Optimizing a Wellbeing Program for Care-partners of Those With SCI

Launched by LONDON HEALTH SCIENCES CENTRE RESEARCH INSTITUTE OR LAWSON RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF ST. JOSEPH'S · Mar 13, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a program designed to support family care-partners of individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). These caregivers often face challenges like stress, anxiety, and depression, which can affect their mental health and relationships. The researchers want to find out which parts of an online therapy program—like getting help from a therapist, joining support groups, or attending follow-up sessions—are most effective in improving these caregivers' symptoms of depression.

To participate in this study, you need to be at least 18 years old, live in Canada, and be a family care-partner of someone with SCI who is experiencing some level of depression. You should also be comfortable using a computer and the internet. If you join, you can expect to engage with the online program at your own pace, with support available as needed. The goal is to provide a flexible and accessible way for caregivers to improve their well-being while ensuring that the program is cost-effective and meets their needs.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. 18 years of age or older
• • 2. Canadian residents
• • 3. identify as fcSCI
• • 4. living in the community
• • 5. endorsing symptoms of depression (PHQ-9≥5);
• • 6. suicide risk score \<8 (Suicide Behaviours Questionnaire (SBQ) (Osman et al. 2001)
• • 7. speak and read English
• • 8. able to access and be comfortable using computers and the internet
• • 9. willing to provide the name of a physician as an emergency contact.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. are currently involved in another psychotherapeutic intervention
• • 2. present with severe mental health disorder requiring face-to-face therapy (e.g., severe suicide ideation, severe substance abuse, recent history of psychosis, mania).
• • Those participants taking antidepressants will be included in the trial; medication use will be tracked.