Peer support for stroke survivors: a case study

Abstract

BackgroundInnovative and sustainable programs are required to support the well-being of stroke survivors. Peer support is a potentially low cost way to enhance well-being of recent stroke survivors and the well-being and community reintegration of their peer supporters. This article describes the perceptions of stroke survivors, care partners, peer supporters, and professionals of an individual peer support program.MethodsAn instrumental case study design was used to examine a volunteer peer support program that provides acute care visits and telephone follow-up post-discharge. In particular, a) type of support provided, b) benefits for the stroke survivor and care partner, c) potential harms to the stroke survivor, d) impact of providing support on the peer supporter, and e) required processes were considered. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 16 new stroke survivors and 8 care partners immediately following hospital discharge and then 6 months later, and with 7 peer supporters, 3 program co-ordinators and 4 health professionals to gather feedback from multiple stakeholders.ResultsEmotional, affirmational and informational support were perceived as being offered by the peer supporters. Peer visits were perceived as providing encouragement, motivation, validation, and decreased feelings of being alone. However, the visits were not perceived as beneficial to all stroke survivors. The impact on the peer supporters included increased social connections, personal growth, enjoyment, and feelings of making a difference in the lives of others. Involvement of the healthcare team, peer supporter training and a skilled coordinator were crucial to the success this program.ConclusionsPeer support can potentially enhance service to stroke survivors and promote community reintegration for peer volunteers. Further research is needed to determine the preferred format and timing of peer support, and the characteristics of stroke survivors most likely to benefit.

Life after Stroke: Coping mechanisms among African Caribbean Women

“…Recent research into using peer support to support and reintegrate stroke survivors back into the community (Kessler et al . ) may also be an ideal intervention for church‐based outreach work.…”

“…At the very minimum, programmes that aim to increase medication compliance and adherence or that provide social or emotional support may be beneficial in post-stroke care. Recent research into using peer support to support and reintegrate stroke survivors back into the community (Kessler et al 2014) may also be an ideal intervention for church-based outreach work.…”

Evidence for peer support in rehabilitation for individuals with acquired brain injury: A systematic review.

“…Ruth Wobma, MSc 1 , Rinske H. M. Nijland 1 , PhD, Johannes C. F. Ket 2 and Gert Kwakkel, PhD 1,3,4 From the 1 Amsterdam Rehabilitation Research Center, Reade, 2 Medical Library, VU University, 3 Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, MOVE Research Institute, VU University Medical Center, and 4 Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands programmes are designed to support this adjustment as they focus on interventions to: (i) restore impairments, (ii) regain the ability to perform activities of daily living, and (iii) find a new balance in areas such as relationships, work and daily and social life. Healthcare professionals are regularly brought together in a multidisciplinary team in order to meet the diversity of the health issues.…”

“…Everyday functioning, societal participation and quality of life can be greatly affected by acquired brain injury (ABI). For most patients changes are permanent and their expectations and future plans have to be adjusted drastically (1,2). Rehabilitation…”

Physical environments and community reintegration post stroke: qualitative insights from stroke clubs

“…Although not an original aim, the study has, in line with past research, highlighted the value of peer support -in particular, participation in a stroke club -to persons with experience of stroke (see Beesley et al 2011;Carlsson, Möller, and Blomstrand 2009;damush et al 2007;Ch'ng, French, and Mclean 2008;Kessler, egan, and Kubina 2014;Lennon et al 2013;Lock et al 2005;Mayo et al 2015). Addressing an overlooked area, with stroke clubs being an understudied variety of peer support (Morris and Morris 2012), the study found that these groups were valued for providing individuals with opportunities to meet others in similar circumstances, visit interesting places and take part in enjoyable activities.…”