Comparison of two psycho-educational family group interventions for improving psycho-social outcomes in persons with spinal cord injury and their caregivers: a randomized-controlled trial of multi-family group intervention versus an active education control condition

Table 3 Comparison of MFG-SCI and control treatment (SCIEC)

Treatment Component	MFG-SCI	# sessions	SCIEC	# sessions
Joining	Dyad-tailored Education: ^a SWOT analysis, SCI problems identified and corrected.	2(3) ^b	Standard Dyad Intake: History of person with SCI and caregiver focusing on current health, skin care, bladder management, bowel management. No skills training, interventions, or formulation of management problems and needed adjustments.	2(3) ^b
Joining	Formulation of management problems and coping. Recommend one or more strategies and adjustments (individual and dyad).	2(3) ^b		2(3) ^b
Group Introductory Sessions	Educational Workshop: ASIA classification, clinical syndromes, rehab therapy, medications, health lifestyle, the family and adjustment, family guidelines. Structure and function of multifamily group, how it can help.	2	SCIEC Education Introduction: Structure and rationale for intervention. Rules of conduct. Overview of topics to be covered.	1
Ongoing Group Sessions	Problem-solving & Skills Training Sessions: Problem-solving designed to address specific problems associated with SCI. Compensatory strategies for SCI problems, planning ahead.	12	SCIEC Education: General information provided to promote healthy living in areas relevant for persons with SCI and caregivers (bladder/bowel management, nutrition, use of alcohol, drugs, safe exercise).	13
Ongoing Group Sessions		12	Personal health concerns not discussed; however, discuss referral to provider.	13
Total		16		16

^aIn addition to basic intake
^bThe default is 2 sessions, an optional 3^rd session may be used to maintain contact with group members recruited early, or where the dyads are uncertain about continued participation

ISSN: 2050-7283