Using AI to adapt remote therapy for reducing violence in adolescents
Using Re-inforcement Learning to Automatically Adapt a Remote Therapy Intervention (RTI) for Reducing Adolescent Violence Involvement
NA · University of Michigan · NCT04850274
This study is testing whether a new type of remote therapy that adapts to each person's needs can help young people aged 14-24 who have been injured in fights reduce violence in their lives.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 750 (estimated) |
| Ages | 14 Years to 24 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Michigan (other) |
| Locations | 4 sites (Atlanta, Georgia and 3 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT04850274 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study employs a randomized control trial design to evaluate two versions of a remote behavioral intervention aimed at reducing violence involvement among youth who seek emergency department care for violent injuries. Participants aged 14-24 will be randomly assigned to either a standard remote therapy intervention or an adaptive intervention that utilizes reinforcement learning to optimize therapy intensity. The study will enroll 750 youth and assess outcomes at 6 and 12 months to determine the effectiveness of these interventions in addressing violence and associated negative behaviors. This approach is particularly focused on lower-income populations, highlighting the need for effective behavioral interventions in this demographic.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are youth aged 14-24 who have sought treatment in the emergency department for a violent injury and have access to a smartphone with internet capabilities.
Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit from this study include those presenting for suicide attempts, sexual assault, or child abuse, as well as those unable to provide informed consent due to mental incompetence.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce violence involvement and improve behavioral outcomes for adolescents in high-risk situations.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using adaptive behavioral interventions, but this specific application of reinforcement learning in remote therapy for violence is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Youth will be eligible if they screen is positive for seeking treatment in the ED for a violent injury, age 14-24, and report ownership of a smartphone with texting capability and internet access. Exclusion Criteria: * Youth will be excluded if they do not understand English, cannot provide informed consent due to mental incompetence, incarceration or medical instability (unstable patients will be recruited if they stabilize within 72 hours), are 14-17 years old and presenting without an accessible parent/guardian, are presenting for suicide attempt/intent, sexual assault, and/or child abuse (due to high intensity of social services needed for such patients during their ED visit).
Where this trial is running
Atlanta, Georgia and 3 other locations
- Grady Health System — Atlanta, Georgia, United States (RECRUITING)
- Ascension St. John Hospital — Detroit, Michigan, United States (ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING)
- Hurley Medical Center — Flint, Michigan, United States (RECRUITING)
- HUP and PPMC — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Patrick M Carter, M.D.
- Email: cartpatr@med.umich.edu
- Phone: 734-615-8706
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.
Conditions: Violence, Substance Use, Criminal Behavior, Violence in Adolescence