SCI&U Peer Health Coaching Program for Individuals Newly Discharged From Inpatient Rehabilitation
This study called 'SCI & U' is exploring whether an online program can help people with spinal cord injuries manage their health better after they've been discharged from hospital. It focuses on those who have had their injury within the last three years and are living in the community. The program uses trained peer health coaches who offer support and guidance online. Researchers want to see if 'SCI & U' can reduce emotional distress, boost confidence in managing health, and improve overall health management skills compared to standard peer support. Participants will have online sessions with a coach and complete surveys to track their progress.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study, called 'SCI & U', is looking into a new way to help people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) as they move from hospital back into their daily lives in the community. It's designed to see if an online program, where you connect with trained people who also have a spinal cord injury (called 'peer health coaches'), can make a real difference. The main idea is that getting support and advice from someone who understands what you're going through might help you feel more confident and better able to manage your health.
The researchers want to find out if this 'SCI & U' online program can reduce feelings of sadness or worry and help people feel more in control of their own health. They will compare a group who use the 'SCI & U' program with a group who get the usual kind of peer support that's already available. They'll be checking to see if people using 'SCI & U' have better knowledge about managing their condition, better skills, and fewer problems that sometimes happen after a spinal cord injury.
This study is important because adjusting to life after a spinal cord injury can be challenging. Finding good support that helps people feel more independent and confident is really valuable. If 'SCI & U' proves to be helpful, it could offer a new way for many more people to get the support they need.
Key takeaways
- Tests an online program called 'SCI & U' for spinal cord injury.
- Aims to help people manage their health after hospital discharge.
- Uses trained peer health coaches for online support.
- Compares 'SCI & U' to standard peer support.
- Focuses on reducing distress and increasing self-confidence.
- Involves online sessions and surveys over 12 months.
Who may be eligible?
To be part of this study, you need to be at least 18 years old. You should have a spinal cord injury and either be planning to go home from hospital soon, or already living at home with your injury for no more than three years.
It's important that you can speak and understand English well enough to take part in the online sessions and surveys. Also, you need to be willing to become a member of a specific spinal cord injury support group (either SCI BC or SCIACT – the study details would help you understand which one applies).
If you don't meet these requirements, or if you don't want to join one of those support groups, unfortunately, you wouldn't be able to take part in this particular study.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Have you had a spinal cord injury within the last three years?
- Are you currently living at home or planning to go home from hospital soon?
- Can you speak and understand English clearly?
- Are you willing to become a member of SCI BC or SCIACT (spinal cord injury support groups)?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you would have up to 14 online sessions. Each session would last about an hour and you'd speak with a peer health coach. These coaches are trained to help you set goals and plan actions for managing your health. During these sessions, you might also look at helpful online information and make plans for what to do next to manage your health.
You would also be asked to complete a survey at three different times: once at the very start of the study, another one after 6 months, and a final one after 12 months. These surveys will be done with someone who asks you the questions, rather than you filling it out yourself. The total duration of your active involvement in the sessions would be spread out, and you'd be followed up for a year.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- Spinal Cord Injury Association of ConnecticutVerified postcodeMilford, United States· Recruiting
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of TorontoVerified postcodeToronto, Canada· Recruiting
Common questions
What is a 'peer health coach'?
A peer health coach is someone who also has a spinal cord injury and has been specially trained to support and guide others dealing with similar challenges.
How often would I have online sessions?
You would have up to 14 online sessions with your coach, and each one would last about an hour. The exact frequency would be discussed with you.
Do I need to be good with computers?
The program is online, so you would need some basic comfort using a computer or tablet to join video calls and look at web pages.
What kind of support is 'usual peer support'?
Usual peer support refers to the standard help and connection an individual might get from others with similar experiences, outside of this specific online program.
Can I stop participating if I want to?
Yes, absolutely. You can withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without needing to explain why, and it won't affect your medical care.
How to find out more
Susan Jaglal, PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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