Research gives voice to stroke survivors

New research into communication tools is set to give stroke survivors a greater voice in their recovery.

The research, focused on better connecting survivors with their carers, was among four innovative projects to receive funding in the Stroke Foundation 2020 Research Grant Round.

A total of $200,000 was awarded to researchers, helping kick-start their studies and research careers.

Stroke Foundation Research Advisory Committee Chair Professor Amanda Thrift said Stroke Foundation was on a mission to address research gaps.

“This year we have specifically focused on improving stroke survivor’s quality of life by better supporting carers,” Prof Thrift said.

“One in four of us will experience a stroke in our lifetime and it will leave most who survive it with an ongoing disability.

“The majority of those who survive stroke will return home, with care needs falling on their parents, spouse, children or siblings.

“The sudden and abrupt nature of stroke places huge demands on family members and can come at a personal cost to the carer.

“Yet, there has been little investigation into this area. Research will be an important step forward in recognising how the impact of stroke extends well beyond the individual and making life after stroke better for our carers,” she said.

Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan said high quality and effective stroke research was crucial to drive improvements in stroke treatment, care and understanding for everyone impacted by stroke.

“Research remains a core part of Stroke Foundation’s mission to prevent stroke, save lives and enhance recovery,” Ms McGowan said.

“I congratulate the successful grant recipients and look forward to seeing the outcomes of their important studies.”

2020 Seed grant recipients:

-Dr Kirstine Shrubsole, Southern Cross University, Implementing Conversation Partner training with Carers of People with Aphasia: A pilot implementation study.

-Dr Elizabeth Lynch, The University of Adelaide, Where to go and what to do? Supporting carers of stroke survivors to get tailored information to meet their needs.

-Dr Joosup Kim, Monash University, Understanding long term community support provided by primary care.

-Ms Emily Ramage, The University of Newcastle, Physical activity and dietary interventions to reduce secondary stroke risk: The ENAbLE Pilot Randomised Control Trial.

More on research grant recipients and their projects here.

National charity, the Stroke Foundation, awarded more than $4.9 million to more than 200 researchers since 2008.

/Public Release. View in full here.