Improving pressure injury prevention for wheelchair users with spinal cord injuries

Refinement of the Comprehensive Mobile Assessment of Pressure (CMAP) System for Prevention of Pressure Injuries

This study is testing a new mobile tool to help wheelchair users with spinal cord injuries, especially Veterans, remember to shift their weight and prevent pressure injuries.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 46 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 80 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development (fed)
• Locations: 1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
• Trial ID: NCT04309864 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project aims to enhance pressure injury prevention for Veterans with spinal cord injuries who use wheelchairs by developing a mobile platform called Comprehensive Mobile Assessment of Pressure (CMAP). The CMAP system provides visual feedback and customizable reminders to help users perform weight shifts, which are crucial for redistributing pressure and preventing skin breakdown. The study involves both in-hospital education and at-home self-management strategies, with the goal of improving the consistency and effectiveness of these behaviors. The project includes hardware and software enhancements to ensure the CMAP system meets the needs of its users.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are Veterans aged 18-80 with spinal cord injuries (C4 and below) who are wheelchair users and can independently access the CMAP application.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have spinal cord injuries or those who are not wheelchair users may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the incidence of pressure injuries among wheelchair users, improving their quality of life and reducing healthcare costs.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using mobile technology for health management, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

For Aim 1a:

* Veteran adults aged 18-80
* male and female
* with a spinal cord injury (C4 and below) or spinal cord disorder with impaired sensory function and a wheelchair user for at least one year

For Aim 2: Veteran adults aged 18-80, male and female, with a recent spinal cord injury (C4 and below) or a spinal cord disorder with impaired sensory function, who are currently in inpatient rehabilitation with at least 1 week prior to discharge. Participants must demonstrate ability to access the CMAP system application on a mobile phone or tablet independently.

For Aim 3:

* Veteran adults aged 18-80
* male and female
* manual or power wheelchair users
* at least one year post SCI onset
* (C4 and below) or a spinal cord disorder with impaired sensory function
* who are visiting the MVAHCS SCI/D Center for their annual visit or at end of a non-pressure injury stay in the hospital
* at which time review of pressure injury prevention and assessment of wheelchair seating are routinely conducted by clinicians
* Veterans using the CMAP system must demonstrate ability to access the CMAP app on a mobile phone or tablet independently

Clinicians inclusion Criteria for Aim 1b; Aims 2 and 3:

* Clinicians (SCI/D Physical and Occupational Therapists and Nurses and Ancillary Clinician) who, in their normal scope of work, provide patient education for pressure injury prevention

Exclusion Criteria:

For Aim 1a:

* Any Veteran with SCI/D who is unable to verbally and cognitively communicate with the study team

For Aims 2, and 3:

* Any Veteran with SCI/D who has an active pressure injury that contacts their seating system or within six months of a flap surgery
* Any Veteran with SCI/D who is unable to verbally and cognitively communicate with the study team
* Any Veteran whose seat cushion is a customized immersion style

Where this trial is running

Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN — Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Byron W Eddy — Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN
• Study coordinator: Byron W Eddy

Conditions: Pressure Ulcer, skin ulcer, wounds and injuries, decubitus ulcer, wheel chairs, spinal cord injury, seating, pressure injury prevention