Tech-based Respite Care for Caregivers and Homebound Older Adults (NCT07160673) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Tech-based Respite Care for Caregivers and Homebound Older Adults
Hong Kong180 participantsStarted 2025-09-01
Plain-language summary
The goal of this study is to examine the effectiveness of VR-based respite in improving cognitive function, mental health, and quality of life in caregivers and homebound older adults compared to a control group using videos and a usual care group. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups: VR intervention, video control, or usual care.
The VR group receives immersive VR sessions using the SilVR Adventures platform. The video group receives non-immersive video sessions with similar content. The usual care group receives no additional intervention.
Assessments are conducted at baseline, immediate post-intervention, and 3 months post-intervention to measure changes in depression, anxiety, loneliness, quality of life, and other outcomes. The intervention dosage will be 4 weeks (1 sessions/week; 30 min/session).
Secondarily, the study explores differences in effectiveness between caregivers and homebound older adults, and potential moderators or mediators such as baseline health status, technological literacy, and social support.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Caregivers (CGs)
Inclusion Criteria:
* Aged 18 or above
* Provide care to at least one homebound older adult (aged 60 or above)
* Provide no less than 6 hours of caregiving per week
* Able to communicate in either Cantonese, Mandarin or English
* Willing to participate for the entire duration
* Able to tolerate VR headset for at least 5 minutes (no severe motion sickness/epilepsy)
Exclusion Criteria:
* History of severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar)
* Severe cognitive impairment (MMSE \<10)
* Major neurological diseases (e.g., recent stroke, severe Parkinson's)
* Uncorrectable visual/hearing impairments affecting VR/video
* Unable to tolerate VR due to motion sickness or discomfort
* Care recipient receiving long-term care service that conflicts with study
Care Recipients (CRs)
Inclusion Criteria:
* Aged 60 or above
* Homebound (unable to leave home without assistance)
* Stable medical condition
* Willing to participate for the entire duration
* Able to tolerate VR headset for at least 5 minutes (no VR contraindications)
* Able to understand and provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: Same as CGs, plus MMSE \<10
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Change from baseline in depression and anxiety on PHQ-4 after intervention
Timeframe: Baseline, Immediate after intervention, and 3 months after intervention
2
Change from baseline in quality of life on EQ-5D-5L after intervention
Timeframe: Baseline, Immediate after intervention, and 3 months after intervention
3
Change from baseline in loneliness on UCLA Loneliness Scale after intervention
Timeframe: Baseline, Immediate after intervention, and 3 months after intervention
4
Change from baseline in subjective happiness on Subjective Happiness Scale after intervention
Timeframe: Baseline, Immediate after intervention, and 3 months after intervention