Wellness Programs for Disabilities

Overseen By Zara Ambadar, PhD

Age: Any Age

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Pittsburgh

Disqualifiers: Age under 55, over 64

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

Duration: 24 months

130 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

People with disabilities experience a staggering incidence of secondary conditions that can result in death or negatively impact their health, participation in the community, and quality of life. Many of these chronic secondary conditions are preventable. The Institute for Healthcare Improvement has advocated for optimizing care through programs that simultaneously improve health and the patient experience of care, while reducing cost, called the "Triple Aim." Studies have shown that the Triple Aim can be achieved through programs that facilitate community integration; however the U.S. healthcare system lacks a paradigm of care for individuals with disabilities that promotes community integration. In order to identify potential models of healthcare delivery for individuals with disabilities that are effective in achieving the Triple Aim, we will conduct a rigorous research project to evaluate the impact of two different models of care on the Triple Aim: 1) a community-based care management program delivered by a non-profit organization through waiver funds, and 2) the Program for All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) applied to younger individuals with disabilities between ages 55-64.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Wellness Programs for Disabilities?

The research on a hospital-affiliated wellness center highlights that focusing on physical, mental, and spiritual well-being can help participants manage stress, improve fitness, and follow good nutrition, which suggests that similar wellness programs could be beneficial for individuals with disabilities. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is it safe for people with disabilities to participate in wellness programs?

The research suggests that wellness programs, which include activities like exercise, nutrition, and stress management, are generally safe and beneficial for people with disabilities. These programs aim to improve overall well-being and quality of life, and there is a growing recognition of their importance in promoting health among people with disabilities. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

How is the Wellness Programs treatment different from other treatments for disabilities?

Wellness Programs for Disabilities are unique because they focus on empowering individuals with disabilities to manage their own health through inclusive community-based activities like exercise, nutrition, and stress management, rather than just treating symptoms. This approach aims to improve overall well-being and quality of life, rather than solely focusing on disease prevention or management. ^{6 7 9 11 12}

Research Team

Brad Dicianno, MD

Principal Investigator

University of Pittsburgh

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for people with disabilities such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, and spina bifida. Participants should be eligible for the Community Partners program or aged 55-64 and eligible for the Community LIFE program.

Inclusion Criteria

I am between 55 and 64 years old and qualify for the Community LIFE program.

Individuals who are eligible for the Community Partners program

Exclusion Criteria

I am either younger than 55 or older than 64 and qualify for the Community LIFE program.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants are enrolled in community-based wellness programs, including Community Partners and Community LIFE programs, to evaluate their impact on the Triple Aim

24 months

Regular visits every 3-6 months

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in health outcomes, mood, quality of life, and community integration

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Wellness Programs

Trial Overview The study tests two community-based wellness programs aimed at improving health outcomes, patient care experience, and reducing healthcare costs (the 'Triple Aim'). One is a non-profit's care management program; the other adapts an eldercare model (PACE) for younger disabled adults.

Participant Groups

Group I: Wellness Programs Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Community Partners and Community LIFE programs

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Pittsburgh

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,820

Recruited

16,360,000+

Community Living And Support Services

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

130+

Community LIFE

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

130+

Findings from Research

People with disabilities face significant health disparities due to inadequate access to wellness programs, leading to higher rates of secondary conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes.

A proposed three-stage model aims to improve health equity by promoting person-centered referrals to inclusive wellness programs, empowering individuals with disabilities to manage their health effectively.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Addressing Disability Inequities: Let's Stop Admiring the Problem and Do Something about It. Rimmer, JH.[2023]

References

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

Validation of the short form-36 health survey supported with isokinetic strength testing after sport knee injury. [2022]

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

St. Vincent Wellness Center, Carmel, IN -- hospital-affiliated wellness center stresses wholistic approach. [2000]

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

Outcomes measurement and quality improvement in long-term care. [2019]

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

Teamwork key part of heart failure initiative. [2011]

5. Scotland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Outcomes assessment in musculoskeletal medicine. [2019]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adherence and Continued Participation in a Wellness Class for Individuals with Disabilities. [2022]

7. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Addressing Disability Inequities: Let's Stop Admiring the Problem and Do Something about It. [2023]

8. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

In search of wellness: allied health professionals' understandings of wellness in childhood disability services. [2019]

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

A framework for health promotion services for people with psychiatric disabilities. [2019]

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

An exploratory study of inclusive worksite wellness: Considering employees with disabilities. [2016]

11. China pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Retrospective evaluation of a pilot eHealth/mHealth telewellness program for people with disabilities: Mindfulness, Exercise, and Nutrition To Optimize Resilience (MENTOR). [2022]

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

Effectiveness of Virtual Wellness Programming for Adults with Disabilities: Clients' Perspectives. [2021]