How do you evaluate an informal support group? A pilot example from stroke rehabilitation

Abstract

In order to justify the use of limited resources there is an increasing demand to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions within the health service. Despite this, the literature indicates that designing and implementing effective evaluations is difficult and often poorly done. Further, clinicians’ negative perceptions of research may discourage evaluation, resulting in practice that is primarily based on clinical intuition. The current article describes the rationale behind the development of a pilot evaluation strategy for an informal inpatient and carer stroke support group. It is concluded that appropriate evaluation should be determined by the purpose and nature of the intervention under examination as well the persons involved. Furthermore, it is suggested that valuable feedback regarding clinical practice need not involve time-consuming and complex evaluation.

Developing a social support group for older people in a physical rehabilitation setting

“…Previous work has piloted an activities based in-patient support group in a stroke rehabilitation setting and found that it was viewed positively by participants (Hull, Hartigan & Kneebone, 2007). A later evaluation identified broad benefits including stimulation, social networking and "time out" from rehabilitation (Dewar, Jenkins & Kneebone, 2009). Similar work piloting a peer support group within a younger stroke population also found benefits such as improved socialization (Muller Toth-Cohen & Mulcahey, 2014).…”