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.

Impact Study on Users of Upper Limb Assistive Devices

This impact study of upper limb (UL) assistance devices is part of the Exploratory PEPR O2R "Robotic assistance for human movements." The integrated project PI3 "ASSISTMOV," composed of a multidisciplinary team in engineering and Human and Social Sciences (HSS), targets the use case of employing robotic assistance for the movement of persons with disabilities (PWD). Through the development of a range of exoskeletons (lower and upper limbs), this project aims for a breakthrough technology enabling fluid and robust interaction with a variety of environments and uses (from rehabilitation to daily life). The proposed study contributes to this objective by exploring the clinical and psychosocial dimensions of the daily use of UL assistance devices. Through interviews and questionnaires, it aims to collect data on their impact in terms of independence in activities of daily living (ADL), satisfaction, quality of life, social participation, as well as social perceptions related to the use of these technical aids. It will make it possible to document the benefits and limitations of existing devices from the users' point of view (patients and informal and/or professional caregivers), by identifying the factors that facilitate or hinder their adoption and by exploring the care pathway, from prescription to daily use. The questionnaires will also allow examination of economic dimensions. The participants included in this study will be recruited among users already using, in their daily life, an UL movement assistance device. All will be regular users of their device, functionally integrated into their usual environment for at least two months. Only devices benefiting from CE marking, guaranteeing their compliance with European regulations, will be eligible. No equipment will be specifically provided within the framework of this research: each participant will share their experience with their own device, as it is integrated into their ADL. A preliminary literature review helped identify the main categories of UL movement assistance devices, grouped according to the following typologies: grasping gloves, mealtime aids, robotic manipulation arms, and arm supports (electric or mechanical). The purpose of the approach is both diagnostic and forward-looking. It is diagnostic in that it makes it possible to analyze current practices, real activity, and users' viewpoints, in order to identify elements likely to be improved in the recommendation and use of the devices. It is also forward-looking, since it aims to identify new opportunities, needs, or potential developments, in order to support the thinking of roboticists based on field observations.

Comparing Mixed Reality, Video-Based, and Instructor-Led Training for Nasogastric Tube Insertion in Nursing Students

This study explores how nursing students learn to insert a nasogastric tube (NGT), a common but potentially risky clinical procedure. The goal is to compare three different teaching methods: Mixed Reality (MR) glasses with virtual instructions Video-based learning Traditional instructor-led training The study investigates which method leads to better learning outcomes, how usable the technologies are, and how students experience MR in their learning. Participants will be first-year nursing students with no prior experience in NGT insertion. They will be randomly assigned to one of the three training methods, complete the procedure, and answer questionnaires about their performance and experience. Six months later, they will repeat the procedure to assess long-term learning.

Evaluation of the Quality of Chat Conversations With the Suicide Helpline Zelfmoordlijn 1813

Suicide remains a serious public health issue in Flanders. Every day, nearly three people die by suicide, and many more attempt it or struggle with suicidal thoughts. The Zelfmoordlijn 1813 is a free and confidential helpline that offers support to people in crisis through phone, chat, and email. In 2024, volunteers had over 23,000 conversations, including nearly 3,000 via chat. This study, led by the Flemish Centre of Expertise in Suicide Prevention (VLESP) in collaboration with the Centre for Suicide Prevention (CPZ), aims to better understand how people experience the chat service of the Zelfmoordlijn 1813. While previous research has looked at the impact of phone conversations, little is known about how chat conversations affect suicidal thoughts and feelings. To explore this, people who contact the chat service will be invited to fill out a short questionnaire before and after their conversation. These questionnaires take about 3 minutes each and are completely voluntary. They ask about feelings like hopelessness, crisis, and perceived support, as well as satisfaction with the chat. The goal is to improve the quality of chat-based crisis support and ensure that people in emotional distress receive the best possible help. This research will help strengthen suicide prevention efforts in Flanders.

Alert Frequency, Nurse, and Patient Satisfaction With a wCVSM Software Across Health Care Systems and Cultures

The goal of this prospective, international multi-centre pilot study is to assess the functionality and user experience of a new vital sign monitoring system in 20 patients and 20 nurses in the general ward at each centre. The patients will be monitored with a wireless, continuous vital sign monitoring systems and answer a questionnaire afterwards. They will in addition have vital signs monitored as per standard practice. The nurses will answer a questionnaire after having had the responsibility for a monitored patient for a full shift. The main aims are: To determine the frequency of alerts activated in the app in relation to the alerts that should be activated based on measured data, to explore current practices of in-hospital monitoring by semi-structured interviews to map differences across systems and to test nurse and patient satisfaction.

User Evaluation of Zelfmoord1813.be and Its Related Websites

Monitoring the availability and accessibility of suicide prevention information in Flanders remains crucial. In 2022, 1,024 people died by suicide in Flanders, and approximately 10,000 individuals required emergency care following a suicide attempt. The third Flemish Suicide Prevention Action Plan outlines several strategies aimed at achieving the health objective of reducing the suicide rate by 10% by 2030 compared to 2020. One of the initiatives under the first Flemish Suicide Prevention action plan was the creation of a central online platform for suicide prevention. This led to the launch of Zelfmoord1813.be at the end of 2013. The platform serves as a central point of access to relevant and scientifically grounded information on suicide prevention in Flanders. It provides immediate crisis support through Zelfmoordlijn 1813, a free and anonymous helpline available via phone, chat, or email. In addition, the site offers resources for professionals, journalists, students, and others seeking information on suicide prevention. Zelfmoord1813.be targets a broad audience across all age groups . The website is managed by the Flemish Centre of Expertise in Suicide Prevention, the government-appointed partner organization for suicide prevention in Flanders. One of the key responsibilities of the Flemish Centre of Expertise in Suicide Prevention is to regularly assess the use, reach, and relevance of Zelfmoord1813.be, partly through recurring user research. This user research investigates visitors' reasons for accessing the platform, whether they find what they are looking for, and their satisfaction with the content. The findings help evaluate whether all target groups are being reached effectively and inform future strategies for promotion, content development, and improvements. A first user study was conducted in 2020. The researchers now aim to repeat this evaluation. In recent years, three affiliated websites have also been launched: WerkgroepVerder.be (for suicide bereavement support), Mee-Leven.be (focused on suicide prevention in the social environment) and KomUitJeKop.be (specifically tailored to men). These websites are also managed by the Flemish Centre of Expertise in Suicide Prevention and will be included in the current study. The study aims to include 3,000 participants aged 16 and older. Visitors to Zelfmoord1813.be, WerkgroepVerder.be, Mee-Leven.be or KomUitJeKop.be will see a pop-up invitation to participate after 30 seconds, which disappears after 20 seconds. If they click "yes," they are redirected to a Qualtrics page, where they complete a short informed consent and a 5-minute questionnaire before being returned to the original website. Additionally, a message on each website will read: "We are curious about your opinion of our website. Please take your time to explore the site. When you're ready, you can share your feedback by clicking this link." This allows users to participate after reviewing the content at their own pace.