ENGAGE Intervention for Post-COVID Support in People With Disabilities

Overseen By Jessica Kersey, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Illinois at Chicago

Disqualifiers: Severe communication impairment

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 8 weeks

21 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This is a single-arm community-based feasibility study examining recruitment, retention, adherence, and satisfaction with ENGAGE, a community-based intervention designed to address pandemic-related social isolation among people with disabilities. We will also examine preliminary, within-group effects on social participation. The findings of this study will inform a larger trial to examine intervention efficacy.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for this trial?

The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the idea that ENGAGE Intervention for Post-COVID Support in People With Disabilities (also known as: ENGAGE) is an effective treatment?

The available research does not provide specific data on the effectiveness of the ENGAGE Intervention for Post-COVID Support in People With Disabilities. The studies mentioned focus on other treatments and approaches for post-COVID conditions, such as the REGAIN program and various rehabilitation strategies. Without direct data on ENGAGE, it's not possible to compare its effectiveness to other treatments based on the information provided. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

What data supports the effectiveness of the ENGAGE treatment for post-COVID support in people with disabilities?

While there is no direct data on the ENGAGE treatment, similar rehabilitation programs have been shown to help people recover from ongoing COVID-19 symptoms by providing structured exercise and psychological support, which are key components in aiding recovery. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

What safety data exists for the ENGAGE treatment for post-COVID support in people with disabilities?

The provided research does not contain specific safety data for the ENGAGE treatment or any related interventions for post-COVID support in people with disabilities. The studies focus on different support interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as peer-based support in prisons, postdiagnostic dementia support, trends in drug-related deaths, managed alcohol programs for homelessness, and a bereavement support line. None of these directly evaluate the safety of the ENGAGE treatment. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Is the ENGAGE treatment a promising treatment for people with disabilities after COVID?

Yes, the ENGAGE treatment is promising because it focuses on peer support, which can help people with disabilities who have long COVID by providing mutual support and advocacy, especially for those who might not access traditional healthcare services. ^{1 11 12 13 14}

How is the ENGAGE treatment for post-COVID support in people with disabilities different from other treatments?

The ENGAGE treatment is unique because it focuses on peer support, which involves people with similar experiences helping each other, rather than just traditional medical approaches. This can be especially beneficial for those who are marginalized and may not access standard healthcare services, offering a more inclusive and community-based support system. ^{1 11 12 13 14}

Research Team

Joy Hammel, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Illinois Chicago

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for English-speaking individuals with disabilities who feel socially isolated, especially due to the pandemic. They must live in a community setting and be able to express their interest in participating verbally. People with severe communication impairments that limit this ability cannot join.

Inclusion Criteria

You report issues with engaging in social activities.

Speak English

You identify yourself as having a disability.

Exclusion Criteria

You have difficulty communicating and may not be able to express your interest in participating in the study.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in the ENGAGE intervention, which uses social learning, guided problem-solving, and applied skill training to promote social participation among people with disabilities

8 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for retention and adherence, with follow-up assessments to evaluate intervention feasibility and satisfaction

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• ENGAGE

Trial Overview The study is testing ENGAGE, an intervention aimed at reducing social isolation among people with disabilities post-COVID. It's a preliminary study focusing on how well the program works in terms of attracting and keeping participants, as well as its impact on improving social involvement.

Participant Groups

Group I: ENGAGE Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

ENGAGE uses social learning, guided problem-solving and applied skill training to promote social participation among people with disabilities within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a group intervention using a self-management framework.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Illinois at Chicago

Lead Sponsor

Trials

653

Recruited

1,574,000+

National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS)

Collaborator

Trials

394

Recruited

404,000+

Findings from Research

A study of 100 participants with post-COVID syndrome revealed significant impairments in various body functions, particularly in fatigability (98-99%), higher cognitive functions (74-94%), and sleep functions (98%).

Participants also experienced major limitations in daily activities, such as handling stressful situations (98%) and engaging in recreational activities (94%), highlighting the need for a multidisciplinary rehabilitation approach to support recovery.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Self-scored impairments in functioning and disability in post-COVID syndrome following mild COVID-19 infection. Norrefalk, JR., Borg, K., Bileviciute-Ljungar, I.[2022]

The study aims to compare the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of an eight-week online rehabilitation program (REGAIN) versus a single online consultation for adults experiencing ongoing COVID-19 symptoms more than three months after hospital discharge, involving 535 participants.

The primary outcome measured will be health-related quality of life, assessed at three months post-randomization, with secondary outcomes including physical and mental health indicators evaluated at three, six, and twelve months.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Rehabilitation Exercise and psycholoGical support After covid-19 InfectioN' (REGAIN): a structured summary of a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. McGregor, G., Sandhu, H., Bruce, J., et al.[2022]

This study evaluates a comprehensive treatment program for post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS) involving online screening and personalized support, aiming to improve diagnosis and recovery for patients.

Participants will be divided into groups receiving different levels of assessment and digital interventions, with the primary focus on symptom reduction and return to work, making it one of the first large-scale efforts to address PACS effectively.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Screening and assessment for post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS), guidance by personal pilots and support with individual digital trainings within intersectoral care: a study protocol of a randomized controlled trial. Dahmen, A., Keller, FM., Derksen, C., et al.[2022]

A survey of 1031 multiprofessional clinicians revealed strong support (95% agreement) for implementing an early post-hospital discharge recovery program to help manage ongoing symptoms like fatigue, breathlessness, and mood disturbances in COVID-19 survivors.

The proposed rehabilitation program should be holistic, focusing on symptom management and facilitating a return to work, while adapting existing rehabilitation services to meet the specific needs of post-COVID-19 patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

British Thoracic Society survey of rehabilitation to support recovery of the post-COVID-19 population. Singh, SJ., Barradell, AC., Greening, NJ., et al.[2021]

In a study of 1325 patients at a post-COVID-19 clinical service, both hospitalised and non-hospitalised individuals experienced significant ongoing symptoms, with over half reporting less than 75% optimal health and many unable to return to full-time work.

Hospitalised patients showed higher rates of serious complications like pulmonary emboli and lung abnormalities, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and patient-centered care pathways to address the diverse healthcare needs of post-COVID-19 patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Post-COVID-19 assessment in a specialist clinical service: a 12-month, single-centre, prospective study in 1325 individuals. Heightman, M., Prashar, J., Hillman, TE., et al.[2022]

People experiencing homelessness and alcohol dependency face heightened risks from COVID-19, highlighting the need for targeted health interventions.

Managed Alcohol Programmes (MAPs) could be beneficial in reducing various harms, including those related to COVID-19, by addressing the complex health issues and substance use challenges faced by this vulnerable population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exploring the Potential of Implementing Managed Alcohol Programmes to Reduce Risk of COVID-19 Infection and Transmission, and Wider Harms, for People Experiencing Alcohol Dependency and Homelessness in Scotland. Parkes, T., Carver, H., Masterton, W., et al.[2022]

The national bereavement helpline, developed during the COVID pandemic, effectively meets the needs of those grieving by providing compassionate listening, educational resources, and referrals to community services, based on Psychological First Aid principles.

A six-month evaluation showed that about 10% of callers were referred to additional services, indicating the helpline's role in connecting individuals to further support, while volunteers found the experience both challenging and rewarding, highlighting the importance of supervision for their well-being.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Implementation and evaluation of a National Bereavement Support line in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland. Bates, U., Brennan, J., Keegan, O.[2023]

During the COVID-19 lockdown, peer-based recovery organizations in prisons have successfully continued and even expanded their support services, helping inmates cope with the challenges of isolation and disrupted support systems.

Lived Experience Recovery Organizations (LEROs) play a crucial role in providing ongoing care for prisoners, aiding in their recovery and facilitating their reintegration into the community, highlighting their importance during and beyond the pandemic.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Delivering Peer-Based Support in Prisons During the COVID Pandemic and Lockdown: Innovative Activities Delivered by People Who Care. Best, D., Critchlow, T., Higham, D., et al.[2022]

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted postdiagnostic dementia care in England and Wales, leading to challenges such as conflicting guidelines, reduced access to support, and the emotional toll on both patients and caregivers.

Despite some negative effects, the shift to remote working and improved collaboration among professionals resulted in beneficial adaptations, suggesting that blended care approaches (combining virtual and in-person support) may become standard practice for more resilient dementia care in the future.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Changes to postdiagnostic dementia support in England and Wales during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study. Wheatley, A., Poole, M., Robinson, L.[2022]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a notable increase in drug-related deaths occurring at home, alongside a decrease in hospital deaths, indicating a shift in where individuals were dying during this crisis.

The study found significant increases in methadone-related deaths and suicides, highlighting the need for adapted health and social care strategies to address the unique risks faced by drug users in future emergencies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Trends in deaths following drug use in England before, during, and after the COVID-19 lockdowns. Sekeris, A., Algahtani, T., Aldabergenov, D., et al.[2023]

Peer support may be a valuable resource for individuals suffering from long COVID, especially those who are marginalized and not accessing traditional healthcare services, as highlighted by a systematic review of 57 studies.

The study identifies three key perspectives on peer support—biomedical, relational, and socio-political—and suggests that effective models should incorporate these elements to address health inequalities and improve access for underserved populations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Towards evidence-based and inclusive models of peer support for long covid: A hermeneutic systematic review. Mullard, JCR., Kawalek, J., Parkin, A., et al.[2023]

The study developed a co-produced intervention for individuals with Long COVID from deprived communities, utilizing a multi-disciplinary team approach that included sport and exercise medicine and functional rehabilitation.

Out of ten participants recruited, eight completed the intervention, highlighting the importance of community health services in engaging individuals with Long COVID, who commonly faced challenges like fatigue, anxiety, and depression.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Assessing the Acceptability of a Co-Produced Long COVID Intervention in an Underserved Community in the UK. Fowler-Davis, S., Young, R., Maden-Wilkinson, T., et al.[2022]

The LISTEN trial is a randomized study involving 558 non-hospitalized individuals with long COVID, aiming to evaluate the effectiveness of a co-designed self-management support intervention on various aspects of daily living, including emotional well-being and quality of life.

Participants in the LISTEN intervention will receive personalized support through up to six one-on-one sessions and resources, with the trial also assessing cost-effectiveness and implementation strategies to enhance accessibility and minimize participant burden.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a personalised self-management intervention for living with long COVID: protocol for the LISTEN randomised controlled trial. Potter, C., Leggat, F., Lowe, R., et al.[2023]

The Resilience Hubs provided effective psychological support for health and social care keyworkers during the COVID-19 pandemic, with clients reporting positive experiences and valuing the flexibility and confidentiality of the service.

Barriers to accessing Hub support included confusion about the service, negative workplace cultures, and a lack of managerial support, highlighting the need for better promotion and cultural competency to reach diverse keyworker populations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Implementing psychological support for health and social care staff affected by the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative exploration of staff well-being hubs ('Resilience Hubs') using normalisation process theory. Allsopp, K., Varese, F., French, P., et al.[2023]

References

1. Sweden pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Self-scored impairments in functioning and disability in post-COVID syndrome following mild COVID-19 infection. [2022]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Rehabilitation Exercise and psycholoGical support After covid-19 InfectioN' (REGAIN): a structured summary of a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. [2022]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Screening and assessment for post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS), guidance by personal pilots and support with individual digital trainings within intersectoral care: a study protocol of a randomized controlled trial. [2022]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

British Thoracic Society survey of rehabilitation to support recovery of the post-COVID-19 population. [2021]

5. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Post-COVID-19 assessment in a specialist clinical service: a 12-month, single-centre, prospective study in 1325 individuals. [2022]

6. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exploring the Potential of Implementing Managed Alcohol Programmes to Reduce Risk of COVID-19 Infection and Transmission, and Wider Harms, for People Experiencing Alcohol Dependency and Homelessness in Scotland. [2022]

7. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Implementation and evaluation of a National Bereavement Support line in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland. [2023]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Delivering Peer-Based Support in Prisons During the COVID Pandemic and Lockdown: Innovative Activities Delivered by People Who Care. [2022]

9. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Changes to postdiagnostic dementia support in England and Wales during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study. [2022]

10. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Trends in deaths following drug use in England before, during, and after the COVID-19 lockdowns. [2023]

11. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Towards evidence-based and inclusive models of peer support for long covid: A hermeneutic systematic review. [2023]

12. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Assessing the Acceptability of a Co-Produced Long COVID Intervention in an Underserved Community in the UK. [2022]

13. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a personalised self-management intervention for living with long COVID: protocol for the LISTEN randomised controlled trial. [2023]

14. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Implementing psychological support for health and social care staff affected by the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative exploration of staff well-being hubs ('Resilience Hubs') using normalisation process theory. [2023]