Cohort study for pandemic preparedness in Bern
Bern, Get Ready (BEready) Population-based Cohort Study for Pandemic Preparedness: Main Study
This study is trying to see how infections spread between people and animals in Bern to help us be better prepared for future pandemics like COVID-19.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 2500 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Bern Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bern) |
| Trial ID | NCT06739499 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The BEready project aims to enhance pandemic preparedness in the Canton of Bern by studying how infections spread among people and between humans and animals. It seeks to understand the impact of social and environmental factors on the transmission of infectious diseases, particularly focusing on COVID-19. The study will establish a well-characterized cohort of households, including pets, to facilitate rapid responses to future pandemics. Community engagement is a key component, aiming to improve public health literacy and preparedness.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include residents of the Canton of Bern who can provide informed consent and have internet access.
Not a fit: Patients who are planning to move outside the Canton of Bern may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve community readiness and response to future pandemics.
How similar studies have performed: While similar studies have been conducted, this approach focusing on community engagement and the One Health perspective is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria for adults and children: * Informed consent * Residence (average of more than 3 days/week) in a private household in the canton of Bern where at least one member aged 18 agreed to take part. * For adults, children aged 14 years or older, and parents/legal guardians: internet connection (Wi-Fi, fixed or on a mobile phone) and personal email address. * For adults, children aged 11 years or older, and parents/legal guardians: able to understand, speak, read and write German, French and/or English. Inclusion criteria for household pets: Pets of eligible household members with the consent of their owners. Exclusion criteria for adults and children: Currently planned move outside the canton of Bern
Where this trial is running
Bern
- University of Bern — Bern, Switzerland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nicola Low, Prof. Dr. med. — University of Bern
- Study coordinator: Nicola Low, Prof. Dr. med.
- Email: nicola.low@unibe.ch
- Phone: +41 31 684 30 92
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.