The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if the online program and web-based platform for delivery of self-management services to people with spinal cord injury (SCI) called "SCI \& U" can support transitions from hospital to the community after injury. Specifically, can providing support from trained peer health coaches via the SCI \& U web-based self-management program increase health self-management among those within three years of a spinal cord injury with a planned discharge to or living in the community with SCI for less than two years in the province of British Columbia, Canada or the state of Connecticut, United States. The main question it aims to answer is: • Does the SCI \& U web-based self-management program lower emotional distress and increase self-efficacy Researchers will compare those who participate in SCI \& U with those who receive usual peer support after 6 months to see if the SCI \& U program improves self-management knowledge, skills and self-efficacy and decreases secondary complications Participants will: * engage in up to 14 online sessions, each of which lasts about an hour with a peer health coach trained in motivational interviewing, goal setting and brief action planning. During sessions, they may also review resources and create follow up plans on the online platform on health management topics * complete an interviewer administered survey at baseline, 6 and 12 months
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
76
Peer health coaches will be recruited from the United Spinal Connecticut Chapter and SCI BC. They will be at least 5 years post-SCI and will be certified in brief action planning and in Mental Health First Aid. Online coaching sessions are expected to cover a health-related topic (eg. bladder, bowel, skin, pain, healthy eating, physical activity or stress, anxiety and depression etc) and a self-management skill topic (eg.action planning, goal setting, problem-solving, mood management, navigating the health care system, communicating with health care providers). To ensure we meet the unique needs of participants, the coach and participant will determine jointly how many sessions to spend on a topic. In addition, coaches will be able to link relevant information and resources contained in the resource library to each session.
Existing peer support program from the United Spinal Connecticut Chapter or SCI BC
Spinal Cord Injury Association of Connecticut
Milford, Connecticut, United States
RECRUITINGDepartment of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
RECRUITINGEmotional Distress Subscale in Health Education Impact Questionnaire
The Emotional Distress construct measures overall negative affect including worry, depression and anger.
Time frame: From baseline assessment to 6 months followup
Health Directed Activities in Health Education Impact Questionnaire
Time frame: From baseline assessment to 6 months followup
Positive and Active Engagement in Life in Health Education Impact Questionnaire
Time frame: From baseline assessment to 6 months followup
Self-monitoring and Insight in Health Education Impact Questionnaire
Time frame: From baseline assessment to 6 months followup
Constructive Attitudes and Approaches in Health Education Impact Questionnaire
Time frame: From baseline assessment to 6 months followup
Skill and Technique Acquisition in Health Education Impact Questionnaire
Time frame: From baseline assessment to 6 months followup
Social Integration and Support in Health Education Impact Questionnaire
Time frame: From baseline assessment to 6 months followup
Health Services Navigation in Health Education Impact Questionnaire
Time frame: From baseline assessment to 6 months followup
The Patient Activation Measure - (PAM) Survey
The Patient Activation Measure (PAM) is a commercial product which assesses an individual's knowledge, skill, and confidence for managing one's health and healthcare. The PAM survey measures patients on a 0-100 scale and can segment patients into one of four activation levels. Individuals who measure high on this assessment typically understand the importance of taking a pro-active role in managing their health and have the skills and confidence to do so.
Time frame: From baseline assessment to 6 months followup
Moorong Self-Efficacy Scale
Measures self-efficacy in performing functional activities of daily living in individuals with SCI. Consists of two factors: daily activities (e.g., I can maintain my personal hygiene with or without help), and social functioning (e.g., I can enjoy spending time with my friends)
Time frame: From baseline assessment to 6 months followup
Secondary Conditions Scale
A 16-item self-report measure that targets secondary conditions associated with SCI that impact health on a 4-point scale from "not experienced in the last 3 months" to significant or chronic problem"
Time frame: From baseline assessment to 6 months followup
NIH Toolbox Loneliness Scale
Time frame: From baseline assessment to 6 months followup
System Usability Scale
This scale was designed to evaluate the usability of interactive systems flexibly and expediently.
Time frame: From baseline assessment to 6 months followup
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.