Pilot Evaluation of PTSD Family Coach, a Mobile Phone App for Family Members of Individuals With PTSD
Overview
- Phase
- Phase 1
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
- Sponsor
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System
- Enrollment
- 242
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Stress (Perceived Stress Scale)
- Status
- Completed
- Last Updated
- 10 years ago
Overview
Brief Summary
The proposed pilot study is designed to test the feasibility, acceptability, and potential effectiveness of a mobile phone application (app) developed by the VA National Center for PTSD (VA NCPTSD) for use by family members of those with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The primary objective of the proposed study is to assess whether family members of veterans with PTSD find the PTSD Family Coach app to be satisfactory and feasible to use. Secondary objectives are to determine if use of the app increases family members' self-efficacy and their ability to manage their own life stress, which may in part be the result of living with someone who has PTSD.
Detailed Description
PTSD Family Coach is a mobile phone app for family members of individuals with PTSD. This application provides: * education about PTSD * a self-assessment tool measuring life stress * self-management skills to address acute distress and stress * direct connection to support and * information about VA and community resources for family members of individuals with PTSD From this research, the investigators wish to learn whether family members of someone with PTSD find the PTSD Family Coach to be satisfactory and feasible to use. The investigators would also like to know if use of the app increases family members' knowledge of PTSD, and its treatment, and their ability to manage their own life stress, which may in part be the result of living with a Veteran with PTSD. Currently, there are very few resources for family members of Veterans with PTSD. If this research demonstrates that PTSD Family Coach is a promising tool for family members, it has the potential to address a tremendous unmet need using a very cost-effective, scalable solution.
Investigators
Jason Owen
Clinical Psychologist
VA Palo Alto Health Care System
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •currently living with a Veteran with significant PTSD symptoms
- •age 18 or older
- •own an iPhone, iPad or other iOS compatible device
- •currently experiencing at least moderate symptoms of stress
Exclusion Criteria
- •currently enrolled in another study related to PTSD
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Stress (Perceived Stress Scale)
Time Frame: 1 month
Use of PTSD Family Coach Mobile App (Study-Specific Survey)
Time Frame: 1 month
Satisfaction with PTSD Family Coach Mobile App (Study-Specific Survey)
Time Frame: 1 month
Caregiver Burden (Montgomery Burden Interview)
Time Frame: 1 month
Anxiety (GAD)
Time Frame: 1 month
Depression (PHQ-8)
Time Frame: 1 month
Secondary Outcomes
- Stigma Associated with Seeking Mental Health Care (Study-Specific Measure)(1 month)
- Partner Self-Efficacy (Study-Specific Measure)(1 month)
- Veteran Interest in Treatment for PTSD (Study-Specific Measure)(1 month)
- Perceived Benefits of Mental Health Treatment for PTSD (Study-Specific Measure)(1 month)
- Social Constraints (Social Constraints Scale)(1 month)