Exploring Multiple Self-Help Interventions to Promote Self-Efficacy and Overcome Disability

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · Oct 16, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

EMPOWER-IBD is a large randomized study that tests whether four freely available self-help tools can reduce everyday disability from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and boost people’s confidence in managing their condition. The study looks at four resources—peer mentoring (PEER), an IBD Help Center for information support, an IBD-specific CBT workbook, and the My IBD Care app—and assigns participants to one of 16 different combinations (including a group that gets no resource). The main goal is to see how disability changes after 12 weeks, with a secondary goal of any changes in self-belief and confidence to manage IBD.

Who can join: adults 18 and older with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis who have moderate-to-severe IBD-related disability (a specific disability score above 35), can consent, complete online surveys, and participate in English-language focus groups. People with milder disability, who can’t participate, or who can’t use the app aren’t eligible. The trial is based at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, involves online surveys and optional virtual focus groups, and may offer e-gift cards or lottery rewards after completing activities. It’s a behavioral study (not a drug or device) and is designed to help determine which combination of resources best supports self-management for people living with IBD.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Adults (age ≥ 18 years) with IBD and moderate-to-severe IBD-related (IBD) Disability Index score \> 35 26,27)
• • 2. Able to consent, complete surveys, and participate in focus groups in English.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. No/low disability (IBD-DI \< 35) on the baseline survey
• • 2. Inability or unwillingness to participate in the interventions
• • 3. Inability to download apps from the Apple AppStore or Google Play store (necessary to engage with the smartapp intervention)
• • 4. Limited English proficiency (necessary because some interventions are currently only offered in English)