New intervention will provide emotional support remotely for stroke patients

A study will test remote emotional and practical support for people after a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke.

People who experience a TIA, a mini-stroke caused by a temporary drop in blood supply to the brain, or a minor stroke often face anxiety and loss of confidence.

They may struggle to return to everyday activities and are at risk of another stroke.

Those affected frequently report a need for emotional support and advice on lifestyle changes after diagnosis. However, this support is not routinely offered to people after a TIA or minor stroke.

Professor Deb Lowe, medical director at the Stroke Association, said: “Everyone affected by a TIA or minor stroke deserves the support they need to understand their condition, rebuild their confidence, and reduce their risk of a future stroke.

“Too often, people tell us they feel they have been ‘sent home and forgotten’, despite facing very real emotional and practical challenges.”

The study is led by experts at the University of Nottingham Institute of Mental Health and funded by the Stroke Association. It is hosted by Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

To address the gap, the team created OPTIMISM, a programme of six face-to-face small-group sessions for people after TIA or minor stroke.

The sessions provided education, emotional support and guidance on lifestyle changes to lower future stroke risk and improve quality of life.

Participants valued the group format, but some struggled to attend because of work or caring responsibilities, and others found travel difficult.

The team therefore proposed remote delivery via smartphones, laptops or tablets to improve access.

The new study will adapt the intervention for remote delivery, called e-OPTIMISM, and identify any barriers to providing it.

It is led by Dr Eirini Kontou, associate professor and lead clinical psychologist, with Dr Jade Kettlewell, assistant professor, as co-lead.

The work is being conducted in close collaboration with the University of Nottingham and Newcastle University.

Findings will inform a larger future trial and seek to make e-OPTIMISM available to as many eligible people as possible after a TIA or minor stroke.

Lowe said: “By adapting this programme for remote delivery, e-OPTIMISM has the potential to reach people who might otherwise miss out on vital support, whether because of work, caring responsibilities, or difficulties travelling to appointments.

“This research is an important step towards ensuring more people can access timely, high-quality help, wherever they live.”