Effectiveness of a family-based program for post-stroke patients and families: A cluster randomized controlled trial.

Only 31 families were studied in each group, and the authors say the power calculation may have been too low for a cluster trial. Family members were not balanced between groups: the program group had younger and more educated family members. The study was done in six districts of one province in central Thailand, so it may not apply elsewhere. Follow-up lasted only 12 weeks, so long-term benefit was not shown. The intervention was a bundle of many components, so the effect of any single component cannot be separated. The trial included only first-time ischemic stroke patients with moderate to severe disability and no baseline complications, so it says little about milder strokes or those with complications.

Partially funded by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Graduate Studies of Mahidol University Alumni Association. The authors declared no competing financial interests or personal relationships.

Do not conclude that home visits, exercise teaching, or swallowing education alone caused the improvements. The 10-week program included assessment of stressors, family supportive therapy, stress management, time management, empowerment, education and skills practice, social support, telephone visits, and home visits, and caregiver burden did not differ between groups.