Co-Designed Cardiac Rehabilitation for the Secondary Prevention of Stroke (CARESS): A Pilot Program Evaluation.

ABSTRACT: Structured health system-based programs, such as cardiac rehabilitation, may reduce the risk of recurrent stroke. This study aimed to co-design and evaluate a structured program of rehabilitation, developed based on insights from focus groups involving stroke survivors and health professionals. Conducted in Tasmania, Australia in 2019, the 7-week program comprised one hour of group exercise and one hour of education each week. Functional capacity (6 min walk test), fatigue, symptoms of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire), and lifestyle were assessed pre- and post-program, with a historical control group for comparison. Propensity score matching determined the average treatment effect (ATE) of the program. Key themes from the co-design focus groups included the need for coordinated ca

SUBMITTER: Rehman S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11012137 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature