Psychoeducation for TIA and Minor Stroke (OPTIMISM)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Optimising Psychoeducation for Transient Ischaemic Attack and Minor Stroke Management (OPTIMISM)
IRAS ID
185436
Contact name
Eirini Kontou
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Research Governance Services
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA), also called ‘mini-stroke’ is characterised by short-lasting symptoms that generally do not cause permanent damage. ‘Minor stroke’ is a term used to describe a stroke with mild and non-disabling symptoms. TIA and minor stroke patients account for more than half of all cases of stroke and they are at a higher risk to suffer a major stroke. Currently, management of TIA/minor stroke patients is mainly focused on identifying and reducing risk factors for a later stroke. However, people after a TIA and minor stroke often have limited access for further specialist support from stroke-specific rehabilitation services. Although there is variability in the level of recovery and severity of symptoms after TIA and minor stroke, there is evidence that these patients may experience difficulties that affect their quality of life including anxiety and depression.
This study aims to develop, tailor and target the delivery of a time-limited group intervention that offers educational, psychological and social support for people following TIA and minor stroke. A qualitative study (Phase 1) will be conducted with service users and experts working with people with TIA/minor stroke to develop the psychoeducational intervention. Following this, we will conduct a feasibility randomised controlled trial in one centre (Phase 2) to explore whether this group psychoeducational intervention for people after TIA and minor stroke carers is acceptable and to determine the feasibility of the proposed evaluation and the sample size needed in a definite trial.
REC name
East Midlands - Nottingham 1 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/EM/0453
Date of REC Opinion
7 Dec 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion