Blue Star Cares: Innovative Approaches to Helping Military-Connected Caregivers

The purpose of this project is to evaluate an interactive training program for
military-connected caregivers (MCCs) of wounded warriors. The program leverages existing
resources and incorporates evidence-based training and peer-based support networks to enhance
continuity of care. The program consists of an educational Toolkit (workbook) and an avatar
training interaction where an MCC can practice skills learned from the toolkit training with
the avatar (how to navigate difficult conversations). This is an educational training
evaluation to determine whether or not avatar interaction can effectively improve health
outcomes in MCCs.

The investigators will implement a between subjects design looking at two groups of
caregivers across multiple time points examining differences between groups and changes in
the outcomes from baseline (before engaging in the training/intervention) to after completing
the training, including follow-ups at 3- and 6-months to evaluate longer-term outcomes. The
groups include an experimental group who will receive the complete training program (toolkit
and avatar) and a control group who will receive the avatar PLUS additional self-care
(toolkit and avatar PLUS extra self-care).

Project participants (i.e., MCCs who engage in the training and follow-up activities) will
receive the (a) training toolkit workshop and will engage with the avatar to practice the
knowledge and skills described in the workshop or will receive only the (b) training toolkit
workshop (control). Each scheduled workshop will be randomized to either the experimental
(full training program) or control (avatar plus extra self-care).

Comparing the groups and time differences will enable us to determine if the training
program, specifically the avatar interaction, is associated with improved health and quality
of life in caregivers of wounded warriors, enhanced caregiver social support and networks,
improved patient (wounded warrior) experience of care, and reduced per capita costs of care
for both the wounded warrior and caregiver.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Participants must be a military-connected caregiver over the age of 18.

Exclusion Criteria:

- Participants under the age of 18 or not a military-connected caregiver. Active duty
military personnel are unable to participate in this project.