Using an app to improve data collection and outcomes in children's behavioral health treatment
Official title: RCT of a Measurement Feedback App to Improve Data Quality, Supervision & Outcomes in Behavioral Health
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10857896 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new app called Footsteps that helps caregivers collect important information during therapy for kids with behavioral health challenges, making it easier to plan better treatments and improve their care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 16, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $744,402 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH136153-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10857896 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who are receiving behavioral health treatment and require ongoing support.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not receiving behavioral health treatment or are outside the age range of 0-11 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the quality of data collected during behavioral health treatment for children by using a measurement feedback app called Footsteps. The app aims to support aides in gathering ongoing quantitative data, which can inform treatment planning and improve outcomes. By integrating behavioral economics principles and user-centered design, the app encourages aides to collect high-quality data through features like gamification and feedback mechanisms. The study will evaluate how effectively this app can optimize clinical care for children with significant behavioral health needs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment outcomes for children with behavioral health issues by ensuring that their care is informed by accurate and timely data.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with measurement feedback systems in outpatient therapy, indicating potential for this approach in the behavioral health setting for children.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nuske, Heather J — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Nuske, Heather J
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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.