A scoping review of remote group-based psychological interventions for people after transient ischemic attack and stroke.

Background: Mental health and quality of life are commonly affected following a stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) diagnosis, although many people are discharged without clear information about their psychological impact. Evidence suggests psychological interventions can be successfully delivered via remote methods (e.g. videoconferencing, telephone). However, it is unclear whether such interventions are effective for people post-stroke/TIA. This scoping review aimed to identify current evidence for remote group-based psychological interventions for people following TIA and stroke. Methods: Four electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Scopus) were searched for articles on online group psychological interventions post-TIA and stroke. Four reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts and full texts, then two authors extracted data for included studies. A bespoke data extraction form was used to describe interventions, informed by Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklists. Results: The search yielded 1333 studies, from which six were included in the review. Four were feasibility studies (two randomised controlled trials, two single-group pre-/post-design). All interventions targeted stroke survivors; no studies targeted people with TIA. Delivery methods included teleconferencing, videoconferencing, an online platform (virtual multiuser world) and a hybrid approach using videoconferencing and face-to-face visits. Remote intervention components were delivered in the community or at participants' homes. All studies included a mood measure. Improvement in mood and/or quality of life was reported across the four studies. Conclusions: More research is needed to explore and confirm the potential benefits of remote delivery of group psychological interventions following stroke and TIA. Better reporting of implementation barriers/facilitators and more high-quality research are required to determine the effectiveness of remote interventions. Evidence suggests remotely delivered interventions can support psychological issues following stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). However, it is unclear whether this approach is effective and acceptable. This review aimed to identify current evidence for remote group-based psychological interventions post-TIA/stroke. Six studies involving stroke patients were reviewed. No studies included TIA patients. Improved mood and/or quality of life was reported in the four studies. More research is needed to explore the potential benefits of, and barriers to, remote group-based interventions in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]