NIHR and Stroke Association fund the development and evaluation of a digital therapy for people with post stroke fatigue

A pioneering self-management programme designed to support stroke survivors, and incorporating cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)  to manage fatigue, is being developed by experts from the Universities of Birmingham, Cambridge, and Bournemouth, in partnership with Cognitant Group, a healthcare technology company.

Funded by a £2.1 million grant from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and the Stroke Association, this five-year programme, named COMbAT Fatigue, aims to provide a vital resource for those experiencing post-stroke fatigue—a condition that affects approximately half of all stroke survivors.

Fatigue following a stroke can be one of the most challenging and distressing symptoms people face, making everyday activities difficult. Despite its prevalence, many people do not receive adequate support or information on how to manage it. COMbAT Fatigue seeks to address this by co-creating a self-management programme that will be delivered digitally, empowering stroke survivors to optimise energy, do more of the things that matter to them, and improve their quality of life.

Why COMbAT Fatigue is needed

Post-stroke fatigue is different from normal tiredness; it can leave people feeling completely drained, both physically and mentally, preventing them from fully participating in life. Lead investigator, Dr Grace Turner from the University of Birmingham, said, “Fatigue is one of the most common and debilitating effects of stroke. Yet, many stroke survivors receive little support to manage it. We believe this programme could be the solution to help people reclaim their lives.”

COMbAT Fatigue builds upon an existing programme called FACETS, which was originally designed to help people with multiple sclerosis (MS) manage their fatigue through a combination of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), education, and energy management techniques. The research team will adapt FACETS to suit the needs of stroke survivors, ensuring it is accessible through a web-based platform and inclusive of under-represented groups, such as people from ethnic minority backgrounds and those with stroke-related impairments.

What the research will involve

Over the course of five years, the programme will take a phased approach:

• Co-creation with stroke survivors and experts: The team will conduct group interviews with stroke survivors, caregivers, clinicians, and other experts to understand their experiences with fatigue and how the existing MS programme can be adapted for a stroke context.
• Piloting the programme: A small group of stroke survivors will try out the adapted fatigue management programme and provide feedback about its acceptability and ease of use.
• Large-scale trial: The final phase of the project will involve testing the programme with 610 stroke survivors to determine its impact on fatigue and quality of life..

A collaborative effort

The programme is co-led by Dr Grace Turner from the University of Birmingham and Professor Jonathan Mant from the University of Cambridge, both of whom bring extensive experience in stroke research and primary care.  Bournemouth University also plays a key role, with experts including Dr Sarah Thomas, a research psychologist specialising in fatigue who led the development of the original FACETS programme, and Professor Huseyin Dogan, who specialises in human computer interaction, digital health and assistive technology.

The COMbAT Fatigue programme will also draw upon the expertise of clinicians, medical sociologists, health economists, and behavioural medicine specialists from these institutions, and will be designed and developed by Cognitant’s team of medical technology and patient education specialists.

Cognitant is renowned for its innovative approach to digital health solutions, focusing on co-producing educational programmes and support tools that empower patients. Cognitant’s involvement in the COMbAT Fatigue programme ensures that the digital platform will be user-friendly, engaging, and tailored to the unique needs of stroke survivors.

Dr Tim Ringrose, CEO and Founder of Cognitant, said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with the Universities of Birmingham, Cambridge and Bournemouth on this crucial initiative. This project aims to make a tangible difference to the lives of stroke survivors, providing them with the tools and support they need to self-manage their fatigue. Through collaboration with patients and caregivers, we are looking forward to creating a comprehensive self-management programme which will represent a significant step forward in post-stroke care.”

Empowering stroke survivors

The goal of COMbAT Fatigue is to empower stroke survivors to manage their fatigue more effectively, enabling them to engage in activities that bring pleasure, value, and meaning to their lives. Dr Turner adds, “By co-creating this programme with the people it is designed to help, we can ensure it meets their needs and can be seamlessly integrated into current NHS care pathways.”

ENDS