A cluster randomised controlled trial and economic evaluation of a structured training programme for caregivers of inpatients after stroke: the TRACS trial

Forster A, Dickerson J, Young J, Patel A, Kalra L, Nixon J, Smithard D, Knapp M, Holloway I, Anwar S, Farrin A
Record ID 32013000808
English
Authors' objectives: To evaluate whether or not a structured, competency-based training programme for caregivers [the London Stroke Carer Training Course (LSCTC)] improved physical and psychological outcomes for patients and their caregivers after disabling stroke, and to determine if such a training programme is cost-effective.
Authors' recommendations: We have conducted a robust multicentre, cluster randomised trial, demonstrating for the first time that this methodology is feasible in stroke rehabilitation research. There was no difference between the LSCTC and usual care with respect to improving stroke patients' recovery, reducing caregivers' burden, or improving other physical and psychological outcomes, nor was it cost-effective compared with usual care. Compliance with the intervention varied, but analysis indicated that a dose effect was unlikely. It is possible that the immediate post-stroke period may not be the ideal time for the delivery of structured training. The intervention approach might be more relevant if delivered after discharge by community-based teams.
Details
Project Status: Completed
Year Published: 2013
URL for published report: http://www.journalslibrary.nihr.ac.uk/hta/hta17460/#/abstract
URL for additional information: http://www.journalslibrary.nihr.ac.uk/hta/volume-17/issue-46#hometab4
English language abstract: An English language summary is available
Publication Type: Not Assigned
Country: England, United Kingdom
MeSH Terms
  • Activities of Daily Living
  • Affect
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Educational Status
  • Female
  • Health Behavior
  • Inpatients
  • Male
  • Mental Health
  • Middle Aged
  • Quality of Life
  • Quality-Adjusted Life Years
  • Self Care
  • Single-Blind Method
  • Caregivers
  • Moving and Lifting Patients
  • Patient Education as Topic
  • Stroke
Contact
Organisation Name: NIHR Health Technology Assessment programme
Contact Address: NIHR Journals Library, National Institute for Health and Care Research, Evaluation, Trials and Studies Coordinating Centre, Alpha House, University of Southampton Science Park, Southampton SO16 7NS, UK
Contact Name: journals.library@nihr.ac.uk
Contact Email: journals.library@nihr.ac.uk
Copyright: 2013 Queen's Printer and Controller of HMSO
This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA or other HTA producer. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.