ABSTRACT NUMBER: ESOC2026A1334 BURDEN ON NEXT-OF-KIN: SECONDARY RESULTS FROM THE LIFE AFTER STROKE-LONG (LAST-LONG) TRIAL

Abstract Background and aims The LAST-long trial investigated the effects of a multimodal follow-up after stroke and found no improvement in functional outcome. The present sub-study aimed to assess whether the intervention affected next-of-kin’s stress and caregiving time. Methods LAST-long was a Norwegian multi-center randomized controlled trial comparing an 18-month intervention to standard care. The intervention comprised monthly meetings with a stroke coordinator including structured assessments and supported individualized goal setting. Next-of-kin were evaluated using the Relatives Stress Scale and a questionnaire on employment and caregiving time. Group differences were analyzed using linear mixed models. Results Next-of-kin data were available for 260 of 301 patients at one or more of four follow-ups. Patients were 46% women, with mean age 71.1 (SD 12.3) years and mean baseline modified Rankin Scale 1.7 (SD 0.9). At inclusion, 67% of next-of-kins in the intervention group and 73% in the control group lived with the patient, of these proportions employed were 45% and 48%, respectively. 8% and 12% reported reduced or discontinued working due to caregiving. Relatives Stress Scale scores were similar; at baseline 10.7 (of 60) and 10.6. At 18 months scores were 7.9 and 9.9 (P = 0.52). Mean estimated weekly caregiving hours did also not differ significantly between groups during follow-up: 5.7 (95% CI, 4.5–6.8) in the intervention group and 4.1 (95% CI, 2.9–5.4) in the control group (P = 0.082). Conclusions In this sub-study, long-term follow-up by a stroke coordinator did not give significant differences in next-of-kin stress or caregiving time compared to standard care. Conflict of interest All authors: nothing to disclose.