Improving caregiver training for veterans with spinal cord injuries
Official title: Research Career Scientist
Funded at Veterans Health Administration · NIH-11073007 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping caregivers who support veterans with spinal cord injuries by creating a new tool to check how well they help with moving the veterans safely, so everyone can feel more confident and cared for.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5IK6RX005030-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11073007 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans with spinal cord injuries who require assistance with transfers and their informal caregivers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have spinal cord injuries or do not require assistance with transfers may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the training and education of informal caregivers who assist veterans with spinal cord injuries or dysfunction. It aims to develop and validate a new assessment tool, the Caregiver Assisted Transfer Technique Instrument (CATT), which will objectively evaluate the techniques used by caregivers during transfers. By identifying specific deficits in transfer techniques, the research seeks to improve caregiver safety and the quality of care provided to veterans. The study will involve collaboration with clinicians and caregivers to ensure the tool is practical and effective.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the risk of injury for both caregivers and veterans during transfer activities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in developing assessment tools for caregiver techniques, indicating that this approach has potential for meaningful advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Health Administration
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Koontz, Alicia M. — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Koontz, Alicia M.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.