A community-based multiple-site randomized practical behavioral trial of advocacy skill training for individuals with TBI, their families, and significant others (Midwest Advocacy Project)

The Mayo Clinic TBIMS is conducting one site specific research project for the 2007-2012 NIDRR funding cycle, the Midwest Advocacy Project (MAP). MAP is the first randomized practical behavioral trial of its kind and intends to scientifically test the efficacy of advocacy training for individuals with TBI and their families/significant others in effective self and system advocacy skills to improve their health and that of their communities. MAP will be completed three phases, (1) development of TBI-specific measures of advocacy activity and of perceived control and self-efficacy to be used in Phase 2 ; (2) implementation and evaluation of the MAP in three contiguous Midwest states, and (3) assessing MAP's state-wide impact on the greater TBI community, state systems and public policy change, and on the media. Specific aims are to develop measures of advocacy activity and perceived control/self-efficacy and examine their relationship to perception of environmental barriers, quality of life, and satisfaction with life; evaluate the efficacy of a 4-session advocacy training program to improve behavioral advocacy skills compared to a group receiving self-directed advocacy training; evaluate the impact of MAP on participant’s advocacy activities and perceived control/self-efficacy; evaluate the effect of MAP on participant’s perception of environmental barriers, quality of life, and satisfaction with life; and evaluate trends in advocacy activities, perceived control/self-efficacy, perception of environmental barriers to participation, quality of and satisfaction with life, changes in community and government systems, and media attention related to TBI in a 3-state region. Participants of the study will be involved in the implementation, evaluation, and dissemination phases.