NCT Number: NCT07221552
This research study is being conducted to better understand the impact of the PPAL assisted toileting device. The PPAL consists of a powered, height-adjustable commode chair with integrated transfer boards. The system is designed to allow users to assist with their own transfers to and from the bed or chair to the PPAL for toileting, with minimal manual assistance from caregivers. Users who require assistance with transfers, and their caregivers, have a high likelihood of experiencing injury during transfers.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the PPAL bedside commode in a home setting to better understand the impact of the device during a six-week at-home trial. Participants will be asked to schedule a home visit with the research team to screen their home, answer questions, and observe the participant's current transfer methods to their toilet or commode to ensure that both the participant and caregiver are appropriate candidates for the device. Once approved, a delivery date will be arranged to deliver the PPAL to the participant's home. At the end of the six-week trial, the study team will arrange a final visit to retrieve the PPAL and again ask questions and observe a toilet transfer using both the PPAL and the customary commode. Finally, the investigators will interview the participant and caregiver to assess their satisfaction with the device. This interview will be audio recorded.
This study involves minimal risks, which are expected to occur infrequently. There is a possibility that the participant could experience a scrape, bruise, cut, or pinch injury while using a device with which they are not familiar. There is also the possibility that the participant could fall when attempting to transfer to or from the device; however, the investigators will thoroughly demonstrate the device and monitor its use to minimize this risk. There is also a risk of breach of confidentiality, as text messages and emails may not be encrypted or secure during transmission or storage, and it is possible they could be intercepted or accessed by individuals not associated with this study.
There will be no direct benefit to the participant from participating in the study, but participation will help developers of the PPAL better understand the opinions, needs, and abilities of caregivers and patients who may use the device.
Interested in participating?
Request Info18 year and older
All sexes
Interventional
Not applicable
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15206, United States
Location status: Recruiting
Alicia Koontz, PhD
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR
Edward J McClain, MA
CONTACT
Nikitha Deepak, MS
CONTACT
Healthy volunteers accepted: No
Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.
Toileter Inclusion Criteria:
Toileter Exclusion Criteria:
Caregiver Inclusion Criteria:
Caregiver Exclusion Criteria:
-Physical limitations that prevent caregiver from manually assisting with PPAL transfer or from maneuvering the PPAL around the end-user's residence
PPAL is a patented, motorized, height adjustable bedside commode with integrated transfer boards. PPAL incorporates a transfer board that moves up and down as the chair seat is raised or lowered so that the user can always perform a downhill transfer. This innovation will allow individuals with limited mobility who currently rely on caregiver assistance to transfer more independently.
Time frame: Change from pre to post 6 week trial
We aim to determine whether the use of PPAL reduces fear of falling during toileting activities. To assess this, we will utilize the Fall Concerns Scale for individuals who use Wheelchairs and Scooters (FCS-WC/S). Items are scored on a scale of concern, with 1 being "Not at all concerned" and 4 being "Very Concerned". Scores can be analyzed from specific questions, or the questionnaire as a whole. For this result we will focus on the item specifically associated with getting on/off of a toilet or commode at home. A decrease in FCS-WC/S scores at the end of the study would indicate a reduction in fear of falling.
Time frame: Change from pre to post 6 week trial
We aim to observe a change in the GG Self-Care score for toilet transfers, specifically an improvement in the individual's ability to safely get on and off a toilet or commode. This item is scored on a scale from 1 (Dependent: completely reliant on a caregiver) to 6 (Independent: no assistance required). An increase in this score would indicate improved functional independence.
Time frame: At the end of the 6 week trial
We aim to find that PPAL will have at minimum an acceptable level of usability at the end of the trial. The SUS consists of items rated on a scale of 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree), assessing the participants perceived usability of the system in several domain areas. A total score is computed and a score of 68 or higher would be indicative of acceptable usability (scores ranging from 0 to 100 with higher scores indicating better usability).
Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.
Edward J McClain, MA
CONTACT
Nikitha Deepak, MS
CONTACT
Alicia Koontz
Other
Development and Evaluation of PPAL Bedside Commode for Safe Independent Toileting Transfers
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View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.
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