SCI Model System

Baylor Scott & White Spinal Cord Injury Model System 

The Baylor Scott & White Spinal Cord Injury Model System (BSW-SCIMS) is a nationally recognized program that supports innovative clinical care and research to evaluate medical, rehabilitation, vocational and other services to meet the needs of individuals with SCI. The BSW-SCIMS is one of 14 centers nationwide that was awarded a competitive grant by the National Institute of Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), due to its recognition as a national leader in SCI research and patient care.

Local Project

Prevention of Posttraumatic Stress: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Modified Brief Prolonged Exposure Therapy (Brief PE) During Inpatient Rehabilitation Post SCI

Investigators

Mark Powers, PhD (PI); Ann Marie Warren, PhD (co-PI); Seema Sikka, MD (Co-I)

Importance

Although the physical outcomes associated with SCI have been widely studied, the psychological consequences of sustaining a SCI remain less explored. Prolonged exposure therapy (PE) is a well-researched and highly effective treatment for PTSD across multiple traumas. However, early intervention with Brief PE for PTSD prevention among people post SCI in a rehabilitation setting has not yet been tested. We aim to conduct the first test of the Brief PE intervention to prevent PTSD among patients with SCI.

Goal

We will conduct a RCT to examine the efficacy of the modified Brief PE intervention delivered in an inpatient rehabilitation setting post-SCI to reduce PTSD symptoms (primary outcome) at 1, 3, and 6 months from baseline; (2) Examine the efficacy of the modified brief PE intervention on secondary outcomes including depression, general anxiety, pain, and quality of life at 1, 3, and 6 months from baseline; and (3) Assess the feasibility and fidelity of delivering the Brief PE intervention to people with SCI.