The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if the online program and web-based platform for delivery of self-management services to people with spinal cord injury (SCI) called "SCI \& U" can support transitions from hospital to the community after injury. Specifically, can providing support from trained peer health coaches via the SCI \& U web-based self-management program increase health self-management among those within three years of a spinal cord injury with a planned discharge to or living in the community with SCI for less than two years in the province of British Columbia, Canada or the state of Connecticut, United States.
The main question it aims to answer is:
• Does the SCI \& U web-based self-management program lower emotional distress and increase self-efficacy Researchers will compare those who participate in SCI \& U with those who receive usual peer support after 6 months to see if the SCI \& U program improves self-management knowledge, skills and self-efficacy and decreases secondary complications
Participants will:
* engage in up to 14 online sessions, each of which lasts about an hour with a peer health coach trained in motivational interviewing, goal setting and brief action planning. During sessions, they may also review resources and create follow up plans on the online platform on health management topics * complete an interviewer administered survey at baseline, 6 and 12 months
18 years and older, with a planned discharge to or living in community with SCI for no more than three years since injury and with the ability to speak and understand English
not a member of or willing to become a member of SCI BC or SCIACT
Parallel
web-based spinal cord injury self-management program
BehavioralPeer health coaches will be recruited from the United Spinal Connecticut Chapter and SCI BC. They will be at least 5 years post-SCI and will be certified in brief action planning and in Mental Health First Aid. Online coaching sessions are expected to cover a health-related topic (eg. bladder, bowel, skin, pain, healthy eating, physical activity or stress, anxiety and depression etc) and a self-management skill topic (eg.action planning, goal setting, problem-solving, mood management, navigating the health care system, communicating with health care providers). To ensure we meet the unique needs of participants, the coach and participant will determine jointly how many sessions to spend on a topic. In addition, coaches will be able to link relevant information and resources contained in the resource library to each session.
Peer support
BehavioralExisting peer support program from the United Spinal Connecticut Chapter or SCI BC
Emotional Distress Subscale in Health Education Impact Questionnaire
The Emotional Distress construct measures overall negative affect including worry, depression and anger.
Health Directed Activities in Health Education Impact Questionnaire
Positive and Active Engagement in Life in Health Education Impact Questionnaire
Self-monitoring and Insight in Health Education Impact Questionnaire
Constructive Attitudes and Approaches in Health Education Impact Questionnaire
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