Wellbeing SCI For Care Partners

Wellbeing for Care Partners of those with Spinal Cord Injury

The Wellbeing Care Partners Program aims to provide a tailored clinician guided education series based on cognitive behavioural therapy techniques for managing mental and emotional wellbeing of caregivers of persons with Spinal Cord Injury. The program consists of 5 core lessons to help Care Partners gain skills to manage their thoughts, behaviours, and physical symptoms resulting from caregiving, depression, anxiety, and caregiver burden. Past research shows that mental health programs have reduced caregiver burden and depression in care partners of people with SCI and improved their quality of life (Elliott & Berry, 2009). Additionally, our ongoing research on ICBT shows that it helps people gain skills to control over their wellbeing symptoms (depression, anxiety), improve their confidence, and get back to living a full, satisfying life.

We are currently recruiting participates to enrol into this research study. If you are interested, you must agree to the following prior to being eligible:

You are 18 years or older

You are a primary care partner for a family or friend with spinal cord injury

You are a Canadian resident and will be living in Canada with completing this 10-week program

You have access to a computer and the internet

Click here to participate in the research study

Commonly Asked Questions:

How was The Wellbeing Care Partners Program developed?

The Wellbeing Care Partners Program is an internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (ICBT) developed by Dr. Black Dear and Dr. Nick Titov at Macquarie University. It was adapted and tailored at Lawson Health Research Institute by Dr. Swati Mehta and team for Care Partner of people with Spinal Cord Injury through collaborations with persons with lived experience, caregivers, researchers, and specialized clinicians (e.g., Physiatrist, Psychologist). In this research study, our team will determine if the program is able to teach care partners how to better manage symptoms associated with the caregiving, caregiver burden, depression, and anxiety.

Why was it developed?

The program was designed because so many people never seek treatment, but many have access to the Internet. Because the physical and emotional demands of being a care partners are often connected with symptoms of depression and anxiety it was felt to be important to provide information and resources that could be used to manage these symptoms. This research study will determine whether the program is able to improve wellbeing of care partners.

What will this research study do for me?

Our ongoing research shows that ICBT helps people gain skills to control over their symptoms, improve their confidence, and get back to living a full, satisfying life. The ICBT program aims to provide good education and guidance on simple but effective techniques for managing symptoms. Very broadly, the program helps people with thoughts, behaviours, and physical symptoms resulting from caregiving, depression, anxiety, and caregiver burden. In this research study, our team will be exploring the impact of the ICBT program on care partners.

How does the ICBT program work?

The Wellbeing Care Partners Program is a 10-week program comprised of 5 core lessons and weekly guide support. Depending on the complexity of the lesson, it is recommended that participants spend 2 weeks on each of the given lesson.  Lessons consist of educational and engaging materials that are accessed online, and “Do it Yourself” (DIY) activities and resources that are reviewed offline, as well as additional resources for common concerns.

What support is available from therapists?

The Wellbeing Care Partners Program is clinician guided. This means that during the week, participants can send questions or comments to their designated Guide (registered Mental Health professional) though a secure message system. On a set day each week, the Guide checks the website, reviews participant’s progress on the program and responds to messages. Most contact with the Guide is through secure emails and Microsoft Teams, but sometimes Guide contact participants by phone.

How will my progress in the research study be observed?

Participants will complete questionnaires prior to the start of the program, before each lesson of the program, once they have completed the program, and 3 months after completing the program. The questionnaires will assess the impact of caregiving as well as anxiety and depression symptoms.

Who can take part in this research study?

The Wellbeing Care Partners Program is open to Canadian residents and is designed for care partners of people with spinal cord injury who have symptoms of depression or anxiety, are 18 years of age or older, are comfortable using and have access to the Internet. We request but do not require a local medical contact available in case of emergencies. The course is not recommended if you have severe problems with alcohol or drugs, mania, psychosis, or strong thoughts of suicide.

Who can answer my questions about the ICBT program research study?

If you have any questions regarding this research study, you can contact Ujjoyinee Barua (Joyee.barua@sjhc.london.on.ca)

How do I sign up?

If you are interested in participating in The Wellbeing Care Partners Program research study, please register below and follow the instructions.