Developing a method to assess fidelity to a complex vocational rehabilitation intervention in the FRESH trial: a feasibility study.

Background: Determining whether complex rehabilitation interventions are delivered with fidelity is important. Implementation fidelity can differ between sites, therapists delivering interventions and, over time, threatening trial outcomes and increasing the risk of type II and III errors. This study aimed to develop a method of assessing occupational therapists' fidelity to deliver a complex, individually tailored vocational rehabilitation (VR) intervention to people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and assess the feasibility of its use in a randomised controlled trial.

The ESCAPS study: a feasibility randomized controlled trial of early electrical stimulation to the wrist extensors and flexors to prevent post-stroke complications of pain and contractures in the paretic arm.

Objective: To establish feasibility of initiating electrical stimulation treatment of wrist extensors and flexors in patients early after stroke to prevent muscle contractures and pain.

Design: Feasibility randomized controlled trial with economic evaluation.

Setting: A specialist stroke unit in Nottinghamshire.

A systematic review of peer mentoring interventions for people with traumatic brain injury.

Objective: This systematic review sought evidence concerning the effectiveness of peer mentoring for people with traumatic brain injury.

Data Sources: Fourteen electronic databases were searched, including PsycINFO, MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library, from inception to September 21 2016. Ten grey literature databases, PROSPERO, two trials registers, reference lists and author citations were also searched.

ESCAPS study protocol: a feasibility randomised controlled trial of 'Early electrical stimulation to the wrist extensors and wrist flexors to prevent the post-stroke complications of pain and contractures in the paretic arm'.

Introduction: Approximately 70% of patients with stroke experience impaired arm function, which is persistent and disabling for an estimated 40%. Loss of function reduces independence in daily activities and impacts on quality of life. Muscles in those who do not recover functional movement in the stroke affected arm are at risk of atrophy and contractures, which can be established as early as 6 weeks following stroke.

Occupational therapy for care home residents with stroke.

Background: Stroke is a worldwide problem and is a leading cause of adult disability, resulting in dependency in activities of daily living (ADL) for around half of stroke survivors. It is estimated that up to 25% of all care home residents in the USA and in the UK have had a stroke. Stroke survivors who reside in care homes are likely to be more physically and cognitively impaired and therefore more dependent than those able to remain in their own home.