Protocol: Evaluating How Community Exercise Programmes for Stroke Survivors Are Delivered in Ireland
This is a study protocol, not results. It describes a mixed-methods plan to evaluate how a community exercise programme (ExWell) is referred to, taken up, kept up and sustained for stroke survivors in Ireland, using two implementation frameworks. [1]
Automatic summary · not editorially reviewed
The key findings
The source at a glance
- Study type / format
- Study protocol for a mixed-methods implementation evaluation (case study), guided by RE-AIM and CFIR 2.0.
- Population / context
- Planned: stroke survivors in Ireland, plus programme staff, referring healthcare professionals, and national stroke policy and system representatives.
- Summary based on
- Study abstract
- Publication status
- Preprint · peer-review status not confirmed
- Original publication
- October 14, 2026
Why study how community stroke exercise is delivered
Stroke is a leading cause of death and long-term disability worldwide and in Ireland, and its prevalence is rising as the population ages. Physical activity is a key part of secondary prevention and recovery. Yet the authors say there is limited evidence on how community-based exercise programmes are actually implemented, delivered and sustained in routine practice. They argue this gap matters for national policy and service planning in Ireland.
Supporting source [1]
Mixed-methods case study of the ExWell programme
This protocol plans a mixed-methods implementation evaluation using ExWell, a community-based exercise programme, as a real-world case study. It is guided by two frameworks: RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) and the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR 2.0). Quantitative outcomes cover referral patterns, programme uptake, retention and engagement. Qualitative data will come from stroke survivors, programme staff, referring healthcare professionals, and national stroke policy and system representatives, via semi-structured interviews and focus groups.
Supporting source [1]
Planned analysis and policy aims, with no results yet
Quantitative data will be analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics; qualitative data with reflexive thematic analysis. A convergent mixed-methods approach will integrate the findings to examine implementation outcomes and contextual influences, and secondary analysis of existing datasets will support benchmarking. The stated aim is to generate implementation-focused evidence to inform policy, resource allocation and equitable service design aligned with Ireland's Sláintecare objectives. Because this is a protocol, no findings are reported, and no effects on stroke outcomes can be concluded.
Supporting source [1]
How to interpret this
Abstract only; the full text was not reviewed. This is a study protocol, so no results, effect sizes or outcome data are reported. Planned methods and aims are described, not findings.
Based on the study abstract; the full paper, tables and supplementary data were not reviewed.
Source & supporting passages
Kelly L, Skelly F, Segerström V, Bruen C, Burke S, McCaffrey N, Collins R, Smith SM, Darker CD, INsPIRE Research Team. · europepmc.org · October 14, 2026