The effect of transition care interventions incorporating health coaching strategies for stroke survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically analyse health coaching strategies in transition care and synthesise the effect of these strategies on health care outcomes for stroke survivors.

METHODS

A systematic search of nine databases in two languages was conducted. Meta-analysis was conducted when data were available.

RESULTS

Twenty-five randomised controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis revealed that health coaching strategies in transition care interventions significantly improve quality of life (QoL) (p < 0.001), activities of daily living (ADL) (p = 0.002) and reduce depression (p = 0.001) for stroke survivors at 3 months. Further subgroup analysis demonstrated that transition care interventions with a greater number of health coaching strategies are associated with a larger effect size on QoL (SMD=1.15) and ADL (SMD=1.177) at 3 months, and a medium effect size (SMD=0.674) on depression reduction. However, the effects of health coaching strategies on readmission, mortality and falls in stroke survivors remain inconclusive.

CONCLUSIONS

This review provides evidence that incorporating health coaching strategies in transitional care improves health outcomes of stroke survivors.

PRACTICE IMPLICATION

More trials of health coaching interventions to improve transition care with a rigorous study design are much needed to address the lack of support for stroke survivors and their caregivers in this crucial care period.