Self-management program for veterans with spinal cord injuries

A Self-Management Program for Improving the Well-Being of Veterans With AIS D Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

Phase1; Phase2 Interventional VA Office of Research and Development · NCT05800717

This study is testing a self-management program to help veterans with spinal cord injuries feel better mentally and take charge of their own care.

Quick facts

PhasePhase1; Phase2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment9 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorVA Office of Research and Development Federal
Locations1 site (Richmond, Virginia)
Trial IDNCT05800717 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to develop a self-management program specifically designed for veterans with AIS D spinal cord injuries, who often experience poor subjective well-being despite having better physical outcomes. The program will address unique needs and challenges faced by these veterans, focusing on enhancing their psychological well-being through tailored interventions. By fostering engagement and providing the necessary knowledge and resources, the program seeks to empower participants to take control of their care and improve their overall quality of life. The study will involve focus groups to gather insights and feedback from participants to refine the intervention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are veterans diagnosed with tetraplegia or paraplegia classified as AIS D who are interested in participating in a self-management program.

Not a fit: Patients currently engaged in comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation programs or those with severe mental health issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve the psychological well-being and quality of life for veterans with AIS D spinal cord injuries.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically targeting self-management for AIS D SCI, similar approaches in other populations have shown promise in improving psychological outcomes.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. VA clinician-confirmed diagnosis of tetraplegia or paraplegia with an ASIA rating of AIS D \[Veterans with AIS D SCI\];
2. Interest and ability (e.g., reliable video telehealth equipment and WiFi) to participate in the focus groups.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Currently participating in a comprehensive, inpatient rehabilitation program;
2. Diagnosis of a psychotic disorder;
3. At high risk for suicidal/homicidal behavior;
4. Active substance dependence;
5. Lack of capacity to consent to participation;
6. Any medical condition that could affect results such as advanced cancer or neurologic disease such as Parkinson's disease; and
7. Mental disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder and depressive disorder will not be exclusions, but any medications must have been stable for at least 30 days prior to enrollment.

Where this trial is running

Richmond, Virginia

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Psychological Well-BeingSpinal Cord InjuriesClinical trial
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.