Examining the Efficacy of a Digital Media Intervention to Increase Recruitment Rates
The WHEAT-Boost study aims to improve how families decide to join medical research, especially when their baby is in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Parents in the NICU often feel stressed and overwhelmed, making it hard to understand complex information about studies. This project is testing a new, short video that explains the WHEAT International Trial, which is looking at the best way to feed very premature babies around the time of blood transfusions. The video, designed with parents, is simple and easy to understand. Participating NICUs will either continue with their usual way of explaining research or add this video. Doctors want to see if the video helps more families say yes to research and feel more comfortable and informed about their choice. This could lead to better participation in vital studies for premature babies.
At a glance
What is this study about?
WHEAT-Boost is a special study designed to improve how families learn about and choose to join medical research, especially when they have a baby in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). We know that having a baby in the NICU can be a very stressful and overwhelming time for parents. Because of this, it can be really hard for families to take in all the information needed to decide whether to take part in medical trials, which are important for finding better ways to care for premature babies.
This study is testing a new way to share information: a short, easy-to-understand video. This video was created with the help of parents who have been in the NICU themselves, so they know what information is most important and how best to explain it. It talks about why research in the NICU is so important and explains the details of a larger study called the WHEAT International Trial. The WHEAT Trial is looking at the best ways to feed very premature babies (those born before 30 weeks of pregnancy) when they are having blood transfusions.
In WHEAT-Boost, some NICUs will keep using their usual methods to explain research, while others will add this new video to their approach. Researchers will then look at whether the video helps more families decide to join the WHEAT Trial. They also want to see if parents feel they understand the study better and are happier with how the information was given to them. If this video works well, it could be used in other NICUs and future studies, making it easier for families to participate and help improve care for all premature babies.
Key takeaways
- A study trying to make joining medical research easier for NICU families.
- Testing if a short video helps parents understand research better.
- The video was co-created with NICU parents for clarity.
- Aims to improve how information is shared about important studies for premature babies.
- Your decision to participate will not affect your baby's treatment.
- Could help make future research more accessible and understandable for families.
Who may be eligible?
To be part of this study, your baby would first need to meet the requirements for the main WHEAT International Trial. This means your baby would have been born before 30 weeks of pregnancy and be receiving care in a Canadian NICU participating in this study.
The research staff would approach you, as the parent or main caregiver, to ask for your consent for your baby to join the WHEAT Trial. This would happen during a specific time when the WHEAT-Boost study is active in your baby's hospital.
Your baby or family would not be able to take part if they don't meet the requirements for the main WHEAT International Trial. Also, if the research team isn't able to ask you to join for reasons like language barriers that aren't covered by our materials, or if your baby or family is too unwell at the time, then you wouldn't be included in this specific study.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Is my baby born before 30 weeks of pregnancy?
- Is my baby currently receiving care in a Canadian NICU participating in this study?
- Have I been approached by research staff to discuss the WHEAT International Trial?
- Am I the parent or main caregiver of the baby?
What does participation involve?
If your baby is eligible and you're approached by the research team, you will learn about the WHEAT International Trial. Depending on which group your hospital is in at that time, you might be given additional information through a short, digital video. You'll then be asked if you'd like your baby to take part in the WHEAT Trial. Regardless of whether you watch the video, all parents will be asked to complete a short, voluntary questionnaire about their experience understanding the study information. This questionnaire is designed to help improve how future studies communicate with families. Participating in the WHEAT International Trial itself involves following specific feeding guidelines for your baby around blood transfusions, but this Boost study focuses on how information is shared.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (15)
- Royal Alexandra HospitalVerified postcodeEdmonton, Canada· Recruiting
- BC Women's Hospital and Health CentreVerified postcodeVancouver, Canada· Recruiting
- Dr. Everett ChalmersVerified postcodeFredericton, Canada· Recruiting
- Moncton HospitalVerified postcodeMoncton, Canada· Recruiting
- Saint John Regional HospitalVerified postcodeSaint John, Canada· Recruiting
- Janeway Children's Health and Rehabilitation CentreCity onlySaint Johns, Canada· Recruiting
- IWK HealthVerified postcodeHalifax, Canada· Recruiting
- Kingston Health Sciences CentreVerified postcodeKingston, Canada· Recruiting
- London Health Sciences CentreVerified postcodeLondon, Canada· Recruiting
- The Ottawa Hospital/CHEOVerified postcodeOttawa, Canada· Recruiting
- Mount SinaiVerified postcodeToronto, Canada· Recruiting
- Windsor Regional HospitalVerified postcodeWindsor, Canada· Recruiting
Common questions
What is the main goal of this study?
The main goal is to see if a short video helps families understand research better and decide to join studies for premature babies.
Who created the video?
The video was made with the help of parents who have experience in the NICU, ensuring it's helpful and easy to understand for other families.
Will my baby's care be affected if I don't participate?
No, your baby's medical care will not be affected in any way if you decide not to take part in this study or the WHEAT Trial.
What is the WHEAT International Trial?
It's a larger study looking at the best way to feed very premature babies around the time they receive blood transfusions.
Do I have to watch the video?
Watching the video is part of the information sharing process for some families, but filling out the questionnaire is voluntary.
How to find out more
Cari-Lee Carnell
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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