Discharge Assistance for Stroke
(DASH Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether trained volunteers visiting stroke survivors at home can aid recovery after hospital discharge. The main goal is to determine if this additional support, known as Discharge Assistance and Supports at Home (DASH), enhances coping skills over 3 to 6 months. Participants will either receive these home visits or continue with their usual care and educational resources. This trial suits individuals who have experienced a stroke, recently completed rehab, and reside at home in Toronto or Ottawa. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative recovery strategies for stroke survivors.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications, but it mentions that participants will continue with their usual care plan. This suggests you can likely keep taking your current medications.
What prior data suggests that this home visit protocol is safe for stroke survivors?
Research has shown that home support, such as the Discharge Assistance and Supports at Home (DASH) program in this study, is generally safe. Studies indicate that trained volunteers visiting stroke survivors at home can aid recovery without causing harm. In past research, participants did not report any serious problems when receiving similar home visit support.
Moreover, many stroke recovery plans already include home support, suggesting that this approach is widely considered safe. The support provided is non-medical and focuses on improving daily life, which usually involves minimal risk. Overall, current evidence suggests that DASH is a safe option for people recovering from a stroke.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the Discharge Assistance and Supports at Home (DASH) program for stroke recovery because it takes a comprehensive approach to patient support after hospital discharge. Unlike traditional care, which often focuses on in-hospital treatment and basic at-home instructions, DASH offers a structured support system that continues into the home environment. This includes personalized care plans, ongoing education, and resources tailored to each patient's needs, potentially leading to better recovery outcomes. This method aims to bridge the gap between hospital care and home recovery, ensuring patients have the support they need every step of the way.
What evidence suggests that the DASH intervention is effective for stroke recovery?
Research has shown that community support, such as home visits from trained volunteers, can enhance stroke recovery. In this trial, participants in the DASH group will receive this support, which includes the DASH intervention, usual care, and educational resources. One study found that these visits can improve functioning and coping after hospital discharge. Another study highlighted that proper education on post-discharge care and caregiver support can significantly enhance recovery during critical periods. Additionally, performing rehabilitation exercises at home is crucial for stroke recovery. Early findings suggest that volunteer support might offer long-lasting benefits, potentially aiding recovery up to six months post-discharge.13678
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults who recently had a stroke, lived at home before their stroke, are being discharged directly to a home (their own or family), have finished or nearly finished rehab in the last 3 weeks, live in Toronto or Ottawa, and have a confirmed stroke diagnosis.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive volunteer support over an 8-week period or no additional support
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for coping skills, quality of life, social isolation, and depression symptoms
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Discharge Assistance and Supports at Home (DASH)
Trial Overview
The study tests if having trained volunteers visit people at home after hospital discharge helps with recovery from stroke. Participants either get volunteer support for 8 weeks plus usual care, or just usual care. Recovery is measured over 6 months.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Participants will receive the DASH intervention + Usual Care + Educational Resources
Participants will receive the Usual Care + Educational Resources
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Bruyère Health Research Institute.
Lead Sponsor
March of Dimes, Canada
Collaborator
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
Collaborator
Citations
Volunteer Facilitated Discharge Assistance and Supports ...
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a home visit by a trained volunteer can improve stroke recovery after a stroke survivor is ...
Community-Based Interventions for Stroke Provided by ... - PMC
The purpose of this review is to explore research focused on improving community-based stroke recovery for adult stroke survivors, caregivers, or both when ...
3.
ctv.veeva.com
ctv.veeva.com/study/volunteer-facilitated-discharge-assistance-and-supports-at-home-dash-for-people-with-stroke-an-efVolunteer Facilitated Discharge Assistance and Supports at ...
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a home visit by a trained volunteer can improve stroke recovery after a stroke survivor is ...
Comparing a Care Program and Usual Care to Help Patients ...
The primary aim was to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of COMPASS-TC vs usual care (UC) on functional status 90 days poststroke discharge, assessed with ...
5.
newsroom.heart.org
newsroom.heart.org/news/stronger-policy-improved-recovery-closing-gaps-in-stroke-rehabilitation-improves-livesStronger policy, improved recovery: closing gaps in stroke ...
Develop a national data infrastructure to track rehabilitation service utilization, costs (direct and indirect) and patient outcomes across ...
Evidence-Based Educational Guidelines for Stroke Survivors ...
As they were discharged home from inpatient rehabilitation, 159 stroke survivors and their spouses were randomized into usual care or home visit groups.
7.
practicalneurology.com
practicalneurology.com/diseases-diagnoses/stroke/postacute-stroke-care-transitioning-from-hospital-to-home/31961/Postacute Stroke Care: Transitioning from Hospital to Home
The quality of discharge care planning in acute stroke care: influencing factors and association with postdischarge outcomes. J Stroke ...
8.
strokebestpractices.ca
strokebestpractices.ca/-/media/1-stroke-best-practices/rrcp-part-1/csbpr7-rrcp-part-one-module-final-eng-2025.pdf?rev=0214e7d7c29a44ccbfb8baa6837a802dStroke Rehabilitation Planning for Optimal Care Delivery
Of those individuals admitted to acute inpatient care, 39% will be discharged to their homes without support services, and an additional 19% will be discharged ...
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