Effects of family group conferences among high-risk patients of chronic disability and their significant others: study protocol for a multicentre controlled trial

BMJ Open, 2018 · DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-018883 · Published: January 15, 2018

Patient Experience Rehabilitation Social Support

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how family group conferences can help patients with chronic disabilities and their families adjust after leaving the hospital. Many feel unprepared for life at home after rehabilitation. The study involves bringing together patients, their families, and social workers to set goals and create action plans. The goal is to empower both patients and their family members. Researchers will track how these conferences affect patients' self-confidence and ability to participate in daily activities, as well as their mental well-being and social support.

Study Duration

6 months

Participants

328 clinically admitted patients (≥18 years, diagnosed with acquired brain injury, spinal cord injury or leg amputation), and their significant others

Evidence Level

Level 2: Multicentre controlled trial

Key Findings

1
The study aims to examine if optimizing decision-making during Family Group Conferences (FGCs) increases empowerment in both the patient and their significant other.
2
The research seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of FGC compared to regular rehabilitation care in boosting empowerment for patients and families.
3
The study also aims to identify factors at the start of rehabilitation that can predict long-term empowerment for patients with physical disabilities and their families.

Research Summary

This multicentre controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness and implementation of Family Group Conferences (FGC) in rehabilitation medicine to improve future treatment. The study focuses on patient, significant other, and social network simultaneously, which is expected to be more effective than focusing solely on the patient. The study's limitations include pragmatic reasons that prevent random treatment assignment.

Practical Implications

Improved Rehabilitation Care

The study has the potential to improve future treatment by implementing Family Group Conferences (FGC) in rehabilitation medicine.

Enhanced Patient and Family Empowerment

Focusing on the patient, significant other, and social network simultaneously is expected to be more effective than focusing solely on the patient, leading to enhanced empowerment.

Predictive Screening Tool

With the identification of predictors of self-efficacy and participation, a more scientifically based selection tool can be developed to decide when to deploy FGCs in the future.

Study Limitations

1
Self-administered questionnaires may introduce bias due to socially desirable answering.
2
The design is adapted to be time and cost-effective, potentially limiting the effectiveness of the FGCs.
3
The study is not a randomised controlled trial, which is the preferred study design to examine intervention effects.

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