Optimising Psychoeducation for Transient Ischaemic Attack and Minor Stroke Management (OPTIMISM study)
Overview
The aim of the OPTIMISM study is to develop and evaluate group a psychoeducational intervention for people after a Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) and minor stroke.
A psychoeducational intervention is a programme providing education and support that can help individuals to cope and adjust with physical, psychological and social difficulties.
This project involves two distinct phases:
Phase 1
A qualitative study exploring the views of service users as well as experts working with TIA and minor stroke survivors about the development of the psychoeducational intervention.
Phase 2
A small-scale clinical trial to find out whether it is feasible to deliver the group psychoeducational intervention and to inform the design of a larger trial.
This is a single-centre study taking place at the Nottingham University Hospitals and funded by a Stroke Association Postdoctoral Fellowship.
Contact
Project Lead: Dr Eirini Kontou (supervised by Prof Marion Walker and Dr Shirley Thomas)
Co-investigators: Dr Nikola Sprigg and Prof Caroline Watkins
For more information about the OPTIMISM study, please contact:
Dr Eirini Kontou
T: 0115 84 66663/0115 8230246
E: optimism@nottingham.ac.uk
FAQs
1. What is Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) and why are you doing a study about it?
Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA), also called ‘ministroke’ 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 nondisabling symptoms. Management of TIA and minor stroke patients is mainly focused on identifying and reducing risk factors for a later stroke.
People after a TIA 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.
- To develop a group psychoeducational intervention for people with TIA and minor stroke.
- To explore whether this group psychoeducational intervention for people with TIA and minor stroke is feasible and to collect further information to design a larger definite trial
3. How many trial participants do you need?
We will aim to recruit 40 participants for the main feasibility trial (Phase 2). We will also aim to recruit 10 service users and 6 experts working with people with TIA/minor stroke to take part in the qualitative study (Phase 1). Recruitment of participants for Phase 1 has finished.
4. Am I eligible to take part?
This is a single-centre study and will only be recruiting at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. If you had a diagnosis of TIA or minor stroke you may be eligible to take part.
5. How long will the study run for?
The OPTIMISM study will run for a total of 3 years. Phase 1 is due to start in March 2016. Phase 1 (Qualitative Study) is now completed.
Phase 2 (Feasibility Trial) is now due to start in September 2017.
6. What treatment are you testing?
A psychoeducational intervention is a programme providing education and support that can help individuals to cope and adjust with physical, psychological and social difficulties. Participants will be randomly allocated either to the psychoeducational intervention group or the usual care control group.
7. How is the study funded?