Secondary prevention by structured semi-interactive stroke prevention package in INDIA (SPRINT INDIA): Findings from the process evaluation of a randomized controlled trial

Introduction: Secondary Prevention by Structured Semi-Interactive Stroke Prevention Package in INDIA Trial delivered secondary stroke awareness intervention to sub-acute stroke patients in form of workbook, videos and SMS across 31 centres in 12 languages. Trial was stopped for futility due to fewer vascular outcomes than anticipated. Trial results indicated that trial intervention, did not lead to reduction in vascular events. We carried out process evaluation, to evaluate trial implementation and participant's perspectives, to comprehend the trial's futile outcomes. Materials and Methods: Using mixed methods approach, qualitative interviews and quantitative data from case report forms, workbooks and questionnaires were analysed to measure intervention fidelity and contamination. Using purposive sampling, 115 interviews of patient-caregiver dyads and health professionals at 11 centres and 2 focus group discussions were held. Results and discussion: Iterative thematic analysis of qualitative data was done with RE-AIM and realist models. There was good fidelity to intervention and adherence to protocol; however, there was dilution of inclusion criteria by randomly enrolling uneducated and caregiver-dependent patients. Centre coordinators provided counselling to both arms, not specified by protocol, causing bias. Coordinators found it difficult to keep patients motivated to view intervention which was corroborated by fidelity questionnaire showing decreased viewing of intervention for a year. Cardiovascular protection improved in routine care by virtue of participating in trial. No contamination of intervention was reported. Conclusion: The intervention was acceptable by patients and caregivers, which could be made a community-based programme. Reasons identified for decreased viewing were repetitive content and non-availability of personal cellular device.

Automated summary

The trial in India aimed to provide secondary stroke prevention intervention to sub-acute stroke patients using workbooks, videos, and SMS, but it did not lead to a reduction in vascular events. Through process evaluation, it was found that there was good fidelity to intervention, but inclusion criteria were diluted and patient motivation to view the intervention decreased over time. The results suggest that the intervention was acceptable but improvements are needed.