Using a conversational agent to promote vaccinations
Community-based Design and Evaluation of A Conversational Agent to Promote SARS-COV2 Vaccination in Black Churches
This study is testing a digital assistant to see if it can help people in the BMATP community get vaccinated for COVID-19 and the flu more effectively over a year.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 600 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Northeastern University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT04884750 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of a digital conversational agent designed to promote SARS-CoV-2 and influenza vaccinations within the BMATP community over a 12-month period. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of four groups to assess the impact of different engagement strategies and culturally tailored messaging on vaccination rates. The study will involve app usage tracking, participant satisfaction surveys, and qualitative interviews to gather insights on user experience and barriers to vaccination. Data will be collected at 6 and 12 months through videoconference calls with research assistants.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 who speak English fluently and have access to a smartphone.
Not a fit: Patients who are already vaccinated according to current public health guidelines may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly increase vaccination rates in underserved communities during pandemics.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using digital interventions for health promotion, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. over 18 years old; 2. speaks English fluently; 3. is able to independently consent; 4. has adequate corrected vision to use the ECA system (based on a 1 minute ECA functional screener deployed over the web); 5. has adequate hearing to use the ECA system; 6. owns a recent model iPhone or Android smartphone. 7. do not meet current Boston Public Health commission guidelines for SARS-CoV-2 vaccination OR do not meet current Boston Public Health commission guidelines for Influenza vaccination. Exclusion Criteria: 1. they are not able demonstrate comprehension of the research study; 2. they are unable to use the screener
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- Northeastern University — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Madison Blain, OTD
- Email: m.blain@northeastern.edu
- Phone: (617) 858-6727
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.