Background: Anxiety disorders and depression are common after stroke. Anxiety disorders generally are associated with reduced quality of life (QoL) and increased use of healthcare services. Depression is significantly associated with increased mortality, anxiety, and lower QoL amongst stroke survivors. Psychological interventions that promote acquisition of coping skills are recommended. 
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a structured, 8-week group-based self-management course, designed to help people cope with physical, psychological or emotional distress. Skills taught are practiced at home. MBSR is effective in people with long-term conditions comorbid with anxiety and depression, which suggests that it could facilitate - self-management of these symptoms for stroke survivors. However, systematic review evidence indicates that attrition is high, with many people not completing the course or finding home practice difficult. We hypothesise that a stroke-specific version of MBSR may help improve adherence, which should improve mastery of skills and subsequent self-management of symptoms, thus reducing burden on individuals and healthcare services.
Aim: We aimed to develop a stroke-specific MBSR course.
Methods: Thirty stroke survivors and family members/carers took part in MBSR sessions and follow-up focus groups. We analysed the focus group data using a framework approach. Together with stroke survivors and other experts, we then adapted the standard MBSR course. 
Results: Findings identified areas for adaption: preparation (accessible information), ‘dose’ (shorter sessions, longer course), approach (slow, repetitive, cognisant of stroke–related impairments), motivation and support (peer/partner support).
Conclusion: Co-creating a stroke-specific MBSR course resulted in meaningful adaptations for testing in future feasibility work.

MINDFULNESS BASED STRESS REDUCTION TO SUPPORT SELF-MANAGMENT OF ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION FOLLOWING STROKE: A DEVELOPMENT STUDY