Using a smartphone app to improve HPV vaccination rates
Conversational Agents to Improve HPV Vaccine Acceptance in Primary Care
This study is testing a smartphone app that helps parents and teens feel more comfortable about getting the HPV vaccine to see if it can increase vaccination rates.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 1750 (estimated) |
| Ages | 8 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Tufts Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT06367699 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of an animated smartphone application designed to enhance HPV vaccination acceptance among parents and adolescents. The app, known as ECA-HPV, simulates face-to-face conversations to provide vaccine recommendations and motivational support. Participants will complete surveys over a 16-month period to assess their satisfaction with the app and its impact on vaccination rates. The study will compare different versions of the app to determine which features are most effective in promoting vaccination.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include English-speaking parents or guardians of adolescents aged 9-12 who have received one or no doses of the HPV vaccine and have access to a smartphone.
Not a fit: Patients who do not speak English fluently or those who are outside the specified age range for adolescents may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly increase HPV vaccination rates, leading to better cancer prevention outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using technology to improve vaccination rates, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: For parent/guardian participants: 1. Speaks English fluently 2. Able to independently consent 3. Has adequate corrected vision to use the ECA-HPV system (based on their ability to go through the consent form) 4. Has adequate hearing to use the ECA-HPV system (based on their ability to hear the research staff member conducting the consent process) 5. Has a smartphone that is able to support the ECA-HPV app For adolescent participants: 1. Is between the ages of 9-12 at the time of the index (first) well child visit 2. Has received either 1 or none of the HPV vaccine series 3. Speaks English fluently 4. Able to independently assent 5. Has adequate corrected vision to use the ECA-HPV system 6. Has adequate hearing to use the ECA-HPV system 7. Has a smartphone or has access to parent/guardian's smartphone (that is able to support the ECA-HPV app) 8. Has an upcoming well child visit at Boston Medical Center Exclusion Criteria (for all participants): 1. Is not able to use the ECA-HPV system 2. Has already participated in the study before
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- Boston Medical Center — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Michael Paasche-Orlow, MD, MPH — Tufts Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Neha Patkar, BS
- Email: neha.patkar@tuftsmedicine.org
- Phone: 617-636-5355
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.