What is this study trying to find out about heat-related health risks?

This study is evaluating whether personalized digital messages from primary care providers can encourage patients to adopt behaviors that protect against heat-related illnesses. It aims to improve awareness and preparedness during extreme heat events, especially for vulnerable populations. The study is sponsored by Hopital Montfort and focuses on reducing health impacts linked to climate change.

Who may be eligible for this heat-related health clinical trial?

Adults aged 18 years or older who are registered with participating primary care providers and have visited their provider in the last two years may be eligible. Participants must have access to email or text messaging and be able to communicate in English or French. Please review eligibility criteria for more details.

Is there any cost to participate in this heat-related health clinical trial?

Study-related care, including the study messages and all trial visits, is provided at no cost. Personal travel expenses and other costs may vary and are not guaranteed to be covered. Participants can expect support without financial burdens related to the study procedures.

Actively Recruiting

Phase Not Applicable

Age: 18Years +

All Genders

Healthy Volunteers

ID07024628

Heat Smart Empowering Primary Care Providers to Protect Vulnerable Populations from Extreme Heat Through Digital Messaging

Led by Hopital Montfort · Updated on 2025-06-17

20000

Participants Needed

Research Sites

30 weeks

Total Duration

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Extreme heat events pose a serious health risk in Canada, particularly highlighted by the 2021 heat wave that caused over 600 deaths. Most heat-related fatalities occur indoors and are preventable. This trial evaluates whether sending tailored digital health messages from primary care providers to their patients can encourage protective behaviors against heat-related illnesses. The study also aims to enhance collaboration between primary care and public health to improve community resilience and reduce health disparities related to extreme heat. The study is a cluster randomized controlled trial involving primary care practices in Eastern Ontario. Patients in the intervention group will receive personalized digital messages encouraging heat safety behaviors, such as creating heat safety plans and forming social support groups, along with alerts during heat advisories. The control group will receive digital messages unrelated to heat waves. Messages are sent via email or text, in English or French. The trial will follow participants for up to two years to assess behavioral changes and heat-related health impacts. Participants will be adults registered with participating primary care providers who have had recent visits and can receive digital messages. Data collection includes patient surveys, electronic medical records, and health administrative data to measure behavior changes and healthcare use during heat events. Researchers will assess awareness, preparedness, and health outcomes related to heat exposure. The study also monitors engagement with messages and aims to develop scalable heat adaptation strategies for vulnerable populations.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

Assessing the Effectiveness of Heat Adaptation Digital Messages From Primary Care Providers to Their Patients on the Change in Behaviour for Heatwave-related Preparedness

Who Can Participate

Age: 18Years +

All Genders

Healthy Volunteers

Eligibility Criteria

You may qualify if you...

Adults 18 years or older
Registered patients with a participating primary care provider
At least one visit with their primary care provider in the past two years
Have an active email, cell phone, or SMS service to receive digital messages
Able to understand and consent to participate
Able to communicate in English or French
Patients recruited from Eastern Ontario public health districts, including urban, rural, and Indigenous communities
Primary care providers must be licensed family physicians or nurse practitioners in practices with at least two providers
Providers must offer comprehensive primary care, work in computerized clinics with electronic medical records, expect to remain in practice for 24 months, be located in Eastern Ontario, and use specified communication tools

You will not qualify if you...

Patients who do not read English or French
Patients without email or text messaging access
Minors
Patients with dementia
Individuals unable to read or write in English or French due to the automated survey and consent process

Research Team

Rebecca A Tobin

William Hogg, Dr

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