Using social robots to help children with rare diseases and their parents
Using Social Robots to Improve the Relationship and Alleviate Anxiety and Stress in Children With Rare Diseases and Their Parents: A Feasibility Study
This study is testing whether a social robot can help children with rare diseases and their parents feel less stressed and improve their relationships.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 21 (estimated) |
| Ages | 8 Years to 19 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Taipei) |
| Trial ID | NCT06466109 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the feasibility and acceptability of a social robot intervention designed to support families dealing with rare diseases. The study involves 21 dyads of children aged 8 to 19 years with rare diseases and their parents, who will interact with the social robot PARO in four 30-minute sessions over two weeks. The primary focus is to assess improvements in parent-child relationships and reductions in stress and anxiety levels among participants. Data will be collected through various tests and interviews to analyze the effectiveness of the intervention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include children aged 8 to 19 diagnosed with a rare disease and their parents who can communicate in Chinese.
Not a fit: Patients with severe psychological disorders or cognitive dysfunction, or those with pacemakers or open wounds, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could enhance parent-child relationships and reduce stress and anxiety for families affected by rare diseases.
How similar studies have performed: While social robots have been used in clinical settings, this family-centered approach for rare diseases is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: \[Patients\] * Aged 8 to 19 years. * Diagnosed with a rare disease. * Be Able to communicate in Chinese. \[Parents\] * A father or a mother of a child with a rare disease. * Be Able to communicate in Chinese. Exclusion Criteria: \[Patients\] * Have a pacemaker. * Have open wounds. * Being infected with infectious diseases. * Be unable to participate in social activities due to severe psychological disorder or cognitive dysfunction. \[Parents\] * Have a pacemaker. * Have open wounds. * Being infected with infectious diseases. * Be unable to participate in social activities due to severe psychological disorder or cognitive dysfunction.
Where this trial is running
Taipei
- Taipei Veterans General Hospital — Taipei, Taiwan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Chi-Wen Chen, PhD
- Email: chiwenchen@ym.edu.tw
- Phone: 02-28267348
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.