JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

While spinal cord injury (SCI) caregiving can be a rewarding experience, caregivers often experience reduced mental and physical health.

Objective:

This article describes the methodology of a study examining the efficacy of a newly developed telehealth Transition Assistance Program (TAP) for caregivers of individuals with acute SCI.

Methods:

A mixed-methods, randomized clinical trial is comparing TAP outcomes to that of a standard-of-care control. The study is recruiting for 48 months and incorporating both quantitative and qualitative outcome measures. Data are collected regarding barriers and facilitators to using the TAP which might inform dissemination and implementation.

Results:

N/A

Conclusions:

This study is implementing and testing an SCI caregiver intervention unlike any created before, targeting a critical time period that until now other SCI caregiver interventions have overlooked. Research personnel intend to disseminate the intervention and study findings through the publication of manuscripts and presentations at conferences. If the current study shows improvements in caregiver and/or patient well-being, the TAP for SCI caregivers could become part of the standard of care for acute SCI. Clinical Trial: This study's clinicaltrials.gov registration number is NCT02207803.