Stepping On after Stroke falls-prevention programme for community stroke survivors in Singapore: a feasibility study

Tianma Xu, Lindy Clemson, Kate O’Loughlin, Natasha Lannin, Catherine M. Dean, Gerald Koh

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Introduction: Intervention studies to date have shown limited evidence of falls reduction in community-dwelling stroke survivors. This study tests the acceptability and feasibility of the Stepping On after Stroke programme in Singapore. Method: A pre–post-intervention study design was used over a 6-month period. Falls incidence was the main outcome measure, with the recruitment process and attendance rate recorded to test feasibility. Data analysis from evaluation questionnaires (descriptive statistics) and interviews (content analysis) were applied to determine acceptability. Results: Eight stroke participants and seven caregivers completed the programme at two community sites facilitated by two programme leaders. Stroke participants achieved full attendance over the 7-week programme but family caregivers did not (38%). All participants highlighted their acceptability of the group-based falls-prevention programme. Both programme leaders achieved 92% fidelity in session delivery. Four stroke participants fell during the study period. Stroke participants demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements in community participation at 1 month post-intervention. Family caregivers reported no changes in pre–post evaluations. Conclusion: The Stepping On after Stroke programme appears feasible and acceptable to therapists and service users in Singapore; however, caregivers’ participation was limited. Findings can be used to further improve the programme and its methodology before testing its effectiveness in a larger-scale trial.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)366-375
Number of pages10
JournalBritish Journal of Occupational Therapy
Volume84
Issue number6
Early online date3 Sept 2020
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jun 2021

Keywords

  • acceptability
  • accidental falls
  • feasibility study
  • occupational therapy
  • Singapore
  • Stroke

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