Peer navigators helping adults with newly acquired physical disabilities live independently
Official title: Our Peers - Empowerment and Navigational Support - Community Living (OP-ENS - CL)
Run by University of Illinois Chicago · NCT06941233 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A remote peer navigator program tests whether matched peers can boost social support and quality of life for adults who recently became disabled and are returning to community living.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Illinois Chicago Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Chicago, Illinois and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | August 2027 |
| Study ends | August 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 21, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06941233 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18+ with physical disability due to a neurological condition, recently disability onset (within 6 months) and recently transitioned to community living, who have internet access and can engage in English.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals without regular access to a device or internet, or those with cognitive or sensory barriers that prevent use of the app, may not benefit from the intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study tests a 12-month remote peer navigator program (OP-ENS-CL) for adults with newly acquired physical disabilities transitioning back to community living. Participants are randomly assigned to receive the peer navigator support or usual care, with navigators helping address barriers to care, transport, and equipment through goal setting and action planning. Navigators are peers with similar disabilities and are not healthcare providers. Monthly meetings and a structured process aim to improve self-efficacy, social participation, and perceived health, with data collected from all participants to assess social validity and outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience better social support, health-related quality of life, and community participation.
How similar studies have gone: Prior similar peer-support or navigation approaches have shown promise in improving self-efficacy and participation in some disability populations, but this specific remote, 12-month peer navigator model is novel in this setting.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1) Self-identify as a person with physical disability due to a neurological condition, including SCI, stroke, TBI, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson's disease (according to the American Community Survey 6-Items), 2) onset of disability within the last 6 months, 3) transitioned to community living in the past 4 months, 4) able to speak, read and understand English, 5) own or have regular access to either a smartphone (Android or iOS operating system), tablet, laptop, or desktop computer with internet access. 6) adults 18 years of age or older, 7) able to provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: 1) Cognitive, sensory, or physical functional limitations that interfere with effective use of the OP-ENS - CL app.
Where it's running
-
Shirley Ryan Ability Lab
Chicago, Illinois, United States Recruiting -
University of Illinois Chicago, Department of Occupational Therapy
Chicago, Illinois, United States Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Susan Magasi, PhD — University of Illinois Chicago
- Study coordinator: Susan Magasi, PhD
- Email: smagas1@uic.edu
- Phone: 312-996-4603
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.