The need:
Caregivers of people with disabilities and chronic conditions experience high levels of psychiatric and physical morbidity including increased risk for mortality. However, caregivers of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), spina bifida (SB), and cerebral palsy (CP) may be at even greater risk of negative outcomes due to the long-term caregiving necessary and the unique challenges of caring for individuals with SCI, SB, and CP.
What is the mHealth to Support Caregivers project?
This research project is a continuation of two extensive lines of research at the University of Pittsburgh: a family caregiving intervention called REACH (Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer’s Caregiver Health) that was originally designed for caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease; and mobile health interventions for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), spina bifida (SB), and cerebral palsy (CP).
Who is it for?
Family members who are the primary caregivers (CGs) for persons with SCI, SB, and CP without formal preparation or training for the caregiving role.
What does the mHealth to Support Caregivers project include?
The overall objective of this project is to develop a dual-target mobile health (mHealth) intervention for the caregivers of individuals with SCI, SB, and CP and CRs and then conduct a pilot efficacy trial of the mHealth implementation. The specific aims of this study are:
Aim 1: To develop a dual-target intervention using the REACH intervention as a model and implementing a user-centered design process involving caregivers and persons with disabilities (Phase I).
Aim 2: To conduct usability and feasibility studies to examine and improve upon the usability of the mHealth system for people with disabilities and CGs (Phase II).
Aim 3: To conduct a feasibility study and pilot efficacy trial of the dual-target intervention using mHealth (Phase III).