The LAST Word on Coaching as a Stroke Intervention?

See related article, p 426 The stroke research community can pride itself on the robust evidence base that now informs acute care and secondary prevention. Unfortunately, the same is not true for the longer-term, nonpharmacological management of stroke, where many aspects of care still remain evidence light. Focussing our attention on this latter part of the stroke journey must now be a research priority and we need new interventions for the life that continues after acute stroke.1 There are encouraging signals around the efficacy of lifestyle interventions but ensuring uptake and adherence of potentially complex programs is challenging. The recent trend toward early discharge and increasing self-management of stroke has many benefits,2 but this model of healthcare provision risks an increased burden of treatment demands.3 Stroke survivors often report feeling overwhelmed by the treatments recommended by their healthcare providers.3Into this complex milieu, one potential solution is the provision of regular tailored health coaching after a stroke. There is already evidence that participation in self-management programs including education and skills training can improve quality of life and self-efficacy after stroke.4 In theory, a health coaching approach would build on this, enabling an individual to improve and manage their stroke recovery with access to person-centered practical help and support when needed. Much of our understanding of coaching comes from the world …