Article type
Abstract
Background The aim of the Tulong, Ugnayan ng Lingap At gabaY (TULAY) project is to co-design and implement a sustainable self-management community-based rehabilitation programme in the Philippines, initially for stroke survivors. One of the first steps in the project was to conduct a national survey to establish the current structure, processes and outcomes of stroke care and rehabilitation.
Objectives We will share lessons learned during design and deployment of the survey phase, including challenges encountered and solutions.
Methods A cross-sectional survey of care providers, stroke survivors, carers, and government officials was deployed in five regions (Calabarzon, National Capital Region, Western Visayas, Central Visayas and Northern Mindanao) during Oct 2023 – March 2024. Collaboration and consultation with stakeholders, through community engagement initiatives (CEIs) in the Philippines, provided valuable contextual feedback.
Results Key challenges were: Identifying and reaching stroke survivors; geographical; digital; language barriers; and accessibility issues. With no national stroke database in the Philippines, Mayors and Municipal/City Health Officers (M/CHOs) were utilised to help identify and reach stroke survivors. To overcome geographical barriers (e.g. isolated regions/islands), online self-completed surveys were distributed, but where not feasible, trained field enumerators were deployed to travel around the country to collect data. To overcome digital challenges (e.g. regions with poor internet connectivity, or lack of skills or access of respondents), surveys were administered in additional formats i.e. Computer-Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) and Pen-And-Paper Interview (PAPI). To reduce language barriers, study information and surveys were translated into multiple dialects, with enumerators fluent in the local language. To Increase accessibility for stroke survivors (i.e. with sensory, cognitive or communication impairments, or illiteracy), study information and the survey were available in short, accessible formats, which could be completed with assistance from a carer or enumerator.
Conclusions This study, conducted in a low-middle income country with complex geography, illustrates and emphasises the need to involve consumers and stakeholders, through CEI, to contextualise and adapt approaches to local settings. The strategies shared maximised participation and improved the completeness and robustness of evidence.
Funded by NIHR & UKAid
This project supports stroke survivors and carers in community settings in the Philippines.
Objectives We will share lessons learned during design and deployment of the survey phase, including challenges encountered and solutions.
Methods A cross-sectional survey of care providers, stroke survivors, carers, and government officials was deployed in five regions (Calabarzon, National Capital Region, Western Visayas, Central Visayas and Northern Mindanao) during Oct 2023 – March 2024. Collaboration and consultation with stakeholders, through community engagement initiatives (CEIs) in the Philippines, provided valuable contextual feedback.
Results Key challenges were: Identifying and reaching stroke survivors; geographical; digital; language barriers; and accessibility issues. With no national stroke database in the Philippines, Mayors and Municipal/City Health Officers (M/CHOs) were utilised to help identify and reach stroke survivors. To overcome geographical barriers (e.g. isolated regions/islands), online self-completed surveys were distributed, but where not feasible, trained field enumerators were deployed to travel around the country to collect data. To overcome digital challenges (e.g. regions with poor internet connectivity, or lack of skills or access of respondents), surveys were administered in additional formats i.e. Computer-Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) and Pen-And-Paper Interview (PAPI). To reduce language barriers, study information and surveys were translated into multiple dialects, with enumerators fluent in the local language. To Increase accessibility for stroke survivors (i.e. with sensory, cognitive or communication impairments, or illiteracy), study information and the survey were available in short, accessible formats, which could be completed with assistance from a carer or enumerator.
Conclusions This study, conducted in a low-middle income country with complex geography, illustrates and emphasises the need to involve consumers and stakeholders, through CEI, to contextualise and adapt approaches to local settings. The strategies shared maximised participation and improved the completeness and robustness of evidence.
Funded by NIHR & UKAid
This project supports stroke survivors and carers in community settings in the Philippines.