Traumatic Brain Injuries Clinical Trial
This randomized trial tested a 6 month intervention of computer network vs a control group (standard care) to improve quality of life and health status for traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients and their caregivers. The network, termed the Trauma Recovery Support System (TRSS), consisted of a central computer system connected via modem to a personal computer in the caregiver's home. Users could access via the Internet special modules and communication services to help them cope with their new roles as caregivers and with accompanying social isolation. These modules were an on-line discussion group, an "ask an expert questions" function, a database of previously asked questions with answers, a database of community resources, and a reference library.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has long-term and often devastating impacts on a family. The
spouse or partner caring for an individual with TBI experiences significant emotional
distress, and psychological and physical morbidity. Clinical experience indicates that
patients with strong family support progress further than those without family involvement.
There is strong evidence that support provided to caregivers improves their well being, as
well as that of the care recipient. The trial was designed to lessen her morbidity, improve
her support for the TBI partner, and improve recovery of the TBI person.
The effectiveness of a newly developed Trauma Recovery Support System (TRSS) was evaluated
using a randomized controlled experimental design. Sixty-four patient/caregiver pairs were
recruited, and those (randomly) assigned to the experimental group received access to the
centralized TRSS via a personal computer in their homes including access via Internet to
special modules and communication services to help them cope with their new roles as
caregivers and with accompanying social isolation. Modules consist of an on-line discussion
group, an "ask an expert questions" function, a database of previously asked questions with
answers, a database of community resources, and a reference library. Controls received
standard care. All participants (experimental and control) were interviewed at 0, 3, and 6
months from time of patient discharge, initially in person and later by phone to evaluate
the status of the caregiver (quality of life and health status) and TBI patient recovery.
Sociodemographic and other background data was collected.
;
Allocation: Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment, Masking: Open Label, Primary Purpose: Treatment
Status | Clinical Trial | Phase | |
---|---|---|---|
Completed |
NCT02110290 -
Effects of an Adapted Ski/Snowboarding Program on Quality of Life in Children With Physical Disabilities
|
||
Recruiting |
NCT05094999 -
Assessment of the Effects of Early Proprioceptive Stimulations in Patients With Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
|
N/A | |
Recruiting |
NCT05115929 -
Standard Craniectomy Against Laparotomy for the Treatment of Traumatic Rise in Intracranial Pressure and the Effect on Long-term Outcome
|
N/A | |
Completed |
NCT02215187 -
Telehealth-Education-Based Program for Military Caregivers of Injured Service Members With Head Injuries
|
N/A | |
Completed |
NCT02680210 -
Self-defining Memories in Patients With a TBI
|
N/A |