Training clinicians to improve wheelchair skills for users
Improving Clinician Capacity to Provide Interventions for Manual Wheelchair Users
This study tests a new online training program for healthcare providers to see if it helps them teach wheelchair users better skills compared to standard training methods.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 240 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Pittsburgh Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT06294834 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a remote manual wheelchair skills training program for clinicians who work with wheelchair users. It employs a three-group approach, comparing an intervention with remote feedback, a control group receiving standard education, and a structured self-study option. Participants will undergo a randomized, single-blinded, two-period cross-over design, allowing them to experience both the active intervention and the control. Follow-up assessments will be conducted at multiple intervals to measure the impact of the training on clinician skills.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are practicing rehabilitation professionals who work with wheelchair users and are willing to engage in skills training.
Not a fit: Patients who are already confident in teaching wheelchair skills and do not require additional training may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could enhance the skills of clinicians, leading to improved mobility and independence for wheelchair users.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in using remote training methods for skill development, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Practicing rehabilitation professional whose client population includes wheelchair users. 2. Willing and able to attempt practicing wheelchair skills 3. Access to a spotter(s) 4. Access to an Internet-ready device with video capabilities. 5. Speaks English Exclusion Criteria: 1) Confident in teaching (Self-Efficacy on Assessing, Training, and Spotting \[SEATS\] item score = 5) and able to complete (WST-Q capacity item score = 2) \>50% of skills targeted by the training intervention.
Where this trial is running
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- University of Pittsburgh / Rehab Neural Engineering Labs — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Lynn Worobey, PhD/DPT — University of Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Lee Tempest, BS
- Email: tempestml@upmc.edu
- Phone: 412-232-9326
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.