Clinical Research Directory

Living With Sickle Cell Disease in the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a chronic illness. It affects about 100,000 people in the United States. People with SCD have red blood cells that are sickle-shaped and impaired in their function. This results in a lifetime of complications that affect every organ system. People with SCD also are at greater risk for respiratory infections and lung problems. Researchers want to study how this population s stress, anxiety, fear, pain, sleep, and health care use are being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: To study the extent and impact of life changes induced by the COVID-19 pandemic on people living with SCD in the U.S. Eligibility: People age 18 and older with SCD who live in the U.S. Design: Participants will complete a survey online. The questions will focus on the following: Medical history Mental and physical health Demographics Stress Resilience Health care use COVID-19 Beliefs about medical mistrust and participation in research. At the end of the survey, participants will be asked if they would like to take the survey again in the future. If they reply "yes," then they will be contacted by the study team in 6-9 months to take the survey again. They may complete the survey again in 6-8 months, 12-15 months, and 18-21 months. The survey should take less than 40 minutes to complete. Participants' data will be coded to protect their privacy. The coded data may be shared with other researchers.

Feasibility of the Reality PAWS Program for Children in Isolation

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a mixed reality program, Reality PAWS, delivered on a Meta Quest 3 VR headset, is a feasible intervention for pediatric patients in isolation. It will also evaluate the safety of the program and its effect on pain, anxiety, and loneliness. The main questions the study aims to answer are: What is the feasibility of utilizing Reality PAWS MR as a substitute for in-person dog therapy for children under isolation precautions? Are patients compliant with using Reality PAWS MR? What are the interventional outcomes of Reality PAWS MR? Participants will: Wear a Meta Quest 3 VR headset with the Reality PAWS program. Interact with the program. Answer surveys regarding demographics, anxiety, pain, loneliness, sickness, perceived exertion, and immersion in the program.