(CATT) Instrument Survey Study – Informal Caregivers
STUDY BASICS
Do you provide informal, unpaid care to a person with a physical disability who requires assistance with wheelchair transfers? Have you provided care for more than 3 months? If so, you may be able to provide feedback about a new tool designed to help evaluate caregivers’ transfer technique. Participation in this research study involves completing one online survey. Compensation is provided.
STUDY PURPOSE
Some people who use wheelchairs require assistance transferring from one place to another. Family members or other informal caregivers often assist with transfers, but many informal caregivers have not received adequate training about the best way to perform these activities.
The purpose of this study is to collect feedback about a new instrument called the Caregiver Assisted Transfer Instrument (CATT), which was developed to evaluate caregivers’ transfer technique. Researchers hope their findings lead to safer, more effective transfers for people with physical disabilities in the future.
COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?
- Provide informal, unpaid care to a person with a physical disability
- Have served as a caregiver for more than 3 months
- Provide wheelchair transfer assistance at least twice per week
- Have not received formal training on assisted transfers
- Have an email address and access to an internet-connected device
WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT
After an initial phone call, eligible participants will be asked to complete a 1-hour online survey.
IRB: STUDY19110261B
- Development of the Caregiver Assisted Transfer Technique (CATT) InstrumentMEET THE RESEARCHER

Alicia Koontz
Dr. Alicia Koontz is a Professor at the University of Pittsburgh and VA Research Career Scientist and Senior Associate Director of Research at the VA Pittsburgh HealthCare System Human Engineering Research Laboratories. She is an Elected Fellow to the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) and a RESNA certified Assistive Technology Professional and Rehabilitation Engineering Technologist. Dr. Koontz has over 20 years of experience in research with grant funding from multiple federal agencies, corporate sponsors and foundations. She has published over 100 peer-reviewed materials in top-tier rehabilitation, engineering and biomechanics journals. Her research interests are in rehabilitation biomechanics, injury prevention, adaptive fitness and assistive technology.