Smartphone Self-Care for Chronic Conditions

STUDY BASICS

Do you have spina bifida, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, or cerebral palsy? Researchers at Pitt are looking for adults with these chronic conditions to give feedback on new smartphone apps designed to make self-care more manageable. Compensation provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

For those with spina bifida, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, or cerebral palsy, daily self-care can be a challenge. The need to manage medications, track bladder and bowel routines, monitor skin health, and assess mood changes can be difficult and time consuming. Recognizing and treating problems early can prevent the development of more serious complications down the road. To help people better manage their self-care, researchers are seeking participants to test new smartphone apps that can be customized to fit each participant’s specific needs and conditions. These apps allow participants to set medication reminders, take pictures to document potential skin conditions, and report any other problems that may arise. Participants can also use a secure messaging system to communicate with the research team about health issues or concerns. Previous studies have shown that using this type of system may help patients improve self-care management, but researchers need more information. The goal of this research study is to make these apps even more useful for people living with complex health conditions.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

• Age 18 and up
• With spina bifida, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, or cerebral palsy
• Receive Service Coordination via Service Coordination Unlimited (SCU)
• Do not live in a nursing facility, group home, or personal care home

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

Participants will take part in interviews and group discussions for one session, which will be scheduled at locations and times that are convenient for you. These meetings will last about one hour. Some participants may also be asked to try the new apps on smartphones and give feedback, which will require additional sessions and visits. These visits may take place at our offices, at the clinic where patients are seen, or at another location convenient to participants (such as their home). Each visit will last approximately 30-60 minutes. Smartphones may be loaned for use during the duration of the study and will be collected at the end of the study.