The HEADS: UP development study: working with key stakeholders to adapt a mindfulness-based stress reduction course for people with anxiety and depression after stroke

Lawrence, M. et al. (2023) The HEADS: UP development study: working with key stakeholders to adapt a mindfulness-based stress reduction course for people with anxiety and depression after stroke. Healthcare, 11(3), 355. (doi: 10.3390/healthcare11030355) (PMID:36766930) (PMCID:PMC9914141)

Abstract

Background: Following stroke, rates of mood disorder are and remain high at five years (anxiety 34.4%; depression 23%). Structured mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) courses are effective in a range of health conditions, but stroke survivors find adherence challenging. We aimed to adapt a standard MBSR course specifically for people affected by stroke. Methods: We recruited stroke survivors and family members with symptoms of anxiety and/or depression to take part in a co-development study comprising two rounds of MBSR ‘taster’ sessions, followed by focus groups in which views were sought on the practices sampled. Data were collected in October 2017 and May 2018 and were analysed using framework analysis, informed adaptations to mindfulness materials and delivery. Results: Twenty-eight stroke survivors and seven family members participated. Nineteen (76%) stroke survivors had anxiety; 15 (60%) had depression. Five (71.4%) family members reported anxiety; n = 4 (57.1%) depression. Thirty participants attended the first round of taster sessions and focus groups; twenty (66%) the second and three (10%) were unable to attend either round. Framework analysis informed adaptations to course delivery, practices, and materials, ultimately resulting in a stroke-specific MBSR course, HEADS: UP (Helping Ease Anxiety and Depression after Stroke). Conclusions: HEADS: UP may provide a feasible, appropriate, and meaningful self-management intervention to help alleviate symptoms of mood disorder.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This research was funded by Chief Scientist Office, Scotland, UK, grant number HIPS/16/63.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Jani, Dr Bhautesh and De Amicis, Dr Leyla

Creator Roles

De Amicis, L.: Formal analysis, Investigation, Data curation
Jani, B.: Conceptualization, Methodology, Writing – review and editing, Funding acquisition

• Authors: Lawrence, M., Davis, B., De Amicis, L., Booth, J., Dickson, S., Dougall, N., Grealy, M., Jani, B., Maxwell, M., Parkinson, B., Pieri, M., and Mercer, S.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > General Practice and Primary Care; College of Social Sciences > School of Education > Creativity Culture and Faith
• Journal Name: Healthcare
• Publisher: MDPI
• ISSN: 2227-9032
• ISSN (Online): 2227-9032
• Published Online: 26 January 2023
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Healthcare 11(3): 355
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License