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
Alicia Koontz, PhD, RET, APT, is an associate professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology and the Associate Director for Research at the Human Engineering Research Laboratories. Dr. Koontz received her PhD degree in Rehabilitation Science from the University of Pittsburgh and BS and MS degrees in Biomedical Engineering from Wright State University. Koontz's research is aimed towards improving the health, function and quality of life of wheelchair users. She has expertise in the areas of rehabilitation biomechanics, assistive technology, and secondary injury prevention.