Facilitating diary keeping and participation in valued activities with individuals who have had a stroke : A randomised controlled trial.

The literature review evaluates the evidence for approaches designed to facilitate patient involvement
in goal setting within stroke and brain injury rehabilitation. Patient involvement in healthcare decision making
follows guidance for patient-centred practice and is believed to promote adherence to
interventions and improved outcomes. The review identifies a range of approaches designed to
improve patient involvement in goal setting for neurological rehabilitation and evaluates the evidence
provided for them. Qualitative studies of participant perspectives are examined to identify barriers
and facilitators for involving patients with acquired brain injury in rehabilitation goal setting.
Research Report:
The study aimed to investigate the use of implementation intentions to facilitate diary-keeping and
participation in valued activities after discharge from community stroke rehabilitation. Using a
randomised procedure, participants (N=29) were allocated to either a Diary Plan intervention group or
a No Diary Plan control group. Whilst all participants were required to complete a diary which
incorporated implementation intentions for valued activities, only the Diary Plan participants formed
an implementation intention for completing the diary. Between-group analyses showed no effects for
the implementation intention on diary completion. Single-group analyses found that formation of
implementation intentions for valued activities was associated with higher post-intervention activity
levels. Due to the small sample size, cautious interpretation of these results is advocated.
Methodological limitations and suggestions for future research in the development of self management
interventions in stroke rehabilitation are discussed.