Comparison of two psycho-educational family group interventions for improving psycho-social outcomes in persons with spinal cord injury and their caregivers: a randomized-controlled trial of multi-family group intervention versus an active education control condition

BMC Psychology, 2016 · DOI: 10.1186/s40359-016-0145-0 · Published: July 14, 2016

Spinal Cord Injury Mental Health Social Support

Simple Explanation

This study evaluates the effectiveness of a Multi-Family Group (MFG) intervention for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and their caregivers. It aims to improve coping skills and supportive strategies. The study compares the MFG intervention to an active SCI education control condition (SCIEC) in a randomized trial. Participants are assessed at different points to measure the impact of each intervention. The researchers hypothesize that the MFG intervention will lead to greater improvements in quality of life, health activation, psychological functioning, and reduced caregiver burden compared to the SCIEC condition.

Study Duration

9 Months

Participants

32 individuals with SCI and their primary caregivers

Evidence Level

Level 1: Randomized-controlled trial

Key Findings

1
The study hypothesizes that MFG-SCI will be superior to SCIEC for SCI patient activation, health status, and emotion regulation, caregiver burden and health status, and relationship functioning.
2
The study also posits that MFG will be more effective for individuals with SCI and their caregivers when the person with SCI is within 18 months of discharge.
3
Qualitative focus groups will be conducted with all participants at the end of the treatment periods to uncover participant perceptions of overall group experience.

Research Summary

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a Multi-Family Group (MFG) intervention for individuals with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) and their primary caregivers, comparing it to an active SCI education control (SCIEC) condition. The central hypothesis is that MFG will improve coping skills and supportive strategies among both individuals with SCI and their caregivers, particularly within 18 months post-discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. The study employs a randomized-controlled design with assessments pre- and post-program, and at a 6-month follow-up, using validated quantitative measures and qualitative focus groups to evaluate outcomes.

Practical Implications

Improved Quality of Life

If the study supports its hypotheses, implementing MFG could significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals with SCI and their caregivers by providing effective management strategies and support.

Targeted Intervention

The findings could highlight the importance of early intervention (within 18 months post-discharge) for maximizing the benefits of family-based psychosocial treatments for SCI.

Evidence-Based Practice

Positive results would provide evidence for the use of MFG-SCI as a structured, effective approach to address the complex needs of individuals with SCI and their families.

Study Limitations

1
The study relies on a specific sample of individuals with SCI and their caregivers, potentially limiting generalizability.
2
The relatively small sample size (32 dyads) may affect the statistical power to detect smaller effect sizes.
3
The study's focus on a single medical rehabilitation hospital may introduce site-specific biases.

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