Brockton

This research evaluates telerehabilitation compared to in-office care for individuals with low vision who use magnification devices or visual assistive mobile apps. The study aims to improve quality of life by enhancing daily activities like reading. It also explores using Bluetooth low energy beacon sensors to monitor device use and detect if patients stop using their magnification devices, helping provide timely rehabilitation support. This study is conducted by the University of California, Los Angeles, focusing on adults with vision loss from various ocular diseases. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive follow-up training either remotely through videoconferencing or in-person at a clinic. Training involves evaluation and use of magnification or visual assistive devices such as hand-held optical magnifiers, portable electronic video magnifiers, or high near add powers. The study includes multiple follow-up visits over about one year, with sessions and training tailored to device use and rehabilitation needs. During the study, participants will complete various reading tests and satisfaction surveys at baseline and at intervals up to 13 months. Researchers will monitor how often and how long participants use their magnification devices, and informant surveys will be collected from close acquaintances to assess progress. Outcome measures include the Activity Inventory and several reading assessments. The study also collects environmental data via sensors to track device adherence. Participants will be closely monitored throughout the study period to evaluate changes and support rehabilitation.

This research aims to improve colorectal cancer screening by identifying and addressing barriers in community health centers CHCs with diverse populations. The study focuses on people aged 45 and older, examining baseline screening needs and disparities. Researchers will analyze electronic health records and use focus groups with CHC staff to understand screening challenges and perceptions about screening age changes and strategies. The study also seeks to develop and test ways to improve screening at patient, provider, and system levels using rapid cycle testing. The study involves several steps first, analyzing data from health records and population management platforms to understand screening patterns and resource needs. Second, conducting focus groups with various CHC staff to identify barriers and attitudes toward screening and new strategies like using technology and medical assistant involvement. Third, developing implementation strategies based on these findings and testing them individually at each CHC using a design where each center acts as its own control. Strategies may include patient text messages, staff training, and workflow changes. Participants, who are CHC staff involved in colorectal cancer screening, will engage in focus groups and implementation testing lasting about four months. Researchers will collect data on how acceptable, feasible, and appropriate the strategies are through surveys and observation. They will also measure changes in screening rates. The study uses detailed data management and analysis methods to track progress and outcomes, aiming to tailor and optimize screening interventions in these health centers.

Researchers are evaluating a neurofeedback intervention designed to regulate brain activity in the superior temporal gyrus STG and connectivity in the default mode network DMN to reduce auditory hallucinations in patients with schizophrenia who do not respond to medication. The study explores how controlling STG activation might lead to changes in brain networks related to self-processing and reduce symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, negative symptoms, and working memory issues. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will receive real-time feedback from the STG during five neurofeedback sessions, while the other group will receive sham feedback from the motor cortex in identical sessions. Functional MRI tasks will assess brain responses before and after the interventions to compare effects between the real and sham neurofeedback groups. Throughout the study, participants will undergo clinical and neuropsychological evaluations to measure changes in brain activity, connectivity, and symptoms. The primary outcome is the percent change in STG brain signal after the intervention. Secondary measurements include changes in psychotic symptoms and connectivity between brain regions. The study lasts about 0 to 4 weeks post intervention, with careful monitoring of symptom changes and brain function.