Virtual health coaching for caregivers of older adults
Improving Care Transitions and Self-care Among Informal Caregivers of Hospitalized Older Adults Through Digital Tools
This study is testing whether virtual health coaching can help caregivers of older adults take better care of themselves after their loved ones leave the hospital.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 3 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 314 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Pennsylvania Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06167746 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a virtual health coaching intervention designed to enhance self-care among caregivers of hospitalized older adults during their transition from hospital to home. Participants will be compared against a control group receiving only web-based resource information. The study will also assess differences in outcomes between Black/African American and White caregivers, as well as analyze the cost-effectiveness of the interventions. Caregivers must be willing to engage with technology and report poor self-care to qualify for the study.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are informal caregivers providing at least 8 hours of care per week to hospitalized older adults aged 65 or older who report poor self-care.
Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit include those with cognitive deficits, those participating in similar trials, or those with untreated major psychiatric illnesses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the self-care and overall well-being of caregivers, leading to better health outcomes for both caregivers and the older adults they support.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using virtual health coaching for caregiver support, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Informal caregiver providing care at least 8 hours/week to the hospitalized older adult (age 65 or older) * Reporting poor self-care on screening (Health Self-Care Neglect scale score greater than or equal to 2) * Willing to use technology (e.g., computer, smartphone, iPad/tablet) * Able to complete the protocol, e.g., adequate vision and hearing * English speaking Exclusion Criteria: * Cognitive deficits in orientation and/or recall (Six Item Screener score less than 3) * Participation in another similar support or care transition trial * Untreated major psychiatric illness (Use of anti-anxiety or anti-depressant medicines is acceptable)
Where this trial is running
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and 2 other locations
- Pennsylvania Hospital — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
- Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
- Penn Presbyterian Medical Center — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Karen Hirschman, Ph.D. — University of Pennsylvia
- Study coordinator: Karen Hirschman, Ph.D.
- Email: hirschk@nursing.upenn.edu
- Phone: 215-573-3755
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.