Empowering Veterans in Research Effectively Using Virtual Engagement Tools (NCT07741955) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Empowering Veterans in Research Effectively Using Virtual Engagement Tools
100,000 participantsStarted 2026-07
Plain-language summary
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among Veterans. Clinical trials are essential for developing better treatments, but Veterans remain underrepresented in these studies due to barriers including limited health literacy, lack of awareness, and mistrust. Current outreach approaches rely on either in-person physician conversations, which are limited by workforce constraints, or mailed letter invitations, which often fail to engage Veterans with limited health literacy. This study tests whether AI-generated video avatars can improve Veteran engagement in cardiovascular clinical trials.
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.
Inclusion Criteria (Aim 2):
* Age 65 years or older
* CHA2DS2-VASc Score of 3 or greater
* Veteran receiving care within the VA Health Care System
* Eligible to receive a mailed invitation through the parent VA Cooperative Studies cardiovascular trial recruitment process
Exclusion Criteria (Aim 2):
* Any exclusion criterion applied by the parent VA Cooperative Studies cardiovascular trial
* Documented preference to opt out of VA research mailings
Inclusion Criteria (Aim 1 Qualitative Interviews):
* Age 18 years or older
* Veteran receiving care at VAPAHCS
* Recently invited (within 3 months) to participate in an existing cardiovascular clinical trial at VAPAHCS
* Able to provide informed consent in English
Exclusion Criteria (Aim 1 Qualitative Interviews):
* Cognitive impairment documented in the electronic health record
* Inability to communicate in English at a level sufficient for qualitative interview participation
Inclusion Criteria (Aim 1 Beta-Testing and Aim 3):
* Age 18 years or older
* Veteran receiving care at VAPAHCS or a participating VA-CTC site
* Able to view a brief video and complete a short survey in English
Exclusion Criteria (Aim 1 Beta-Testing and Aim 3):
\- Inability to communicate in English at a level sufficient for survey completion
Inclusion Criteria (Focus Groups):
* VA study coordinator or trial investigator actively engaged in cardiovascular clinical trial recruitment at VAPAHCS or a VA-CTC site
* Willing to participate in a 60-90 minu…
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
Proportion of Veterans who enroll in the parent VA Cooperative Studies cardiovascular trial within 6 months of receiving the invitation