Background/Aims: The World Health Organisation recommend the development of ‘adherence counselling toolkits’ to support health professionals assist clients to self-manage chronic conditions. This study aimed to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and needs of survivors of stroke, carers, and health professionals regarding exercise adherence, and co-design the ACT now Toolkit for health professionals working with survivors of stroke.
Methods: Following initial survey dissemination, focus groups were completed with all stakeholders, and mapped to the Theoretical Domains Framework. A working group was formed, and was presented with a focus group summary, alongside ‘example’ health-based toolkits. Essential, desirable, and non-desirable toolkit design, content and format features were explored. The researchers engaged a socially inclusive designer and participated in cycles of stakeholder feedback and toolkit updates.
Results: 164 participants completed surveys and 29 participated in seven focus groups. Eight key stakeholders worked alongside the research team and the designer to develop the final version of the toolkit. An online interactive toolkit was created to support health professionals to assess survivors’ readiness to change and identify barriers to adherence. Health professionals are guided to develop an Action Plan for survivors who are ready to change, or a Full Behaviour Change Plan for survivors who are not ready to change.
Conclusion:
The ACT now Toolkit. has been developed, has undergone user testing and will now be evaluated in a Hybrid Type 2 implementation-effectiveness study. The use of the ACT now Toolkit will promote long-term adherence, increased activity levels and health outcomes for survivors of stroke.