality of life scores at 3 months. There was moderate-to-strong evidence of a treatment effect on depression scores and strong evidence that intervention participants had fewer unmet needs at 3 and 6 months. 45 % of intervention group survivors and 63 % of support persons self-reported using EnableMe. 64 % of survivors and 84 % of support persons found it helpful. Substantial evidence for the discharge support intervention was found, with a difference between groups in survivor quality of life, depression, and unmet needs. Acceptability was demonstrated with largely positive attitudes towards EnableMe. Future research should explore different engagement strategies to improve uptake of online stroke resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper we discuss how operating system design and implementation influence the methodology for computer forensics investigations, with the focus on forensic acquisition of memory. In theory the operating system could support such investigations both in terms of tools for analysis of data and by making the system data readily accessible for analysis. Conventional operating systems such as Windows and UNIX derivatives offer some memory-related tools that are geared towards the analysis of system crashes, rather than forensic investigations. In this paper we demonstrate how techniques developed for persistent operating systems, where lifetime of data is independent of the method of its creation and storage, could support computer forensics investigations delivering higher efficiency and accuracy. It is proposed that some of the features offered by persistent systems could be built into conventional operating systems to make illicit activities easier to identify and analyse. We further propose a new technique for forensically sound acquisition of memory based on the persistence paradigm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

There is increasing recognition that not all survivors receive the post-discharge information and support they require to adjust to life after stroke. Web-based interventions may assist in post-discharge communication and care. However, strategies for maximising intervention uptake and engagement are needed. Aims: To determine the: (1) effectiveness of a proactive discharge support intervention (EnableMe website and proactive strategies to encourage use) in improving quality of life and reducing depression, anxiety and unmet needs of stroke survivors; and (2) use and acceptability of EnableMe by stroke survivors. An open, parallel-group, multi-centre randomised controlled trial of a proactive discharge intervention compared to usual care for adult stroke survivors and their support persons. Participants recruited from eight public hospitals completed questionnaires at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Outcomes included quality of life, depression, anxiety and unmet needs. 98 survivors enrolled in the RCT (n=52 intervention, n=47 control). No statistically significant differences were found between groups in survivor quality of life, depression, anxiety or unmet needs at 3 months. At 3 months, 45% of intervention survivors self-reported using EnableMe in the last 3 months (vs. 14% control group). Of these 64% found it helpful, particularly information about stroke and managing health, goal setting, links to services; blogging/discussion forum and the strokeasaurus. Duration of use ranged from 10 minutes to one hour; 26% used weekly and 52% used monthly. The proactive discharge support intervention was not effective in improving survivor outcomes. Use of the EnableMe website was less than expected. However, acceptability was demonstrated with largely positive attitudes towards EnableMe. Whilst effectiveness was not demonstrated, proactive discharge support should not be ruled out as an approach altogether. Future research should explore more intensive engagement strategies including more facilitated or tailored approaches to improve stroke survivor uptake of information and communication technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]