ElderTree Smart System for Chronic Disease

Overseen By Klaren Pe-Romashko, MS

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Wisconsin, Madison

Disqualifiers: Alzheimer's, Schizophrenia, Dementia, others

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 8 months

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if a voice-activated smart system can help older adults manage multiple chronic conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, using an electronic health tool called ElderTree. Participants will use ElderTree on a laptop (ET-LT), on a smart system (ET-SS), or continue with their usual treatment. The researchers aim to see if the smart system encourages more consistent use of ElderTree, potentially improving quality of life. This trial suits adults aged 60 and older who have chronic pain and at least three other chronic conditions, such as asthma or arthritis. As an unphased trial, it offers participants a unique opportunity to explore innovative technology that could enhance daily health management.

Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on using technology to help manage health, so it's likely you can continue your current treatments, but please confirm with the trial coordinators.

What prior data suggests that this voice-activated smart technology is safe for older adults with multiple chronic conditions?

Research has shown that the ElderTree system, available on laptops (ET-LT) and smart devices (ET-SS), has been studied for its effects on older adults with multiple chronic health issues. In past studies, both versions of ElderTree were used without any major safety concerns. These studies examined how ElderTree helps older adults manage their health and improve their quality of life.

ElderTree is not a drug or physical treatment; it is a tech-based tool that supports users in managing their health. Research has found no negative effects directly linked to using the ElderTree system, suggesting it is generally well-received by users. However, as with any new technology, some people might find it easier to use than others.

In summary, the available data suggests that ElderTree is safe for older adults. It offers a promising way to manage health conditions through technology, without known safety issues. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the ElderTree Smart System because it offers older adults a new way to engage with technology to potentially improve their mental well-being. Unlike traditional treatments that might involve medication or in-person therapy, ElderTree provides an innovative digital platform that can be accessed through a laptop or a smart system. This allows for more flexibility and accessibility, as individuals can receive support from the comfort of their own homes. The system is designed to be user-friendly for older adults, making it easier for them to navigate and benefit from the resources available. By integrating technology into mental health care, researchers hope to discover more about its effectiveness in promoting mental health among older adults, paving the way for more tech-driven solutions in the future.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for managing multiple chronic conditions?

Research has shown that the ElderTree system can significantly enhance the quality of life for older adults with multiple ongoing health issues. In this trial, participants will join different treatment arms to assess ElderTree's effectiveness. One group will use ElderTree on a smart system (ET-SS), which reduces pain and increases involvement through voice commands, enhancing user-friendliness. Another group will use ElderTree on a laptop (ET-LT), offering the same tools and benefits via a traditional computer setup. Both versions provide tools and support for managing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. Meanwhile, the control group will receive treatment as usual (TAU). ^{3 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

David H. Gustafson, PhD

Principal Investigator

UW-Madison

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

Inclusion Criteria

Be willing to share healthcare use (e.g. 30-day readmissions) in EHRs (only relevant for UW Health patients, not patients recruited from the community); and

Be ≥60 years old;

Have been treated in University of Wisconsin (UW) Health clinics, with no plans to leave during the study period (only relevant for UW Health patients, not patients recruited from the community);

Exclusion Criteria

You have Alzheimer's disease.

Require an interpreter

You have an illness that is very advanced and expected to result in death within 6 months.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive the ElderTree intervention on either a laptop or smart system to manage their health over multiple chronic conditions

8 months

Regular virtual check-ins

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• ElderTree on laptop (ET- LT)
• ElderTree on smart system (ET- SS)
• Treatment as usual

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: ElderTree on smart system (ET- SS) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will receive ElderTree on a smart system.

Group II: ElderTree on laptop (ET- LT) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will receive ElderTree on a laptop.

Group III: Control group Placebo Group 1 Intervention

Participants will receive treatment as usual (TAU).

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Wisconsin, Madison

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,249

Recruited

3,255,000+

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)

Collaborator

Trials

415

Recruited

6,777,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

The Tobacco Tactics website, designed for veterans, underwent usability testing and received positive feedback, leading to over 27 modifications to enhance user experience, with 83% of participants finding it enjoyable and easy to navigate.

In a pilot study, veterans using the Tobacco Tactics website along with nicotine replacement therapy achieved a 40% abstinence rate at 30 days, compared to only 13% in the control group, indicating its potential effectiveness in helping veterans quit smoking.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The development of the tobacco tactics website. Duffy, SA., Fowler, KE., Flanagan, PS., et al.[2021]

In a study involving 2,054 smokers from a Veterans Affairs Medical Center, various smoking cessation interventions were tested over 30 months, showing that stage-matched manuals alone achieved a cessation rate of 20.3%.

Adding nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and other expert or automated counseling methods did not significantly improve cessation rates compared to the manuals alone, indicating that the effectiveness of these additional interventions may be limited.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evaluating nicotine replacement therapy and stage-based therapies in a population-based effectiveness trial. Velicer, WF., Friedman, RH., Fava, JL., et al.[2019]

Smartphone applications for smoking cessation have been shown to increase quit rates among smokers, particularly when users engage with features like audiovisual content, quit plans, and progress tracking.

While these apps can help reduce relapse rates, the effectiveness varies based on how well users adhere to the app's features, indicating that user engagement is crucial for success.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of Mobile Apps for Smoking Cessation: A Review. Regmi, K., Kassim, N., Ahmad, N., et al.[2020]

A study involving 181 participants found that most users rated the smoking cessation app QuitPal-m as very helpful, but daily usage declined over time, indicating a need for ongoing support to maintain engagement.

The effectiveness of the app was enhanced by supportive accountability from cessation counselors, particularly for smokers with low motivation to quit, highlighting the importance of addressing both personal barriers and technical issues to improve app usage.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Supportive Accountability and Mobile App Use in a Tobacco Control Intervention Targeting Low-Income Minority Mothers Who Smoke: Observational Study. Lepore, SJ., Collins, BN., Killam, HW., et al.[2023]

The Pathways to Change (PTC) system is an effective smoking cessation intervention, achieving cessation rates of 22% to 26% in four studies, indicating its efficacy in helping smokers quit.

The intervention's effects appear to increase over time, as follow-up assessments showed larger differences in cessation rates, suggesting lasting benefits beyond the treatment period.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An expert system intervention for smoking cessation. Velicer, WF., Prochaska, JO.[2022]

Citations

1. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/org/science/article/pii/S1929074825001854

Comparison of Smart Display Versus Laptop Platforms for ... This paper reports on the protocol of a large clinical trial comparing the effectiveness of an eHealth intervention delivered on a smart display versus a laptop ...

2. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11718591/

Effectiveness of a computer-tailored smoking cessation ... Conclusions: The program was effective in increasing smoking cessation rates. Because it can reach a large number of smokers, this program can substantially ...

3. trialsjournal.biomedcentral.com trialsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13063-015-0713-2

The effect of an information and communication technology ... This study investigates the use of an information and communication technology (Elder Tree) designed for older adults and their informal caregivers to improve ...

4. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/org/science/article/pii/S1929074822003304

Using Smart Displays to Implement an eHealth System for ... For the ElderTree system use outcomes, keystrokes for ET-LT, voice commands for ET-SD, and time on the system will be collected continuously.

5. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9732762/

Outcomes of a Comprehensive Mobile Smoking Cessation ... This study aimed to compare engagement, retention, attitudes toward quitting smoking, smoking behavior, and participant feedback between Pivot and QuitGuide.

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12006769/

Comparison of Smart Display Versus Laptop Platforms for an ... Both systems substantially replicate ElderTree as described in an earlier study comparing ET-LT to an attention control [29,30], with modifications and ...

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4417513/

study protocol for a randomized control trial - PubMed Central This study investigates the use of an information and communication technology (Elder Tree) designed for older adults and their informal caregivers.

8. aging.jmir.org aging.jmir.org/2024/1/e56923/

Decoding the Influence of eHealth on Autonomy, Competence ... We studied ElderTree, an online system for older adults that provides on-demand videos of healthy living content, self-monitoring, and weekly ...

9. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/360403248_Using_Smart_Displays_to_Implement_an_eHealth_System_for_Older_Adults_With_Multiple_Chronic_Conditions_Protocol_for_a_Randomized_Controlled_Trial

(PDF) Using Smart Displays to Implement an eHealth ... ElderTree, a website and eHealth application for older adults, provides on-demand videos of healthy living content, self-monitoring, and weekly researcher- ...