Table 2 Intervention reporting in line with the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TiDieR) guidelines

Name

Group self-management intervention for stroke

Why (rationale)

Described above in the ‘Background’ section.

What (materials)

Stroke survivors will receive a user held Bridges workbook which they can take away with them and work through at their own pace. The layout and content of the workbook has vignettes, pictures and experiences from other stroke survivors. It was designed with stroke survivors and has been reviewed by Connect (communications charity). Family and friends will receive a Bridges family and friends booklet containing information about SM, stories from families living with stroke, the five top tips for supporting target setting and finally, resources and contacts. Both are available through Bridges [15]. In addition, flip chart paper, post it notes and pens may be needed to capture discussions and facilitate communication with aphasic individuals. Flipchart paper, pens.

Procedures

Participants are contacted 2 days before each session to check if they are attending. The protocol content was design using the core Bridges principles (see the ‘Core concepts of the intervention’ section). The content aims to incorporate these principles over the 4 weeks. Outcome measures are completed at the end of the fourth session.

Who provided

Each group should have the same three facilitators for each session. One stroke survivor, who will provide empathy and insight as they have experienced a stroke themselves. One speech and language therapist trained in Bridges who will provide self-management support and expertise in communication difficulties such as aphasia. Finally, one facilitator trained in Bridges providing self-management support. In this case, the latter is a PhD student and trainee health psychologist. Bridges training is one full day followed by a half day a few months later. The first day aims to help individuals build, evaluate and sustain a self-management approach with a focus on person-centred care. The second day allows individuals to reflect on their new practices, enabling the sharing of ideas and collective problem solving, as well as refreshing individuals on the core principles.

How (delivery)

Face-to-face in a group setting.

Where

The intervention will be run in community venues that are as convenient for each group member as possible.

When and how much

A four-part intervention running once a week for 4 weeks. Each session lasts 2 h and includes a break in the middle.

Tailoring

The intervention is tailored to the individual. For example, through individual goal setting and decision making. In addition, discussion topics are participant led ensuring they are relevant to those involved.

Modifications

Although there are clear time frames and content listed in the session plans, they are meant as a guideline and thus should be used flexibly in practice. For example, the order of events may vary and some aspects may be adapted to fit different contexts.

How well (fidelity)

Observations of the intervention will be carried out which will be cross referenced to the core principles of Bridges and the original session plan. This will enable an assessment of fidelity to the intervention protocol.