Cognitive Health Awareness Program for Cognitive Issues

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By David He, MD PhD FRCPC

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University Health Network, Toronto

Disqualifiers: Major neurocognitive disorder, Uncontrolled psychiatric disorders, Hearing/vision impairment

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

164 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

The trial aims to explore how a web-based education program, the Cognitive Health Awareness Program, can improve understanding of brain health in older adults preparing for surgery. It focuses on increasing awareness of cognitive issues, such as delirium, that might arise during and after surgery. Participants and their families will learn to manage brain health, make informed health decisions, and prepare for post-surgery care. The trial seeks individuals aged 60 or older who are planning non-heart-related surgery and are comfortable using a computer. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to valuable research that could enhance cognitive health education for future patients.

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

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

What prior data suggests that this web-based education program is safe for older surgical patients?

Research has shown that online education programs are generally safe for participants. For example, one study found that learning about health online is practical and well-received. Another review found that online programs can help manage thinking and memory issues without causing harm.

These findings suggest that using an online program to learn about brain health is likely safe. Similar programs have reported no serious side effects. This should reassure anyone considering joining a trial for an online brain health education program. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Unlike traditional treatments for cognitive issues that often rely on medications or in-person therapy sessions, this web-based education program focuses on delivering brain health knowledge directly to older adults through an online platform. Researchers are excited about this approach because it offers flexibility and accessibility, allowing participants to engage with the content at their own pace and comfort. Additionally, it empowers individuals by providing them with tools and information to actively promote their cognitive health, potentially leading to more proactive and informed self-care strategies.

What evidence suggests that this web-based education program is effective for cognitive health?

Research has shown that online education programs effectively increase knowledge about brain health. These programs help people understand how to maintain brain health and encourage proactive measures. For example, "Brain Health PRO" provides detailed information and advice on brain health maintenance. One study found that such programs improve understanding of dementia and promote healthy lifestyle changes in at-risk individuals. This trial will evaluate a web-based education program specifically designed for older surgical participants to promote brain health. Participants will complete pre- and post-education questionnaires and a post-education satisfaction survey. This evidence suggests that joining an online education program can help older adults, especially those undergoing surgery, better manage their brain health. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Frances Chung, MBBS, FRCPC

Principal Investigator

University Health Network, Toronto

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals aged 60 or older who are about to have elective non-cardiac surgery, can consent in English, and have basic computer skills. It's not suitable for those with major neurocognitive disorders, uncontrolled psychiatric issues, or significant hearing/vision impairments.

Inclusion Criteria

I am 60 years old or older.

I am scheduled for a planned surgery that is not on my heart.

Competent to provide informed consent in English

Exclusion Criteria

History of previous major neurocognitive disorder

Uncontrolled psychiatric disorders

I have hearing or vision problems.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-30 days

1 visit (in-person)

Pre-operative Education

Participants engage in a web-based educational program on brain health, including pre- and post-education questionnaires and a satisfaction survey

20 minutes

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in knowledge scores and satisfaction with the educational program

Post-surgery

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Web based education program

Trial Overview

The study tests a web-based education program designed to improve knowledge of brain health among older adults undergoing surgery. The goal is to see if this program helps patients manage their cognitive health better during the surgical process.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: web-based education program Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Older surgical participants will receive a web-based educational program in promoting brain health (intervention). Participants will complete pre- and post-education questionnaires and a post-education satisfaction survey.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University Health Network, Toronto

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,555

Recruited

526,000+

Mount Sinai Hospital, Canada

Collaborator

Trials

210

Recruited

70,700+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Computer-based instruction is becoming a popular and cost-effective method for educating patients, as health professionals increasingly use technology in their practice.

The article provides guidelines for creating effective computer-based educational materials, highlighting techniques that can be applied across various patient demographics and medical conditions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Computer-based patient education. Ellis, LB.[2007]

The ISIS program, a computer-assisted education tool for hypertensive patients, significantly improved cardiovascular knowledge retention compared to standard educational methods, as shown in a study with 158 participants.

Patients using ISIS had a greater increase in knowledge scores after education, indicating that interactive multimedia tools can enhance learning outcomes in managing cardiovascular risk.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Benefits of a computer-assisted education program for hypertensive patients compared with standard education tools. Consoli, SM., Ben Said, M., Jean, J., et al.[2019]

The SHARP program, which involved 19 African Americans aged 55 and older, successfully integrated physical, social, and cognitive activities in a culturally relevant way, promoting community engagement and cognitive health through oral history and reminiscence.

Participants showed a strong acceptance of the technology used in the SHARP program, influenced by its relevance to their community and ease of use, highlighting the importance of culturally tailored interventions in addressing cognitive decline among underrepresented populations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Things Are Changing so Fast: Integrative Technology for Preserving Cognitive Health and Community History. Croff, RL., Witter Iv, P., Walker, ML., et al.[2022]

A CD-ROM-based multimedia program significantly improved knowledge about memory loss in adults concerned about Alzheimer's disease, with intervention participants scoring an average of 19.7 correct answers compared to 14.2 in the control group (p<0.001).

The program was particularly effective for individuals with lower prior knowledge about memory loss, highlighting its potential as a valuable educational tool that allows users to learn privately and confidentially.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of a multimedia project on users' knowledge about normal forgetting and serious memory loss. Mahoney, DF., Tarlow, BJ., Jones, RN., et al.[2019]

In a study involving 208 older adults, neither a web-based nor a classroom-based memory training program showed significant improvements in memory or everyday functioning compared to a wait-list control group.

Participants in both training groups reported similar levels of satisfaction and acceptability, indicating that web-based memory training is a feasible alternative to traditional classroom settings, despite the lack of measurable cognitive benefits.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Comparing Web-Based and Classroom-Based Memory Training for Older Adults: The ACTIVE Memory Works™ Study. Rebok, GW., Tzuang, M., Parisi, JM.[2021]

In a randomized controlled trial involving 53 patients with Parkinson's disease and mild cognitive impairment, computer-based cognitive training (CCT) led to significant improvements in cognitive performance compared to traditional paper-and-pencil training and an unstructured activity group.

CCT resulted in medium to large effect size improvements in overall cognition, executive functions, and attention/processing speed, suggesting it may be a more effective intervention for cognitive enhancement in this patient population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A double-blind randomized controlled trial of the efficacy of cognitive training delivered using two different methods in mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease: preliminary report of benefits associated with the use of a computerized tool. Bernini, S., Panzarasa, S., Barbieri, M., et al.[2021]

A study involving 158 hypertensive patients showed that using the ISIS computer-assisted program significantly improved cardiovascular knowledge retention compared to standard education methods, with a notable increase in scores after two months.

Patients who used the ISIS program, which combines educational content with an engaging format, had a greater improvement in knowledge, especially those with a longer history of hypertension, suggesting that interactive electronic education can enhance patient understanding and management of their condition.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Interactive electronic teaching (ISIS): has the future started? Consoli, SM., Ben Said, M., Jean, J., et al.[2014]

A randomized controlled trial with 721 participants showed that online education featuring a celebrity, like Seth Rogen, significantly improved college students' knowledge about Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk reduction compared to traditional educational methods.

The celebrity-led courses not only increased knowledge but also enhanced hopefulness about AD and willingness to engage in related volunteer work among college students, suggesting that engaging teaching methods can effectively promote awareness and proactive attitudes towards brain health.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Education Research: Online Alzheimer education for high school and college students: A randomized controlled trial. Saif, N., Niotis, K., Dominguez, M., et al.[2021]

A systematic review of 22 randomized clinical trials found that computerized patient education interventions, particularly in diabetes management, led to positive outcomes, including decreased blood glucose levels in patients.

These interventions are effective supplements to traditional face-to-face consultations with physicians, enhancing patient education and health status without replacing personal interactions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Clinical trials of interactive computerized patient education: implications for family practice. Krishna, S., Balas, EA., Spencer, DC., et al.[2019]

Computer-based teaching enhances patient education, enabling individuals to make informed healthcare decisions, which is crucial for their well-being.

This approach also serves to protect both patients and physicians from the negative outcomes that can arise from miscommunication, highlighting its importance in the field of patient informatics.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Computer-based patient education: a progress report. Kahn, G.[2007]

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