Occupational performance coaching for stroke survivors delivered via telerehabilitation using a single-case experimental design.
Dorothy Kessler, Nicole D Anderson, Deirdre R Dawson
PMID 34381289WHAT IT FOUND
Telehealth occupational performance coaching for stroke survivors was feasible: six completed, satisfaction averaged 24.8 on an 8-32 scale, and relationships were strong.
But only six of 14 goals improved, so it is not proven effective.
Key findings
01Eight people consented and six completed all three phases.
02Mean satisfaction score was 24.8 on an 8-32 scale.
03Only six of 14 goals showed improved performance or satisfaction.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
Only six participants completed all phases, so this cannot show what most stroke survivors would do. Two participants withdrew during baseline because repeated outcome measures felt burdensome. Several goals improved before coaching began, so the study cannot separate the coaching effect from the effect of setting goals. All participants needed at least one internet or computer issue resolved, and 12 sessions were interrupted, delayed or rescheduled for technical issues. Participants had to have videoconferencing technology and internet, so people without those are not represented. Three goals were impairment-level rather than participation-level. COPM scores varied week to week for several participants.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest. The study was funded by a Canadian Institutes of Health Research Postdoctoral Fellowship to Dorothy Kessler.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that video occupational performance coaching improves stroke participation. Only six of 14 goals showed improved performance or satisfaction, and several gains occurred before coaching began; with six participants, this is feasibility, not proof of efficacy.