Clinical Research Directory

Integration of a Robotic Platform for Clinical Monitoring of Patients With Severe Acquired Brain Injury in High-Intensity Care Units

Frailty is not related exclusively to age, but represents a state of increased biological and clinical vulnerability characterized by reduced functional reserve and greater susceptibility to adverse events, even in response to minor stress factors. In patients with complex conditions, such as severe acquired brain injuries, early detection and prompt treatment of clinical deterioration are essential to reduce the risk of acute readmission, complications, and in-hospital mortality. Many of these events are potentially predictable and preventable, given the presence of appropriate monitoring systems. Advanced care models, including early warning systems, have been developed to support healthcare professionals in identifying patients at risk by detecting significant changes in physiological parameters. In recent years, technological innovations-particularly in the fields of robotics and telemedicine-have created new opportunities to enhance clinical monitoring, enabling continuous data collection and more timely, proactive interventions. Social assistive robots are emerging as promising tools in healthcare settings. These systems can support clinicians and nurses in routine monitoring activities, help reduce workload, and facilitate more efficient and personalized care. By integrating robotic assistance with digital health platforms, it is possible to improve the quality and responsiveness of patient management, especially in high-complexity environments such as neurorehabilitation units. This study focuses on the use of an innovative robotic telemedicine system based on the integration of the MOVER-L prototype with the ROB.IN.CARE platform, promoted by Item Oxygen (Bari, Italy). The system is designed to continuously monitor patients' clinical conditions, collecting vital parameters and identifying early signs of deterioration. It supports healthcare professionals by providing real-time data and alerts, enabling earlier and more targeted interventions. The study is a low-intensity interventional clinical trial conducted in a Neurorehabilitation Unit. Patients with varying levels of clinical severity, classified according to the Glasgow Coma Scale, are enrolled and divided into two groups: a control group receiving standard care and an experimental group monitored using the robotic system in addition to usual care. The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the feasibility, usability, safety, and reliability of this robotic telemedicine solution in a real clinical setting. In addition, the study assesses its acceptability among both patients and healthcare professionals. These aspects are measured using validated tools, including the System Usability Scale (SUS) and the Health and Safety Executive Stress Scale (HSE), to understand the impact of the technology on user experience and workload. The integrated MOVER-L/ROB.IN.CARE system combines robotic assistance with continuous monitoring of vital signs and advanced software architecture. The platform incorporates predictive algorithms designed to stratify clinical risk and assess patient severity. It utilizes established clinical scoring systems, such as the Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) for early detection of clinical deterioration, the quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) for sepsis risk evaluation, and the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria for the assessment of acute kidney injury. By enabling early identification of clinical worsening, the system aims to improve the timeliness and effectiveness of healthcare interventions, optimize clinical workflow, and reduce the risk of adverse events and complications. Ultimately, this study explores whether robotic telemedicine can represent a safe, feasible, and valuable tool to enhance the management of fragile patients in neurorehabilitation settings.

HIV Self-testing for Partners of HIV-uninfected Postpartum Women

The purpose of this study is to test the feasibility and acceptability of a combination intervention to promote HIV self-testing (HIVST) for Partners and PrEP uptake for HIV-uninfected Postpartum Women ("H4P"). H4P includes evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) strategies, such as communication skills training, motivational interviewing, and problem-solving. The investigators will conduct a randomized pilot trial of the H4P intervention to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of a multi-step PrEP uptake and HIV self-test kit intervention for postpartum HIV-uninfected women (N = 60 and their male partners) who report a partner of unknown serostatus, and their partners, in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

TAG TEAM - Trans Adolescent Group Therapy

This project will study the effect of the TAG TEAM group CBT program on the mental health of trans and gender diverse adolescents. TAG TEAM was co-designed by researchers and clinicians with a group of trans and gender diverse young people to help trans and gender diverse adolescents understand and cope with minority stress. Minority stress includes experiences like discrimination and rejection. TAG TEAM focuses on learning and practicing skills to support mental health and wellbeing. It also includes group discussions and activities with other trans and gender diverse young people. TAG TEAM groups are run by a psychologist and a trans peer facilitator. A trans peer facilitator is a trans and gender diverse person who is there to share their experience of being trans and to support participants in the group sessions.

Feasibility of Wireless Continuous Vital Sign Monitoring and Impact on Patients Undergoing Adult Spinal Surgery in a General Ward

The goal of this feasibility study is to explore the use of wireless continuous vital sign monitoring in an orthopaedic setting among orthopaedic nurses and patients undergoing adult spinal deformity surgery. In addition to the standard care National Early Warning Score the participants in this study will be monitored by CPC12S a wearable sensor that is worn on the chest using electrodes measuring electrocardiography single lead (ECG), Heart rate, respiratory rate, SpO2, blood pressure and temperature. Main hypotheses: The use of wireless continuous vital sign monitoring in daily clinical practice for patients undergoing ASD surgery is feasible in terms of increased acceptability among orthopeadic surgical nurses measured over 12 months with a response rate of at least 80% with an average score of ≥5 at the last measurement in each of the four dimensions of the USE questionnaire: Usefulness, ease of use, ease of learning and satisfaction. The following parameters will be evaluated: Primary outcome: 1. The feasibility in terms of acceptability of the concept of wCVSM among orthopedic surgical ward nurses. Secondary outcomes: 2. The feasibility in terms of acceptability of the concept of wCVSM in patients undergoing ASD surgery. 3. The technical fidelity of wCVSM, assessed by data collected of vital signs, display of alerts to staff nurses and response to the alerts. 4. The frequency of vital sign deviations in patients after ASD surgery using wCVSM compared to NEWS2. 5. Clinical outcomes of patients undergoing ASD surgery including surgical complications, reinterventions, ICU admissions, unplanned ward transfer, and admissions to another department.

PURSUIT: A Technologically Augmented School-based Program to Improve Child Coping and Prevent Substance Use.

The study investigators aim to test an online support platform for Michigan youth aged 8-18 years enrolled in elementary, middle, or high school and their parent/caregiver. The online support platform will be hosted on the Computerized Intervention Authoring System (CIAS) 3.0 and will provide evidence-based cognitive behavioral coping skills for physical (pain) and mental (stress, mood) health symptoms, with additional substance use prevention content for youth aged 12 and older. Evaluations will occur at baseline and then a post assessment approximately 8 weeks later.

Feasibility and Potential Efficacy of Herbs and Spices for Improving Dietary Quality in College Students: A Pilot Study

The goal of this single-arm feasibility, pilot study is to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and potential effectiveness of the Herbs and Spices Nutrition Education Program (HSNP-focusing on incorporating herbs and spices into the diet for adherence to the DGA's) for determining the scalability of implementing this intervention for a larger scale, more comprehensive study The main questions it aims to answer are: * What is the feasibility and acceptability of incorporating herbs and spices into the diet along with DGA-focused nutrition education through the HSNP in college students with poor dietary quality? * What are the preliminary effects of the HSNP on dietary intake/quality, cardiometabolic, and gut health in college students with poor dietary quality? * What are the barriers associated with HSNP implementation in college students with poor dietary quality? Participants will: * Be asked to come to the study site initially for a Screening Study Visit to confirm eligibility. * Be asked to come the clinical study site for a Pre-HSNP and Post-HSNP Study Visit (one week prior starting the HSNP and after week 6 of completing the HSNP) for assessments of cardiometabolic and gut health. * Be asked to come to the Nutrition Center for weeks 0 and 3 of the HSNP, where they will receive education on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the health benefits of herbs and spices, have a sensory evaluation of foods, be provided budget-friendly recipes and resources, and given take-home herbs, spices, and supporting materials * Be asked to complete 3-Day Food Records throughout the 6 week study period for assessment of dietary quality (4 total)

The Increasing Mindfulness Engagement Project

The goal of this clinical trial is to examine the feasibility and acceptability of different types of text messages and a integrated gaming app to increase engagement in a mindfulness mobile health application. 1. Does receiving text messages increase engagement in a mindfulness app? 2. Does an integrated gaming app increase engagement in a mindfulness app? Researchers will examine whether participants engage more in a mindfulness mobile health application if they receive text messages and if they engage in additional gaming app on their smartphone. Participants will: 1. Use a mindfulness and gaming mobile health application for 28-days. 2. Complete a pre-study survey, post-study survey, follow-up interview, and 3-month follow-up survey in addition to daily brief surveys.

Digital Support Strategies for Caregiver Home Practice

This project is a pilot trial of the Engaging Families home practice smartphone application (or "app") as an add on to a family-based prevention program. Although there are many evidence-based preventive interventions delivered to caregivers to prevent youth substance use and mental illness and promote youth positive family and youth outcomes, the impact of these interventions is often limited by low home practice of intervention skills among caregivers. The Engaging Families home practice app is a digital behavior change intervention that was developed to support caregivers in practicing intervention skills at home. Researchers will ask participants if the app was acceptable and feasible for daily use at home. Researchers may also compare how often caregivers who use the study app do home practice of intervention skills compared with caregivers who do not receive the home practice app but are encouraged to use an app to help schedule their activities.