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The key features and role of peer support within group self-management interventions for stroke? A systematic review

Abstract Purpose: To assess the key features of group self-management interventions for stroke and explore the role of peer support in this setting. Method: A segregated mixed research synthesis was conducted. A literature search was performed in OvidSP, EMBASE, AMED and EBSCO (up to January 2018). Studies were included if they delivered group interventions containing self-management principles to stroke survivors on more than two consecutive occasions. The bias of included studies was assessed using NICE guidelines. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequency counts and qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Results: Twelve studies were included in the review including a total of 3298 participants (age range 56–89) and eight different self-management interventions. Key features of group self-management interventions were identified as increasing knowledge, collaboration and/or communication, accessing resources, goal setting, and problem solving. Peer support facilitated the sharing of experiences, social comparison, vicarious learning, and increased motivation. Conclusion: Future self-management interventions should be designed to maximize peer support and incorporate techniques which facilitate, knowledge building, goal setting, access to resources, problem solving, and communication. Implications for rehabilitation Group self-management interventions offer a way to provide peer support to stroke survivors and should be utilized in practice. Peer support is seen by stroke survivors as valuable because it can facilitate the sharing of experiences, social comparison, vicarious learning, and increase motivation. Knowledge building, goal setting, problem solving, collaborative skills, and the ability to access resources should be incorporated into interventions aiming to enhance self-management behaviors in the stroke population.