The research presented within this thesis utilised a mixed methods research design to explore self-management practices specific to stroke within four studies: 1) a systematic literature review of trials on stroke self-management; 2) a feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT) exploring the Bridges stroke self-management programme (SSMP) in addition to community rehabilitation versus usual rehabilitation; 3) a qualitative study conducted with participants from the feasibility RCT to explore their experiences of the Bridges SSMP and, 4) a comparative study exploring the Bridges SSMP with an alternative self-management programme currently offered within Northern Ireland. Study 1 identified relatively few published studies on stroke self-management programmes. The types of programmes explored in these studies varied and results were mixed but findings suggest some effect on functional recovery, quality of life and confidence in recovery post stroke. Study 2 established that the Bridges SSMP appeared feasible to implement within the clinical rehabilitation setting, however, further exploration of the reasons behind relatively low recruitment needs further evaluation. Study 3 found that the Bridges SSMP was acceptable to all stakeholders and helped illuminate key mechanisms of change involved in the Bridges SSMP such as the personalised nature of goal setting which resulted in the perception by participants that they were better able to manage their progress. Study 4 suggested that the Bridges SSMP was equally as acceptable and feasible to deliver as the Taking Control self-management programme currently offered by Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke but highlighted key issues related to the delivery of both programmes that need further exploration. The findings of this research suggest that self-management programmes may offer potential benefit to stroke participants and indicate that it may be feasible to deliver the Bridges SSMP in both the clinical rehabilitation and voluntary sector. Further research is needed to improve the understanding of the mechanisms and context of delivery.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:629077 |
| Date | January 2013 |
| Creators | McKenna, Suzanne |
| Publisher | University of Ulster |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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