This randomized trial tested a 6 month intervention of computer network vs a control group (standard care) to improve quality of life and health status for traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients and their caregivers. The network, termed the Trauma Recovery Support System (TRSS), consisted of a central computer system connected via modem to a personal computer in the caregiver's home. Users could access via the Internet special modules and communication services to help them cope with their new roles as caregivers and with accompanying social isolation. These modules were an on-line discussion group, an "ask an expert questions" function, a database of previously asked questions with answers, a database of community resources, and a reference library.

Condition	Treatment or Intervention	Phase
Traumatic Brain Injuries	Procedure: Social Support	Phase II

Further Study Details: 

Expected Total Enrollment:  64

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has long-term and often devastating impacts on a family. The spouse or partner caring for an individual with TBI experiences significant emotional distress, and psychological and physical morbidity. Clinical experience indicates that patients with strong family support progress further than those without family involvement. There is strong evidence that support provided to caregivers improves their well being, as well as that of the care recipient. The trial was designed to lessen her morbidity, improve her support for the TBI partner, and improve recovery of the TBI person.

The effectiveness of a newly developed Trauma Recovery Support System (TRSS) was evaluated using a randomized controlled experimental design. Sixty-four patient/caregiver pairs were recruited, and those (randomly) assigned to the experimental group received access to the centralized TRSS via a personal computer in their homes including access via Internet to special modules and communication services to help them cope with their new roles as caregivers and with accompanying social isolation. Modules consist of an on-line discussion group, an "ask an expert questions" function, a database of previously asked questions with answers, a database of community resources, and a reference library. Controls received standard care. All participants (experimental and control) were interviewed at 0, 3, and 6 months from time of patient discharge, initially in person and later by phone to evaluate the status of the caregiver (quality of life and health status) and TBI patient recovery. Sociodemographic and other background data was collected.

Ages Eligible for Study:  18 Years and above,  Genders Eligible for Study:  Female

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male/female pairs (both at least 18 years of age), where male is recovering from traumatic brain injury (Ranchos Los Amigos Scale class of 1-8) and female spouse/partner is the caregiver

Exclusion Criteria:

• Caregiver (female) not able to read and write English well enough to answer review's questions
• Patients cared for by children, siblings or parents (as opposed to spouse/partner)
• Patients discharged to locations other than home
• Female patients with male caregivers

Study chairs or principal investigators

Armando James Rotondi,  University of Pittsburgh, Dept of Anesthesiology & CCM   

Study ID Numbers:  NICHD-0106; 5R01 HD36075-02
Record last reviewed:  March 2003
Last Updated:  October 13, 2004
Record first received:  November 4, 2000
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:  NCT00006447
Health Authority: United States: Federal Government
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on 2005-04-08