Web-Based Training for Improving Skills

(SERT Trial)

Overseen By Lynn Worobey, PhD, DPT

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Michael Boninger

Disqualifiers: Pain, Active lower limb use, Pressure sores

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

200 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Independent Transfer Training?

Research shows that web-based transfer training programs can improve the quality of transfers and maintain these improvements for up to a month. Additionally, web-based training has been found to be effective in improving transfer techniques, similar to in-person training, which is the current standard practice. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is web-based training generally safe for humans?

A web-based system for tracking minor adverse events (unwanted effects) has been used in 175 different clinical studies, helping to identify and address unexpected safety issues. This suggests that web-based training can be monitored for safety effectively, although specific safety data for your treatment isn't provided. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

How is the Independent Transfer Training treatment different from other treatments?

Independent Transfer Training is unique because it is delivered through a web-based platform, allowing users to learn and practice transfer techniques online, which can be more accessible and convenient compared to traditional in-person training sessions. ^{3 4 11 12 13}

What is the purpose of this trial?

The objective of this research study is to assess the effectiveness of an independent transfer training program (ITTP), and to determine methods which may increase overall success of an online training program.

Research Team

Michael L Boninger, MD

Principal Investigator

University of Pittsburgh

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals who primarily use a wheelchair (over 40 hours per week) and can transfer themselves independently, possibly with the help of equipment like sliding boards. Participants must speak English as their primary language. Those with pain that prohibits transfers, active use of lower limb muscles during transfers, or recent pressure sores are not eligible.

Inclusion Criteria

I primarily speak English.

I use a wheelchair for most of my daily movements.

I can move myself with or without help from equipment.

Exclusion Criteria

My pain stops me from moving from one place to another.

I can use my leg muscles to move from one place to another.

I have had pressure sores in the last 3 months.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline Assessment

Participants complete baseline questionnaires before training

1 week

Online

Training

Participants receive the independent transfer training program

1 hour

Online

Immediate Post-Training Assessment

Participants complete questionnaires to assess the effectiveness of the training

1 week

Online

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for effectiveness and satisfaction at 1 month and 6 months post-training

6 months

Online

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Independent Transfer Training

Trial Overview The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an independent transfer training program delivered through a web-based platform. It seeks to identify ways to enhance the success rate of participants in mastering online remote transfer training techniques.

Participant Groups

Group I: Randomized Training Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Individuals may decide to participate in the research study and agree to be randomized. These individuals will be immediately randomized into an immediate or a wait list control group. The immediate will receive the independent transfer training program after completing the baseline questionnaires. The wait list control group will wait approximately 6 months before receiving the independent transfer training program.

Group II: Immediate Training (with follow up) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Individuals may decide to participate in the research study, but do not want to be randomized. After consent is obtained, these individuals will be directed immediately to the baseline questionnaires (see above) before and after the independent transfer training. Participants may also be asked to complete a user satisfaction survey.

Group III: Immediate Training (no follow up) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Individuals may decide to participate in the research study training program, but not in any follow up questionnaires. This group will have immediate access to the independent transfer training materials. They will complete data collection measures embedded in the transfer training program, including demographics, Online Learning Readiness Scale (OLRS), Moorong Self Efficacy Scale (MSES), Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS), Transfer Assessment Instrument Questionnaire (TAI-Q), and the Wheelchair User Shoulder Pain Index (WUSPI).

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Michael Boninger

Lead Sponsor

Trials

3

Recruited

230+

University of Pittsburgh

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,820

Recruited

16,360,000+

Department of Health and Human Services

Collaborator

Trials

240

Recruited

944,000+

Findings from Research

A systematic review of 130 studies on muscle strengthening training (MST) in youth revealed that only 33.8% reported on adverse events (AEs), highlighting a significant gap in safety monitoring during these interventions.

Among the studies that did report AEs, 40.1% documented at least one adverse event, with over half of the reported events (59.1%) linked directly to the training or testing, indicating a need for better definitions and reporting practices in future research.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Reporting of Adverse Events in Muscle Strengthening Interventions in Youth: A Systematic Review. Mack, DE., Anzovino, D., Sanderson, M., et al.[2023]

A study involving 31 health professionals revealed significant gaps in knowledge and fear of punishment as major barriers to effectively reporting adverse events in a teaching hospital.

Improving communication and educational practices between leaders and healthcare professionals is essential to enhance the reporting of adverse events, which is crucial for patient safety.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The practice of reporting adverse events in a teaching hospital. Siman, AG., Cunha, SGS., Brito, MJM.[2019]

A 22-month study showed that trainee-led monthly conferences significantly increased the reporting of adverse events by medical trainees, with submissions rising from an average of 6.7 to 14.1 reports per month (P < .001).

These conferences not only improved reporting rates but also empowered trainees to identify system vulnerabilities and propose meaningful solutions, enhancing overall patient safety in the hospital setting.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Increasing Trainee Reporting of Adverse Events With Monthly Trainee-Directed Review of Adverse Events. Smith, A., Hatoun, J., Moses, J.[2022]

The web-based adverse event tracking system (eAETS) has effectively supported 175 clinical protocols over four years, capturing 2,440 adverse event reports, including minor symptoms that could indicate serious issues.

Out of the reported AEs, 1,053 did not align with the initial risk profiles, leading to corrective recommendations in 13% of the protocols, highlighting the system's role in enhancing subject safety by identifying unanticipated patterns.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The impact of minor adverse event tracking on subject safety: a web-based system. Shenvi, NV., Gebhart, SS.[2009]

References

1. Canada pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A systematic review of educational resources for teaching patient handover skills to resident physicians and other healthcare professionals. [2022]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Handover Toolbox: a knowledge exchange and training platform for improving patient care. [2019]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of a Web-Based Direct-to-User Transfer Training Program: A Randomized Controlled Trial. [2023]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Investigating the Efficacy of Web-Based Transfer Training on Independent Wheelchair Transfers Through Randomized Controlled Trials. [2018]

5. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mapping and assessing clinical handover training interventions. [2019]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Clinical supervisors: are they the key to making care safer? [2013]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Reporting of Adverse Events in Muscle Strengthening Interventions in Youth: A Systematic Review. [2023]

8. Brazil pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The practice of reporting adverse events in a teaching hospital. [2019]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Increasing Trainee Reporting of Adverse Events With Monthly Trainee-Directed Review of Adverse Events. [2022]

10. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The impact of minor adverse event tracking on subject safety: a web-based system. [2009]

11. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Improvement of knowledge and practical skills in venipuncture through web-based training. [2018]

12. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Assessment of resident operative performance using a real-time mobile Web system: preparing for the milestone age. [2022]

13. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Simulation Strategies to Teach Patient Transfers: Self-Efficacy by Strategy. [2019]