Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of telephone-based support versus usual care for treatment of pressure ulcers in people with spinal cord injury in low-income and middle-income countries: study protocol for a 12-week randomised controlled trial

This study aims to see if phone support can help people with spinal cord injuries manage pressure ulcers at home, especially in poorer countries where such injuries are a big problem. It will compare the results of those receiving phone support with those receiving standard care. The trial involves 120 people who have pressure ulcers because of their spinal cord injury. Some will get the usual care, while others will also receive weekly phone calls offering advice and support for 12 weeks. Researchers will measure the size of the ulcers after 12 weeks to see if the phone support made a difference. They will also look at other things like quality of life, depression, and how happy people are with their healthcare.

• 1
  The primary outcome will be the size of the pressure ulcer at 12 weeks, assessed using commercially available grid paper to measure length and width.
• 2
  Secondary outcomes include the severity of the pressure ulcer, undermining distance, depth, and pressure ulcer risk factors, assessed using various scales and measurements.
• 3
  The study will also assess health-related quality of life, depression, participation, and satisfaction with healthcare provision, using validated questionnaires.