Empowering Parental Caregivers: A Pilot Study of a Web-Based Support Group for Parental Caregivers of Individuals with Spinal Cord Injuries

Occup Ther Health Care. 2024 Nov 18:1-20. doi: 10.1080/07380577.2024.2429133. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

This pilot study investigated the feasibility of an occupational therapist-facilitated seven-week online support group with problem-solving training on the psychosocial well-being of parental caregivers of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The study used a single-group pre-test/post-test quantitative design. A convenience sample of five participants, who each identified as mothers of male individuals with SCI, completed the study. From pre to post, participants demonstrated high satisfaction with the group, decreased stress, increased knowledge, and an increase in problem-focused coping strategies, yet no changes were greater than minimal detectable change.

Keywords: caregiver training; occupational therapy; parent; spinal cord injury.