Consumer involvement in stroke research

Carers and stroke survivors have played a key role in helping develop and launch research into the effectiveness of an artificial intelligence (AI) platform to provide peer support for stroke survivors.

Feedback from consumers and carers about the power of peer support in recovery from stroke inspired this study, according to the research team leading the project.

One of the carers involved in the co-design of the project, Nichola Browning, said peer support makes such a positive difference to someone recovering from a stroke, their carers, and families.

Nichola became a carer following her daughter’s stroke six years ago and is passionate about supporting other stroke survivors.

“Peer support helps connect survivors with people who really understand how you are feeling and the challenges faced,” said Nichola.

“Finding purpose through lived experience is empowering, and I’m excited to be part of the research team developing this project."

Osborne Park Hospital (OPH) Occupational Therapy Coordinator Toni Heinemann is leading the research project, in partnership with stroke survivor Stacie Broek, World Stroke Organisation, In the Room and Curtin University.

The project allows users to interact via artificial intelligence with Stacie, who provides first-hand perspectives on stroke recovery.

Consultant Geriatrician Dr Kien Chan said this project aims to explore how we can meet this desire for peer support from our stroke survivors and carers.

“Questions and feedback from consumers at a planning meeting gave our clinical team a different perspective on stroke care, there was widespread agreement about the value of peer support," he said.

“It’s exciting to see such a quick and positive result from our consumer engagement; developing a research project that involves consumers and is directly linked to what our consumers asked for."

This research study is supported by Curtin University School of Allied Health and a North Metropolitan Health Service Allied Health Research Capacity grant. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of this platform for stroke survivors and their carers during inpatient, community and outpatient stroke rehabilitation at OPH.

For more information about joining the Community Partnership Network at North Metropolitan Health Service visit.