Empowering Adults with Chronic SCI to Prevent Secondary Conditions

Publication date: Available online 30 April 2016
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): Bethlyn Vergo Houlihan, Sarah Everhart-Skeels, Damara Gutnick, Diana Pernigotti, Judi Zazula, Miriam Brody, Sam Burnett, Hannah Mercier, Stathis Hasiotis, Christa Green, Subramani Seetharama, Timothy Belliveau, David Rosenblum, Alan Jette
ObjectiveDevelop and assess the feasibility of My Care My Call (MCMC), an innovative peer-led, community-based telephone intervention for individuals with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) using Peer Health Coaches (PHCs).DesignQualitative pilot study.SettingGeneral community.ParticipantsConvenience sample of 7 consumer advocates with traumatic SCI 1+ years post-injury.InterventionsMCMC applies a Health Empowerment Approach for goal-setting support, education, and referral to empower consumers in managing their preventive health needs. For feasibility testing, PHCs, trained in Brief Action Planning (BAP), called participants 6 times over 3 weeks.Main Outcome MeasuresIdentified focus areas were: Acceptability, Demand, Implementation, and Practicality. Participant outcome data was collected through brief after-call surveys and qualitative exit interviews. Through a custom website, PHCs documented call attempts, content, and their feedback. Analysis applied the constant comparative method.ResultsMCMC was highly feasible in each focus area for participants. Concerning Acceptability, participants were highly satisfied, rating PHCs as very good or excellent in 80% of calls; felt MCMC was appropriate; and would continue use. Regarding Demand, participants completed 88% of scheduled calls; reported that MCMC fills a real need; and would recommend it. Considering Implementation, PHCs made 119% of expected calls, with larger focus on compiling individualized resources. For Practicality, call duration averaged 29 minutes, with 1 hour of additional time for PHCs. Participant effects including feeling supported, greater confidence towards goals, and greater connection to resources. Subsequently, several process changes enhanced PHC training and support through roleplays, regular support calls, and streamlined MCMC support materials.ConclusionFollowing process changes, a randomized controlled trial to evaluate MCMC is underway.



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