A new study, led by experts at the University of Nottingham Institute of Mental Health, will look at how people who have experienced a Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) or a minor stroke can receive emotional and practical support remotely.
People who experience a TIA or a minor stroke often feel emotional effects, such as anxiety and loss of confidence, and they may have difficulty returning to everyday activities. They are also at risk of having another stroke in the future. Those affected often say they need emotional support and advice on making lifestyle changes to improve their health and manage daily life after diagnosis. However, this type of support is not routinely offered to people who experience TIA or minor stroke.
To address this problem, the team of experts created OPTIMISM which offered six face-to- face sessions with small groups of people who had experienced TIA/minor stroke. The sessions provided education, emotional support, and advice to help participants understand their condition and make lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of a future stroke and improve their quality of life.
Participants reported enjoying the group format and valued the support offered by OPTIMISM. However, some of them had difficulties attending sessions in person because of work or caring commitments, and some found travelling to sessions difficult. As a result, it was suggested that offering the sessions remotely, delivered via smartphones, laptops, or tablets, could improve accessibility and allow more people to benefit from the intervention.
This new study, funded by the Stroke Association, and hosted by Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, is led by Dr Eirini Kontou, Associate Professor and Lead Clinical Psychologist with Dr Jade Kettlewell, Assistant Professor as co-lead.
The study aims to adapt the OPTIMISM intervention for remote delivery, called e-OPTIMISM, and identify any potential barriers to providing it. The study will be hosted by Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in close collaboration with University of Nottingham and Newcastle University.
The results from the study will help to inform the design of a larger trial in future, seeking to ensure that e-OPTIMISM is available to as many people as possible who might benefit from it after experiencing a TIA or minor stroke.
It's so good to be involved with research that recognises that TIA and 'minor' stroke are life changing events and that those experiencing them need just as much understanding and support as other stroke survivors. eOPTIMISM is a much-needed programme with a delivery method that could have a very wide reach. Successful development and implementation through this research could help improve many lives."
Professor Deb Lowe, Medical Director at the Stroke Association, said: "Everyone affected by a TIA or minor stroke deserves the support they need to understand their condition, rebuild their confidence, and reduce their risk of a future stroke. Too often, people tell us they feel they have been 'sent home and forgotten', despite facing very real emotional and practical challenges.
"By adapting this programme for remote delivery, e‑OPTIMISM has the potential to reach people who might otherwise miss out on vital support—whether because of work, caring responsibilities, or difficulties travelling to appointments. This research is an important step towards ensuring more people can access timely, high‑quality help, wherever they live."
