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Behavioral Intervention

Treatment, Immediate Robot Pet Companion for Caregiver Burden

N/A
Recruiting
Led By Steven M Albert, PhD
Research Sponsored by University of Pittsburgh
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Be older than 18 years old
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up baseline and follow-up, 6-8 weeks later
Awards & highlights

Study Summary

This trial will study how robotic pets can impact the well-being of older adults and their family caregivers.

Who is the study for?
This trial is for older adults aged 50+ who are receiving unpaid caregiver support from family or friends for at least 6 months. They must be part of specific programs by the Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging and able to consent. Caregivers under 18 or those uncomfortable with robotic pets in their home cannot join.Check my eligibility
What is being tested?
The study is examining if a Hasbro Joy for All robot pet companion can improve the wellbeing of older adults and reduce stress on their caregivers. Participants will interact with these robotic pets to see how it affects social behavior and dementia.See study design
What are the potential side effects?
There may not be traditional medical side effects, but participants might experience discomfort or lack of interest in interacting with a robotic pet, which could affect the study's outcomes.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~follow-up interview, 6-8 weeks after baseline
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and follow-up interview, 6-8 weeks after baseline for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Outcome measures can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary outcome measures
Change in Negative Affect from Baseline to 6-8 weeks
Change in Positive Affect Scale from Baseline to 6-8 weeks
Other outcome measures
Engagement with Pet

Trial Design

2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: Treatment, Immediate Robot Pet CompanionExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Participants will receive a Hasbro Joy for All robotic pet. These are low cost (< $150), life-like cats and dogs that respond to human interaction by making sounds or turning their head for eye contact. The robot companion pets are designed as supports for older people with cognitive impairment. In this trial, the older person can treat it like a pet or ignore it. Family caregivers will report on engagement with the pet and effects on mood.
Group II: Control, Delayed Robot Pet CompanionActive Control1 Intervention
During the 6-8 week trial, this group will not receive the robot pet companion but will complete baseline and follow-up assessments on teh same schedule as the treatment arm. Participants in this arm will receive the robot pet after the trial.

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

University of PittsburghLead Sponsor
1,722 Previous Clinical Trials
16,342,796 Total Patients Enrolled
1 Trials studying Caregiver Burden
120 Patients Enrolled for Caregiver Burden
Allegheny County Department of Human Services, Area Agency on AgingUNKNOWN
Steven M Albert, PhDPrincipal InvestigatorUniversity of Pittsburgh
6 Previous Clinical Trials
642 Total Patients Enrolled

Frequently Asked Questions

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What is the current number of individuals being recruited for participation in this medical research study?

"Indeed, the details on clinicaltrials.gov reveal that this investigation is actively seeking candidates. The study was initially posted on February 15th, 2024, and most recently revised on January 30th, 2024. Enrollment of approximately 150 participants is targeted at a single site."

Answered by AI

Are there any available positions for participants in this research study?

"Indeed, the details on clinicaltrials.gov imply that this research endeavor is actively seeking eligible participants. Initially shared on February 15th, 2024, and subsequently revised on January 30th of the same year, the trial aims to recruit a total of 150 individuals from a singular site."

Answered by AI

Who else is applying?

What site did they apply to?
University of Pittsburgh
What portion of applicants met pre-screening criteria?
Did not meet criteria

Why did patients apply to this trial?

I love to help with research that can better the world.
PatientReceived 2+ prior treatments
Recent research and studies
clinicaltrials.govStudy
Companion Robotic Pets and Older Adults
Steven M. Albert 2024. "Companion Robotic Pets and Older Adults". ClinicalTrials.gov. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT06246734.
All > Paid Studies Pittsburgh
~90 spots leftby Aug 2024
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