Brockton

Researchers are evaluating a new approach for helping adults with low vision by comparing telerehabilitation to traditional in-office care. This study focuses on training individuals to use magnification devices and visual assistive mobile apps to improve daily activities like reading and other important tasks. The study also explores whether data from Bluetooth low energy beacon sensors can track patients' use of their magnification devices and identify when they stop using them, potentially improving patient care. Participants will receive low vision rehabilitation that includes evaluation and training with magnification or visual assistive devices. These devices include hand-held optical magnifiers, portable electronic video magnifiers, high near add powers of +4.00 or greater, visual assistive mobile apps on smartphones or tablets, some stand magnifiers, and closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs). The study involves follow-up training provided either through telerehabilitation or in-person visits across several clinical sites. During the study, researchers will monitor participants' activity using the Activity Inventory to assess changes over time from 1 month up to 13 months after receiving their magnification devices. Environmental data collected from Bluetooth beacon sensors will also be analyzed to see if it can indicate device use or abandonment. Participants will be assessed through planned visits and communication methods to track their progress and device usage throughout the study period.

Researchers are studying ways to overcome barriers to colorectal cancer screening in community health centers (CHCs) with diverse populations. The study aims to understand the demographics and screening needs of different age groups, including those aged 45-49, 50-54, and over 55. It focuses on identifying disparities in screening based on race, ethnicity, gender, and insurance status by analyzing electronic health records and data from a population management platform. The project also explores perceptions and attitudes about screening practices and potential improvements. The study involves focus groups with CHC staff such as administrative leaders, population health managers, data analysts, nurses, medical assistants, and healthcare providers to identify barriers and facilitators to screening. Based on these findings, researchers will develop and test new strategies at the patient, provider, and system levels using rapid cycle testing methods. These strategies may include technology-based prompts like text messages and workflow changes involving medical assistants. Each health center will test at least two strategies per level to optimize screening approaches. Participants will be involved through focus groups, surveys, and data analysis over a period of about four months. Researchers will collect and analyze data on the acceptability, feasibility, and appropriateness of the implementation strategies. Staff perceptions of these strategies will be evaluated through surveys after testing. This comprehensive approach aims to tailor and improve colorectal cancer screening processes in community health centers to better serve diverse populations.

Researchers are studying a neurofeedback intervention designed to help patients with schizophrenia who experience medication-resistant auditory hallucinations. This approach aims to regulate activity in the superior temporal gyrus (STG) and change connectivity in the default mode network (DMN), which are brain areas thought to be involved in these hallucinations. The study is based on a model suggesting that abnormalities in these brain networks contribute to auditory hallucinations and related symptoms. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: an intervention group receiving real-time feedback from the superior temporal gyrus, and a sham group receiving feedback from the somato-motor cortex. Each participant will undergo five sessions of real-time functional MRI (rt-fMRI) neurofeedback. The sessions are structured identically for both groups to compare the effects of targeted STG feedback against sham feedback. During the study, researchers will assess changes in brain activation and connectivity, focusing on the STG and DMN, along with reductions in auditory hallucinations. Clinical and neuropsychological tests will measure symptoms such as delusions, negative symptoms, and working memory. The main outcome is the percentage change in STG brain activity within four weeks after the intervention. The study includes adults aged 18 to 55 with treatment-resistant auditory hallucinations due to schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.