Vic

Researchers are evaluating a Service-Learning program that combines Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) and health promotion for older adults aged 60 and above. This program involves university students from various health-related fields who work together with healthcare professionals and community members to support the health and well-being of older adults. The initiative aims to foster mutual learning, promote active aging, and reduce health inequalities while enhancing students' practical skills and knowledge. The program includes three sessions conducted at the University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia's Faculty of Health Sciences and Welfare. During the first session, students supervised by health professionals perform a comprehensive geriatric assessment to evaluate frailty, intrinsic capacity, quality of life, and specific health indicators. Following the assessment, participants receive a report with their results and personalized health education, including recommendations and access to community health resources. Participants' involvement includes completing the CGA and receiving health education based on their assessment results. Researchers will measure outcomes such as frailty at baseline, satisfaction with treatment up to 2-4 weeks after the intervention, and students' satisfaction at the end of the first session. Data will be collected using validated tools and recorded through REDCap. The program supports sustainable development goals related to health and well-being and aims to create a model adaptable by other universities and healthcare providers.

Researchers are investigating the connection between motor skills and sensory processing in children aged 4 to 11 years with either typical development or atypical neurodevelopment conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). The study aims to understand how these developmental disorders impact children's motor development and sensory experiences, which are important for their growth, learning, and daily functioning. This research is designed as a cross-sectional observational case-control study to explore these associations. The study will include 30 children with typical neurodevelopment and 10 children with atypical neurodevelopment, recruited from specific child development centers and the local community. Participants will be assessed using standardized tools: the Infant Motor Profile (IMP) and the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-Second Edition (MABC-2) for motor skills, and the Short Sensory Profile-2 (SSP-2) questionnaire for sensory processing. Evaluations will be video-recorded and scored by trained researchers to ensure consistency. During the study, researchers will collect demographic information from parents and children, perform motor and sensory assessments, and analyze the data using statistical methods to compare groups and understand relationships between motor skills and sensory processing. The primary outcome measure focuses on motor skill development from enrollment to one month. The study also ensures confidentiality, ethical oversight, and allows participants to withdraw at any time. Findings are expected to help tailor clinical and educational interventions to better support children with developmental challenges.

The study focuses on older adults aged 70 or more who are living at home with complex health and social needs. It aims to evaluate the ADMIT program, a multi-component integrated home care approach supported by technology, to see if it can increase the percentage of days these frail elderly people spend at home compared to usual care. The research also examines whether the program can reduce health or social crises, improve quality of life for patients and caregivers, and enhance the experience of all involved in the care system. Participants will receive care through the ADMIT integrated care program, which is co-created by professionals, patients, and caregivers. The program includes proactive detection of candidates, assignment of reference professionals from health and social services, shared diagnosis and care planning, and joint follow-up. A technological platform supports information sharing and communication among all parties. Additionally, sensor and robotic devices may be used in some cases to monitor and assist home care. During the study, participants' time spent at home over a 6-month intervention period will be tracked as the primary outcome. Researchers will also assess the program's impact on emergency care or hospitalizations, cost-effectiveness, and participants' and caregivers' experiences. The evaluation uses a pragmatic randomized controlled trial design with mixed methods to measure effectiveness, safety, and implementation factors. The program's adoption potential in Catalonia's health system will also be explored.

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of the ROB-Bitrack System, a 4-arm open and portable robotic platform, along with its ElectroSurgical Endoscopic (ESE) and Non-ElectroSurgical Endoscopic (NESE) instruments in urologic procedures. This multicenter, single-arm, open-label, non-randomized study focuses on adult patients aged 18 to 90 scheduled for robot-assisted laparoscopic surgeries including Radical or simple nephrectomy, Partial nephrectomy, and Radical prostatectomy. The study aims to confirm whether the operative time using the ROB-Bitrack System is equal to or shorter than the current state of the art in minimally invasive robotic surgery, regardless of user experience or site. Data will be collected up to 30 days post-surgery. The interventions include surgical procedures such as complete removal of the kidney (Radical Nephrectomy), partial removal of the kidney (Partial Nephrectomy), and complete removal of the prostate gland (Radical Prostatectomy). Additional procedures like Lysis of abdominal adhesions may be performed during these surgeries depending on the patient's condition and surgeon's criteria, and Lymphadenectomy (removal of lymph nodes) may be done after prostatectomy. The ROB-Bitrack System and its instruments assist surgeons during these laparoscopic procedures to improve control and precision. Participants will have scheduled visits including screening, baseline, the surgical procedure, discharge, and follow-ups at 14 and 30 days after surgery. Researchers will measure operative time during the procedure using the ROB-Bitrack System and monitor patients for 30 days after surgery to assess safety and effectiveness. The study is planned to enroll 50 patients over 11 months with total duration of 12 months including follow-up. Data collection includes surgical timing and post-operative recovery assessments.

Researchers are developing and testing a digital health program called KOKU Bladder, designed to help adults aged 50 and over improve bladder health and reduce urinary incontinence. This program uses behavior change techniques and is created with input from users, health professionals, and researchers through focus groups held in Lithuania, Spain, and the UK. The study follows a mixed methods approach to assess how practical and acceptable the program is, aligning with European policies promoting healthy aging and self-management of chronic conditions. The study involves several phases over three years, starting with literature reviews, expert consultations, and co-creation of the program content. The KOKU Bladder app, developed by a tech company, is then refined through focus groups and further development. Finally, a randomized controlled trial with at least 120 participants compares the app-based intervention against standard recommendations for managing urinary symptoms, both lasting 12 weeks. Participants will be involved in completing tests and questionnaires to gather quantitative data, along with providing qualitative feedback through recorded discussions analyzed thematically. The study evaluates the feasibility and acceptability of the digital program while monitoring bladder health outcomes over the three-year period. Communication and dissemination of results will occur throughout the study to ensure wide reach and impact.