Oral Presentation Australian and New Zealand Stroke Organisation Conference 2025

A phase II randomized-controlled trial assessing O-MAPS (Online Mood Assessment Post Stroke) training: (123253)

Rebecca EL-HELOU 1 , Brooke Ryan 2 , Jeffrey M Rogers 3 , Dianne L Marsden 4 , Ann Winkler 5 , Andrew Baillie 3 , James Elhindi 6 , Liz Gallagher 7 , Ian Kneebone 1
  1. Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
  2. Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
  3. Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  4. School of Medicine and Public Health and Priority Research Centre for Stroke and Brain Injury, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
  5. Northern NSW Local Health District, Lismore, NSW, Australia
  6. Research Education Network, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
  7. Stroke Foundation of Australia, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Background: Anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation are common post-stroke and require timely identification to ensure stroke survivors access appropriate care. Despite this need, training opportunities are scarce, and no online programmes have been formally evaluated.

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the Online Mood Assessment Post Stroke (OMAPS) training program using a phase II wait-listed randomized controlled trial design.

Methods: Stroke clinicians were recruited through webinars and social media. Data for 60 randomised participants (n = 30, immediate intervention group; n =30 wait-list control group). All participants completed a Mood Screening Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (MSEQ) and a mood screening knowledge quiz before and after the training. Controls received training after one weeks delay. A follow-up was conducted one month post training for all participants to assess implementation of the training.

Results: Significant improvement in mood screening knowledge (M = 1.01, t(59) = 6.81, p < 0.0001, d = 1.05) and self-reported self-efficacy (t = 8.294, p < 0.001) were evident at completion the training. Several clinicians reported changes in clinical practice, although some noted ongoing barriers to implementation.

Conclusions: These findings provide preliminary evidence supporting the effectiveness of the OMAPS training program in enhancing clinicians’ confidence and knowledge in mood screening post-stroke. Further research is warranted to explore broader impacts on clinical practice.