The Impact of a Video-Educational and Tele-Supporting Program on the Caregiver–Stroke Survivor Dyad During Transitional Care (D-STEPS: Dyadic Support Through Tele-Health and Educational Programs in Stroke Care): A Longitudinal Study Protocol

Introduction: Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability and substantially affects the quality of life (QoL) of both survivors and their caregivers. The transition from hospital to home is a vulnerable period characterized by discontinuity of care and insufficient caregiver support. Dyadic interventions—targeting both the survivor and caregiver—have shown promise in improving recovery outcomes. This protocol outlines a mixed-methods study to evaluate the impact of a video-based training intervention on the stroke survivor–caregiver dyad during the first year post-discharge. Methods: A mixed-methods design based on the TIDieR checklist will be implemented. Stroke survivors and their caregivers will be recruited from stroke units and rehabilitation hospitals across Italy prior to discharge. Approximately 150 dyads will receive a video training intervention followed by nurse-led transitional care support. Assessments will occur at baseline (T0) and at 1 (T1), 3 (T2), 6 (T3), and 12 months (T4) post-discharge. Outcomes will include physical functioning, disability, anxiety, depression, caregiver preparedness, burden, social support, sleep quality, and both generic and stroke-specific QoL. The study is supported by a grant from the Centre of Excellence for Nursing Scholarship, Rome, July 2024. Conclusions: Integrating caregivers into transitional care through structured training and support is essential for improving dyadic outcomes after stroke. Strengthening knowledge and preparedness in both survivors and caregivers enhances recovery, reduces caregiver burden, and may alleviate healthcare system costs associated with poor post-discharge outcomes.