O.16.1Effectiveness of a discharge intervention to improve stroke survivor outcomes and website engagement: Presenter(s): Kristy Fakes, University of Newcastle, Australia

There is increasing recognition that not all survivors receive the post-discharge information and support they require to adjust to life after stroke. Web-based interventions may assist in post-discharge communication and care. However, strategies for maximising intervention uptake and engagement are needed. Aims: To determine the: (1) effectiveness of a proactive discharge support intervention (EnableMe website and proactive strategies to encourage use) in improving quality of life and reducing depression, anxiety and unmet needs of stroke survivors; and (2) use and acceptability of EnableMe by stroke survivors. An open, parallel-group, multi-centre randomised controlled trial of a proactive discharge intervention compared to usual care for adult stroke survivors and their support persons. Participants recruited from eight public hospitals completed questionnaires at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Outcomes included quality of life, depression, anxiety and unmet needs. 98 survivors enrolled in the RCT (n=52 intervention, n=47 control). No statistically significant differences were found between groups in survivor quality of life, depression, anxiety or unmet needs at 3 months. At 3 months, 45% of intervention survivors self-reported using EnableMe in the last 3 months (vs. 14% control group). Of these 64% found it helpful, particularly information about stroke and managing health, goal setting, links to services; blogging/discussion forum and the strokeasaurus. Duration of use ranged from 10 minutes to one hour; 26% used weekly and 52% used monthly. The proactive discharge support intervention was not effective in improving survivor outcomes. Use of the EnableMe website was less than expected. However, acceptability was demonstrated with largely positive attitudes towards EnableMe. Whilst effectiveness was not demonstrated, proactive discharge support should not be ruled out as an approach altogether. Future research should explore more intensive engagement strategies including more facilitated or tailored approaches to improve stroke survivor uptake of information and communication technologies.