A scoping review of psychoeducational interventions for people after transient ischemic attack and minor stroke

Abstract

Background: Psychoeducation can provide information and support to cope with the physical and emotional effects of a health condition. This scoping review aimed to identify the evidence regarding psychoeducational interventions for people after a Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) and minor stroke.
Methods: This review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews. Three electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO) were searched for articles on interventions related to psychoeducational support post TIA and minor/mild stroke. Search retrieved 3722 articles. Three reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, full-texts, and then extracted data for included studies. Study quality was assessed using the JADAD scale. TIDieR checklist was used to describe interventions.
Results: Fifteen RCTs were included. Twelve studies were of high quality (JADAD score ≥2), two were low quality. A total of 1500 participants were recruited across the studies. Definition of TIA and minor stroke were unclear, leading to the exclusion of several studies. Various interventions were included, including education/psychoeducation (n=4); exercise and lifestyle advice (n=3); telephone-based education/counselling (n=3); secondary prevention education (n=1); motivational interviewing (n=2); self-management (n=2). Interventions were inconsistently described, with information missing about who delivered it and tailoring.
Conclusions: Definitions of stroke severity are not adequately reported. There are variety of interventions including education about a range of stroke-specific topics. Many interventions are not adequately defined, thus making it difficult to determine if the aim was to provide information or support to promote self-management and wellbeing post TIA/minor stroke. There is a need for a more in-depth systematic review to develop a clear definition of psychoeducation.