Improving Quality of Life for Veterans with Stroke and Psychological Distress

NIH RePORTER · VA · I21 · · view on reporter.nih.gov ↗

Abstract

Stroke self-management treatment can improve disability, confidence in recovery, and quality of life. However, Veterans with comorbid stroke and psychological distress (anxiety and depression) have suboptimal mobility, little engagement in meaningful social interactions and poor quality of life. Effective management of psychological distress in patients with stroke is associated with positive physical functioning, social role functioning and quality of life. Current self-management treatments for Veterans with stroke inadequately address comorbid psychological distress. We propose to develop, refine, and pilot the Improving outcomes with comprehensive stroke self- management (I’m Whole) treatment. First, we will combine the Self-management TO Prevent Stroke using Video teleconferencing (VSTOP-II) and Enhancing Psychological Distress Coping (EPiC) cognitive-behavioral treatment to develop a single, group-based, behavioral stroke self- management treatment that addresses stroke risk reduction and psychological distress. Secondly, we will pilot test and refine the treatment. Lastly, we will test the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of I’m Whole. We believe this proposal will provide a promising integrated treatment approach that will aid Veterans with comorbid psychological distress in living a functioning and fulfilling lifestyle.

Key facts

NIH application ID
9837346
Project number
5I21RX002898-02
Recipient
MICHAEL E DEBAKEY VA MEDICAL CENTER
Principal Investigator
Gina L. Evans
Activity code
I21
Funding institute
VA
Fiscal year
2020
Award amount
Award type
5
Project period
2018-12-01 → 2021-11-30