Virtual health coaching for caregivers of older adults
Official title: Improving Care Transitions and Self-care Among Informal Caregivers of Hospitalized Older Adults Through Digital Tools
Run by University of Pennsylvania · NCT06167746 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 314 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Pennsylvania Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | September 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | May 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | March 12, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06167746 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: Other studies have shown promise in using virtual health coaching for caregiver support, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.