Article

The objective of this study was to compare outcomes and patterns of
engaging with a telehealth intervention (CareCall) by adult wheelchair users with
severe mobility limitations with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) or spinal
cord injury (SCI). DESIGN:
The design of this study is a secondary analysis from
a pilot randomized controlled trial with 106 participants with SCI and 36
participants with MS. RESULTS: General linear model results showed that an
interaction between baseline depression score and study group significantly
predicted reduced depression at 6 mos for subjects with both diagnoses (P =
0.01). For those with MS, CareCall increased participants' physical independence
(P < 0.001). No statistically significant differences in skin integrity were
found between study groups for subjects with either diagnosis. All participants
were similarly satisfied with CareCall, although those with MS engaged in almost
double the amount of calls per person than those with SCI (P = 0.005). Those with
SCI missed more calls (P < 0.001) and required more extensive support from a
nurse (P = 0.006) than those with MS. CONCLUSION:
An interactive telephone
intervention was effective in reducing depression in adult wheelchair users with
either MS or SCI, and in increasing health care access and physical independence
for those with a diagnosis of MS. Future research should aim to enhance the
efficacy of such an intervention for participants with SCI.

Langue : ANGLAIS