ICORD researcher Dr. William C. Miller and his research team at UBC are exploring the use of an eHealth tool developed to optimize the well-being of family caregivers of individuals with a spinal cord injury. We partnered with Brooke Pagé and Elena Pauly, co-founders of WAGS of SCI, to develop this eHealth platform. The eHealth platform, called the Companion program, aims to provide an affordable, accessible resource for family caregivers to better support their family member(s) with SCI and themselves, and help decrease caregiver burden. The purpose of this study is to explore the potential impacts of the use of Companion compared to usual in-person support on the well-being of family caregivers of individuals with SCI.
Why should you participate in this study?
The findings from your participation in this study will contribute to the continued development of resources to support family caregivers’ own well-being and the care they provide to their family member(s) with SCI.
Inclusion criteria
-Are a partner or family caregiver to an adult individual with a spinal cord injury
-Are more than 18 years old
-Are able to speak and understand spoken and written English
-Live with the individual with SCI in the community (e.g. not a group home or assisted living centre)
-Live in Canada or the United States
Exclusion criteria
-Provide care for an individual with a spinal cord injury who is currently a patient in a rehabilitation facility
-Have a major medical or physical condition that requires routine visits to medical doctors
Time commitment
The time commitment for the online survey is approximately 30-90 minutes and will be completed 3 times over a 6-month period. Participants in the intervention group will be invited to take part in an optional semi-structured interview at the end of the 6-month period, which will take between 45-60 minutes to complete.
Compensation for participation
Participants will receive a CAD $50 stipend after completion of each survey (i.e. a total of $150 CAD for completing all 3 surveys throughout the study).
This study will take place at:
- Remotely (online survey / phone / video call)
Interested?
Please contact the study coordinator, Dr. Somayyeh Mohammadi by email or by phone at (604) 734-1313
