Developing and implementing an exercise-based group for stroke survivors and their carers: the Carers Count group

Purpose Guidelines recommend that carers of stroke survivors should be engaged early in rehabilitation. There has been limited research implementing exercise programs that include carers. The aims of this study were to develop, facilitate, and evaluate an intervention, the Carers Count group, an exercise-based group for stroke survivors and their carers. Methods Over a 5-month period, a staged approach was used to design the intervention and implementation strategies which would maximise the chances of embedding the intervention within an inpatient stroke ward. Implementation strategies included planning, educating, restructuring, financing, and managing quality. Following development and facilitation of the intervention, outcomes were evaluated through collecting data about therapy time, surveys (n = 30) and interviews (n = 18) with participants, and a focus group with staff. Results Thirty stroke survivors and their carers participated in the Carers Count group. Analysis of time spent in therapy showed that participation led to increased dose of physiotherapy time (service outcome). Survey and interview data suggested that participation in the group was a rewarding and engaging experience for participants (client outcomes). Conclusion Using multifaceted strategies, a group designed to include carers was implemented on a stroke rehabilitation ward. The intervention provided positive outcomes in terms of increased therapy dose and satisfaction according to participant feedback.