Support program for caregivers of veterans with traumatic brain injury

The REACH Intervention for Caregivers of Veterans and Service Members With TBI: Efficacy and Implementation Planning Across the VA Polytrauma System of Care

Not applicable Interventional University of Virginia · NCT06111794

This study is testing a support program for caregivers of veterans with traumatic brain injuries to see if it can help them feel less stressed and more confident in their caregiving.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment160 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Virginia Academic / other
Locations1 site (Tampa, Florida)
Trial IDNCT06111794 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized waitlist control trial evaluates the REACH TBI intervention, a psychoeducational program designed to reduce caregiver strain and enhance self-efficacy, anxiety, depression, and healthcare frustrations among caregivers of veterans and service members with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The intervention adapts an existing program, REACH VA, to better meet the specific needs of these caregivers. Participants will be primary caregivers who have been providing care for at least six months and experience a high level of burden related to their caregiving responsibilities.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are primary caregivers of veterans or service members who have sustained a TBI at least six months prior and experience a high burden of caregiving.

Not a fit: Patients who are caregivers for individuals with TBI but do not meet the burden criteria or have caregiving responsibilities primarily related to other health conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the mental health and well-being of caregivers, leading to better care for veterans and service members with TBI.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success with similar caregiver interventions, indicating potential for positive outcomes in this adapted approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

To be eligible for the study, the participant must:

* identify as a primary caregiver for a V/SM who sustained a TBI at least 6 months prior;
* identify as a primary caregiver who has provided care for a V/SM with TBI for at least 6 months;
* provide some level of daily supervision or assistance with either a physical, cognitive, or behavioral issue they think is likely related to TBI;
* believe that at least half of their caregiving responsibilities are likely related to TBI rather than another health condition(s); and
* endorse a score of at least high burden (a score of 8 or higher) on the Zarit Burden Inventory-4.

Exclusion Criteria:

* no telephone;
* current diagnosis of schizophrenia or other major mental illness;
* auditory impairment that would make telephone use difficult; or
* the caregiver believes that more than half of their caregiving for the V/SM is for issues related to another health condition(s) rather than TBI.

Where this trial is running

Tampa, Florida

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 Traumatic Brain InjuryCaregiver
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.