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Protocol for a clinical trial of telehealth-based social communication skills training for people with traumatic brain injury and their communication partners

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 May 2019

Rachael Rietdijk Open the ORCID record for Rachael Rietdijk [Opens in a new window] ,
Emma Power Open the ORCID record for Emma Power [Opens in a new window] ,
Melissa Brunner Open the ORCID record for Melissa Brunner [Opens in a new window]  and
Leanne Togher Open the ORCID record for Leanne Togher [Opens in a new window]
Rachael Rietdijk*
Affiliation:
The University of Sydney, Faculty of Health Sciences, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Emma Power
Affiliation:
The University of Sydney, Faculty of Health Sciences, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia The University of Technology Sydney, Graduate School of Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Melissa Brunner
Affiliation:
The University of Technology Sydney, Graduate School of Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Leanne Togher
Affiliation:
The University of Sydney, Faculty of Health Sciences, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
*
*Corresponding author. Email: rman7827@uni.sydney.edu.au
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Abstract

Background: A previous clinical trial of training communication partners of people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) demonstrated positive outcomes [Togher, Power, McDonald, Tate, & Rietdijk (2009). Brain Impairment, 10(2), 188-204]. Adapting communication partner training for delivery via telehealth could improve access to this intervention.

Objectives: To compare outcomes across in-person communication partner training, telehealth communication partner training and a control group

Method: Protocol for a partially randomised controlled trial. People with moderate-severe TBI will be allocated to either an in-person or telehealth-based training program. Comparison data will be drawn from the original trial control group, which was recruited using the same eligibility criteria as this protocol. Outcomes after training will be compared between the in-person training group, the telehealth training group and the historical control group.

Discussion: This protocol uses specific design features with the aim of maximising the study’s power, including a partially randomised allocation process and a historical control group. The results will inform about the feasibility and effectiveness of delivering TBI rehabilitation via telehealth.

Trial registration: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12615001024538.

Keywords

Telemedicinesocial communication disordercaregiversclinical trialbrain injuriestraumatic
Type
Research Protocol
Information
Brain Impairment , Volume 21 , Issue 1 , March 2020 , pp. 110 - 123
Copyright
© Australasian Society for the Study of Brain Impairment 2019 

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