Clinical Research Directory

The Presence of Humanoid Robot With Older Adults at Homes

Background Older adults experience significant physical, cognitive and environmental losses in their later life. Self-supported 'aging-in-place' has benefits for mental health and the quality of life for older people. In the field of gerontological nursing, person-centered holistic care highlights the importance of enabling older people and their significant others (such as older spouse or other family caregivers) to establish healthful relationships so to improve older adults' physical, psychological, mental and social wellbeing. However, globally and also most recommended by Hong Kong government, home-based care services for older adults have not been fully developed. Research on the use of robots supporting older adults is given increasing attention in the globe, but most of them were focused on aiding older adults who are living with dementia or residing in nursing homes. More robotic research needs to be conducted at their own homes in the community and support older people in having an independent lifestyle. Study Aim This study aims to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of home-based physical robot HUMANE by community-dwelling Chinese older adults and soon-to-be-aged adults and their family caregivers. Study design and method This study will employ a two-arm pilot randomized control trial with qualitative interviews. People aged 50 or above who are receiving home care from family members will be recruited to this study. Purposive sampling will be adopted in recruitment. The robot HUMANE will be used by the intervention group for a 6-week trial. Loneliness, cognitive function, emotional status, self-efficacy, and sense of coherence will be measured at baseline (day-1) and immediately post-intervention (week-6) to examine preliminary effect of using robot at home. System usage will be measured at immediately post-intervention (week-6) for assessing the perceived usability of the robot. Data analysis SPSS Statistics 26 will be adopted for all analyses. Descriptive statistics, generalized estimating equations (GEE) models and a deductive content analysis approach will be used in data analysis. Significances of the study The study will add evidences in the field that social robot may be able to address some of the unmet needs of older people living at their own homes in the community, particularly relating to loneliness, enhancing the development of home-based care services for older adults.

Identifying and Mobilizing Personal Resources to Improve Well-Being in Cancer Participants Using the CAERES Protocol

Cancer patients often experience emotional distress, fatigue, and reduced quality of life that may not be fully addressed by medical treatment alone. Research suggests that helping patients identify and mobilize their personal strengths and resources may support their psychological well-being. However, structured psychosocial interventions focused on personal resources have not been widely tested in cancer rehabilitation settings. The goal of this clinical trial was to test the acceptability and feasibility of a 3-week psychosocial intervention designed to help adult cancer patients identify and mobilize their personal strengths to better cope with their illness. The intervention was based on the AERES tool (Auto-Evaluation des RESsources; in english : Resources Self-Assessment), a card-sorting instrument developed at the University of Lausanne for strength-based assessment in clinical populations. The main questions it aimed to answer were: * Was the CAERES (Cancer Auto-Evaluation of RESources) intervention acceptable and feasible for cancer patients undergoing oncological treatment or rehabilitation? * Did the intervention positively affect emotional well-being, self-efficacy, posttraumatic growth, cancer-related fatigue, anxiety, depression, and satisfaction with care? Researchers compared an immediate-intervention group with a waitlist control group (3-week delay before receiving the same intervention) to see if the intervention produced measurable effects on the targeted outcomes. Participants: * Completed an in-person AERES card-sorting session (1 to 2.5 hours) to identify personal strengths across three dimensions (personal qualities, hobbies and passions, and social/environmental resources) * Received a personalized written report identifying a targeted resource to develop * Engaged in a 3-week home-based reinforcement program with three weekly phone calls (15 minutes each) and three personalized written feedback reports * Completed validated questionnaires at three time points (baseline, post-intervention, follow-up) Recruitment was conducted at three sites in Italian-speaking Switzerland: the Rehabilitation Clinic of Novaggio (EOC/Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale), the Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland (IOSI) in Bellinzona, and a private psycho-oncology practice in Lugano, with patient referrals supported by collaborating psycho-oncologists.

Health Care Transition Readiness Short-Form Video Intervention

The goal of this clinical trial is to assess whether social-media style short-form health education videos can increase health care transition readiness, self-efficacy, emotional well-being, health literacy, and appointment attendance, compared with publicly available health education resources in adolescents with chronic illnesses. The main question it aims to answer is: -Hypothesize social media intervention will increase health care transition readiness, self-efficacy, emotional well-being, health literacy, and appointment attendance compared to publicly available health education website immediately post intervention and at 6 month follow up. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the interventions and access the intervention for 20 minutes and complete 30-60 minutes of surveys.

Social Cognitive Theory-Based Education for Improving Health Outcomes in Older Adults

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a Social Cognitive Theory-based education program on self-efficacy, healthy lifestyle behaviors, and health literacy in older adults aged 65 years and over attending primary care centers. Participants will be assigned to either an intervention group receiving a structured education program or a control group receiving routine care. The intervention consists of three face-to-face educational sessions delivered weekly. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and 4-6 weeks after the intervention using validated scales. The findings are expected to contribute to improving health behaviors and health literacy among older adults in primary care settings.

HomeStyles-Adults of Chinese Heritage

Individuals of Chinese heritage are the largest and fastest growing segment of the US Asian population. US Chinese have sociodemographic characteristics and culture that differ substantially from other US Asians, and therefore, differ in social determinants of health, health status, and disease risk. US Chinese adults are at increased risk for cardiometabolic disease, related conditions (obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension), and systemic inflammation that promotes disease onset and progression. Immigration to a new country can substantially impact the gut microbiome which may promote systemic inflammation. Pilot interventions indicate a high-fiber diet rich in whole grains reduced inflammation and improved obesity. Additionally, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) supported, evidence-based HomeStyles intervention has demonstrated feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy in improving lifestyle behaviors and home environments associated with obesity risk in families. A lack of linguistically, culturally tailored interventions to their specific health needs makes it difficult for US Chinese to implement healthy lifestyle behaviors and reduce health risks. Interventions tailored for US Chinese that could attenuate modifiable cardiometabolic risk factors, understand physiological sequelae, and bridge health equity are not currently available. Thus, the overall goal of this project is to test the efficacy of HomeStyles in improving health outcomes in US Chinese. Project aims are to: A) Culturally adapt the HomeStyles intervention through community-engaged approaches. B) Conduct a 10-week, 2-armed Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) to test HomeStyles intervention efficacy on health outcomes (dietary intake, physical activity, self-efficacy, HbA1C, waist circumference, and BMI), hypothesizing that participants randomized to the treatment condition will have greater improvements in health outcomes than control comparators. C) Examine associations between intervention participation and gut microbiota/systemic inflammation and test hypotheses that a whole-grain rich diet adopted by those in the intervention group will increase anti-inflammatory gut bacteria, reduce inflammatory gut bacteria, and lower systemic inflammation.

Supporting Just-In-Time Consent for Prenatal Screening: The INFORM Study

This clinical trial is about prenatal genetic screening. It will test an intervention to help people make decisions about screening. The intervention is a short set of information cards about screening. This intervention is for pregnant participants. They will use the intervention on their mobile phone before they see their doctor. The study has one main question: * Do participants who use the intervention feel more confident when they make a decision about screening? Researchers will compare participants who use the intervention to participants who do not. All participants will have their usual care when they visit their doctor. What will participants do? * Participants must be pregnant. They will sign up for the study before their first doctor's visit for their pregnancy. This is the visit where their doctor usually talks with them about screening. * Some participants will use the intervention before their first doctor's visit. Other participants will not use it. * All participants will talk with a researcher on the phone after their first doctor's visit. * Participants who use the intervention will answer a short survey on their phone. * A few participants who use the intervention will talk with a researcher a second time on the phone.

Skills Video Intervention for Chinese/Chinese Americans

This is a study that aims to test a coping skills intervention delivered via brief animated videos for Chinese and Chinese American college students.

Cluster RCT of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to Support Caregivers of Older Adults in Hong Kong

The goal of this cluster randomized controlled trial study is to compare the effectiveness of a novel psychosocial intervention based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, lifestyle intervention and effective communication skills in caregivers of older adults in Hong Kong. The main question\[s\] it aims to answer are: What is the impact of the 6-week psychosocial intervention on distress and burden among participants? Participants will participate in a 6-week psychosocial intervention. Researchers will compare the results between the intervention group and the active control group to see if participants in the intervention group have lower distress and burden.

RE-inventing Strategies for Healthy Ageing; Recommendations and Tools

The goal of the RESTART RCT is to examine whether a complex lifestyle intervention, coordinated with municipal and non-government organizations (NGO), can establish and preserve improvements in risk factors and functional capacity among older adults at high risk of cardiometabolic disease. The main objectives to investigate are whether a complex lifestyle intervention, compared to an active control group, will at 24 months have: 1. Produced a clinically relevant increase in cardiorespiratory fitness (primary endpoint) 2. Increased muscle strength, physical activity and reduced adiposity 3. Improved body composition, health-related quality of life and cognitive function All participants (Control and Intervention Groups) are provided with wrist-worn activity trackers at baseline and access to national recommendations on physical activity. The intervention group additionally advances through a comprehensive lifestyle program including high-intensity aerobic and strength exercise, dietary and behavioral counselling. Intervention participants are gradually transitioned into exercise activities organized by Tromsø Municipaity and local NGO:s. Testing of outcomes are performed at baseline, 6, 12 and 24 months. Primary endpoint (VO2max) is assessed at 24 months.

Learning Skills Together Family Caregiver Complex Intervention

Learning Skills Together (LST) is a 6-week psychoeducational intervention focused on complex care (nursing) tasks completed by family caregivers to persons living with Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias. This study aims to test the efficacy of LST at reducing caregiver depression and negative appraisal of behavioral symptoms of dementia by building caregiver self-efficacy. To do this, eligible participants will be randomized into an intervention group (LST) or a control group condition focused on healthy living for family caregivers. Participants will be asked to complete surveys before and after participating in the intervention or the control condition to determine whether change in hypothesized outcomes can be attributed to the intervention condition.

Palliative Care Education in Assisted Living for Dementia Care Providers (PCEAL-DCP)

The palliative care education in assisted living for dementia care providers (PCEAL-DCP) is a 4-week intervention (once a week for 1.5 hours, a total of 6 hours) for licensed nurses, administrators and dementia care coordinators to improve quality of dementia care outcomes

The Effect of Art-Based Nursing Intervention Helping to Develop Healthy Digital Habits on Digital Addiction, Cyberbullying and Self-Efficacy in Adolescents

In today's world where digital technologies are integrated into every aspect of life, adolescents' unhealthy and uncontrolled use of digital media causes important psychosocial problems such as digital addiction and cyberbullying. This research aims to examine the effects of an art-based nursing intervention program in order to help adolescents born into the digital world gain healthy digital habits. The art-based nursing intervention program that helps gain healthy digital habits aims to increase adolescents' expressive expression skills, develop their skills in coping with challenging situations in the digital environment and strengthen their self-efficacy levels through creative art activities. The research is a randomized controlled trial designed as an experimental type, pre-test-post-test design. The research will be carried out in Prof. Dr. Fuat Sezgin Secondary School in Karatay district of Konya province. The sample group was determined as a total of 64 adolescents, 32 intervention and 32 control. Adolescents will be randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups. The pre-test data of the intervention and control groups were collected before the program started; The post-test data will be collected face-to-face by the researcher after the program is completed using the Personal Information Form, Digital Addiction Scale for Children, Revised Cyberbullying Scale (YSZE-II) and Self-Efficacy Scale for Children. It is expected that the digital addiction and cyberbullying levels of adolescents who are applied the art-based nursing intervention program that helps them gain healthy digital habits will be lower than the control group, and their self-efficacy levels will be higher than the control group. It is anticipated that the findings to be obtained as a result of the research will enable the development of creative and holistic intervention approaches that will increase the functionality of school health nurses against the risks posed by the digital age on young people. It is also thought that it can provide an evidence-based basis for the usability of art-based interdisciplinary practices in the field.

Lifestyle Coaching for Fatigue Mitigation in Emergency Medicine Residents

The purpose of this study is to determine whether personalized lifestyle coaching minimizes the negative impact of circadian disruption on performance and recovery in emergency medicine physician trainees during night shifts.

CommunityRx-Cardiovascular Disease

The goal of this single arm pre-test post-test design study is to test the impact of providing patients with information about community-based resources to address health-related social needs and cardiometabolic health in rural African American patients. The main question it aims to answer is: • What is the effectiveness of community resource information on patient self-efficacy to use community resources? Participants will be given: * A personalized "HealtheRx" resource with information about community resources related to food, housing, utility support, transportation, and crisis support. The HealtheRx is personalized for patients based on their age and zip code. * Access to a community resource navigator for support with using the HealtheRx upon request * 2 text messages with reminders about the HealtheRx and access to the community resource navigator

Effects of Stoma Education on Patients

tomas are classified according to the anatomical region in which they are created and the surgical technique used. Stomas that open into the large intestine are called colostomies, those that open into the small intestine are called ileostomies, and the creation of an anastomosis of the ureters to the abdominal wall is called a urostomy. Stomas are commonly used in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. Ileostomy and colostomy are the most frequently encountered types of stomas. While colorectal cancer is the primary reason for intestinal stoma creation, inflammatory bowel diseases, penetrating abdominal injuries, congenital anomalies, obstructions due to diverticular disease, ischemic colitis, radiation injury, sigmoid colon volvulus, and fecal incontinence are also among the indications for stoma creation. Despite advances in surgical techniques, complications are commonly seen in individuals with stomas. Incorrect stoma placement, the use of inappropriate bags and adapter systems, and a lack of knowledge and skills among patients and caregivers play a significant role in the development of complications. Depending on these conditions, patients may encounter problems such as edema, bleeding, ischemia, and mucocutaneous dehiscence in the early postoperative period. These complications negatively affect not only physical health but also the individual's social life, psychological state, and overall quality of life. Symptoms such as peristomal skin problems, uncontrolled gas release, fecal incontinence, and pain can hinder participants' adaptation to daily life and lead to social isolation. Nursing care and patient education are of great importance in managing these problems faced by individuals with stomas. The nursing process requires a comprehensive approach extending from the pre-operative period to the post-discharge phase. In this process, individualized education programs addressing fundamental issues such as nutrition, elimination, sexuality, social participation, and privacy should be implemented to improve quality of life, develop self-care skills, and prevent complications. In this context, the investigators have planned this study to determine the effects of the education provided to patients on stoma adaptation, body image, and self-efficacy.

Pilot Study of Capacity-oriented Intervention to Promote Food Security and Diet Quality Among Hispanics/Latinos

Despite a large proportion exhibiting cardiovascular disease risk factors and experiencing food insecurity, U.S. Hispanics/Latinos demonstrate low cardiovascular mortality, which may indicate existing capital (e.g., assets) protecting health and diet. The goal of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and short-term efficacy of a pilot intervention aimed at improving diet quality through strengthening food- and diet-related capital and food security among low-income, Hispanic/Latino adults in San Diego, California. The pilot intervention will be integrated into an existing local health or nutrition program serving low-income Hispanic/Latino adults. Participants will be asked to: * Complete questionnaires before and after the intervention * Engage in nutrition education activities * Engage in food access-related activities

Effectiveness of Intelligent Case Manage Platform in Liver Transplant Recipients

This study is a prospective, quasi-experimental design, with an experimental group and a control group, will be created. The aims of this study are as follows: 1. Describe the self-management and information needs of liver transplant recipients, 2. Create content or modules related to the self-management of liver transplant recipients, 3. Build an intelligent case management platform, 4. Evaluate the usability of the platform, and 5. Conduct deep learning and examine the effects of the intelligent case management platform on self-efficacy, self-management, health outcomes, and health-related quality of life. Data will be collected at discharge (baseline data) and 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after discharge. An estimated 133 patients will be involved in this experiment: 44 in the experimental group and 89 in the control group. Statistical package software (SPSS 22.0) will be used to analyze the data. A generalized estimation equation model will examine the differences in self-efficacy, self-management, and health-related quality of life between the experimental and control groups. Survival analysis and the Kaplan-Meier method will be used to analyze health outcomes, including hospital readmission, emergency visits, episodes of infection and rejection of organs, and death.

Talk Parenting Education Program II

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether Talk Parenting, a voice-based program delivered through an Amazon Echo Dot (Alexa), can help parents and caregivers of children ages 3-5 years improve challenging bedtime and morning routines. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does using Talk Parenting improve families' bedtime and morning experiences and children's sleep/wake habits? Does using Talk Parenting improve parents' routine-related parenting practices and confidence, strengthen the parent-child relationship, and reduce children's behavior problems and parents' stress? Researchers will compare families who receive Talk Parenting right away to families who wait 6 weeks to receive the program (a waitlist control group receiving usual services during the wait). Participants will: Complete online questionnaires at the start of the study and again about 6 weeks later (and a follow-up questionnaire later in the study). Receive a pre-configured Amazon Echo Dot (to keep) and instructions to use Talk Parenting routines at home, including a bedtime routine, a brief calming routine, and a morning routine (enabled after the first 2 weeks).

The Impact of a Infant Sleep Hygiene Training Program on Infant Sleep Habits and Parental Self-Efficacy

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured, Infant Sleep Hygiene Education Program initiated during pregnancy on infant sleep habits and parental self-efficacy related to infant sleep in the postpartum period. The program is grounded in developmental science and attachment-sensitive principles and focuses on promoting healthy sleep habits through responsive caregiving, consistent bedtime routines, and evidence-based sleep hygiene practices. Pregnant women will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving a multi-session prenatal education program with postnatal follow-up support, or a control group receiving routine antenatal care. Primary outcomes include parental self-efficacy regarding infant sleep and infant sleep habits (e.g., night awakenings, sleep duration, sleep onset latency, and routine consistency), assessed at 1, 3, and 6 months postpartum. Secondary outcomes include adherence to recommended sleep-supportive parenting practices and infant sleep diary indicators. In addition, the mediating role of parental self-efficacy in the relationship between the intervention and infant sleep outcomes will be examined. Program evaluation outcomes will assess parental knowledge before and after the education, participation and adherence to the sessions, and parental satisfaction with the education program. This study aims to provide evidence for an ethical, developmentally appropriate, and preventive infant sleep education model integrated into routine prenatal care.

Video Game Intervention In Older Adults

The purpose of this clinical trial is to investigate the effects of a rehabilitative game-based intervention on self-efficacy, balance, and visual-motor integration in individuals aged 60 years and older. The primary research questions are: Does the rehabilitative game-based intervention improve balance and visual-motor integration? Does the rehabilitative game-based intervention improve self-efficacy levels? Researchers will compare a rehabilitative game intervention group with a control group. Participants will complete baseline and post-intervention assessments. Individuals in the intervention group will participate in rehabilitative game sessions twice per week for 6 weeks, while the control group will not receive any intervention.

Effects of a Lay-led Anxiety and Depression Self-management Program for Cancer Patients

The investigators aim to evaluate a peer-to-peer patient self-management program targeting symptoms of anxiety and depression in a randomized trial. A total of 234 cancer patients recently having completed primary treatment with curative intent in central Region Denmark will be included. The intervention is a lay-led, group-based transdiagnostic patient education program consisting of seven 2 ½ hour weekly sessions focusing on increasing patient self-efficacy in symptom management of anxiety and depression. The intervention is highly structured and manualized.

Cognitive Remediation Intervention to Prepare for Transition of Care

Randomized Controlled Trial (RTC) testing the efficacy of a telehealth adaptation of the Cognitive-Remediation of Executive and Adaptive Deficits in Youth (C-READY) intervention to prepare adolescents with sickle cell disease for transition of care.

The PREGNANT (Pregnant Resident Empowerment, GuidaNce, and Advocacy iN Training) Coaching Project

This is a mixed-methods study designed to develop and evaluate an innovative coaching program for physician trainee mothers. Approximately 48 participants will be recruited from informational flyers posted in resident work areas and distributed by program directors and GME. Interested participants will email study staff. Participants will be randomized to the control or intervention arm. Intervention participants will meet monthly with a novice physician coach of their choice (one-on-one) and a certified physician coach (with an assigned group of 6 peers through video-conferencing). Participants in both arms of the study will respond to surveys at three points: enrollment (baseline), 4 months, and 7 months. At each point, they will spend approximately 10 minutes filling the survey. The survey will query demographics, burnout, professional fulfillment, imposter phenomenon, self-valuation, self-efficacy, resilience, quality of life, and impact of work on professional relationships. The coaching intervention will last 4 months, and the 7 month survey will be used only to assess long-term effects of the intervention. At the conclusion of the study (7 months after enrollment), participants will be interviewed over video communication (secure Partners or Harvard Zoom) for approximately 30 minutes.

The Effect of Lullaby During Bath Time on Mother-Infant Bonding, Postpartum Depression, and Parental Self-Efficacy in Infants

This randomized, single-blind controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of maternal lullaby singing during infant bathing on mother-infant bonding, postpartum depressive symptoms, and perceived parenting self-efficacy in mothers of healthy term infants. The postpartum period represents a critical phase for maternal psychological adjustment, during which stress, depressive symptoms, and low parenting confidence may negatively affect the quality of mother-infant interaction and bonding. Low-cost, culturally meaningful, and non-pharmacological interventions that support maternal well-being and early bonding are therefore of particular importance. The study will be conducted with mothers who have delivered healthy term infants in a public hospital. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. Mothers in the intervention group will receive a structured bathing education and will be instructed to bathe their infants three times per week for two consecutive weeks while singing a lullaby using their own voice in a calm and quiet home environment. Live-recorded music will not be used. The intervention emphasizes sensory interaction, emotional closeness, and maternal voice as key components. Each bathing session is expected to last approximately 10-15 minutes. The control group will receive routine postpartum care without a structured lullaby-based bathing intervention. Outcome measures include mother-infant bonding, postpartum depressive symptoms, and perceived maternal parenting self-efficacy. Data will be collected at two time points: prior to hospital discharge (within the first 24 hours postpartum) and at the end of the two-week intervention period. Validated self-report instruments will be used for all outcome assessments. The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence on the effectiveness of a simple, culturally embedded caregiving practice in supporting maternal mental health, strengthening mother-infant bonding, and enhancing parenting confidence during the early postpartum period. Results may inform postpartum care practices, parental counseling programs, and midwife-led supportive interventions.