CHAMPs: A technology to help older adults keep their hands clean and reduce germs
Clean Hands Accessible and Manageable for Patients (CHAMPs): A technology-based self-management intervention to improve patient hand hygiene and reduce hand contamination among older adults.
['FUNDING_R01'] · CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11125920
This project is developing a new technology to help older adults in hospitals keep their hands clean to prevent infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CLEVELAND, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11125920 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Older adults in hospitals face a higher risk of infections, and keeping hands clean is crucial for their safety. However, physical and sensory challenges can make it difficult for them to use standard hand-cleaning products independently. This project is creating a special hand-sanitizing dispenser called CHAMPs that attaches directly to a patient's bed rail. CHAMPs uses verbal, auditory, and visual reminders to encourage patients to clean their hands easily and safely. This system also tracks usage to understand how well it works in a hospital setting.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are hospitalized older adults, aged 65 and above, who may have difficulty with traditional hand hygiene methods due to physical or sensory limitations.
Not a fit: Patients who are not hospitalized or do not face physical or sensory limitations in performing hand hygiene may not directly benefit from this specific technology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this technology could significantly reduce the risk of infections for older adults in hospitals by making hand hygiene easier and more consistent.
How similar studies have performed: The CHAMPs system has been developed by the investigators and pilot tested, suggesting some initial positive results, but this is a new application of the technology.
Where this research is happening
CLEVELAND, UNITED STATES
- CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY — CLEVELAND, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KNIGHTON, SHANINA C — CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: KNIGHTON, SHANINA C
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.