Video Meeting Signals: A randomised controlled trial of a technique to improve the experience of video conferencing

We found evidence from a randomised controlled trial that a simple set of techniques can improve the experience of online meetings. Video conferencing technology has practical benefits, but psychological costs. It has allowed industry, education and social interactions to continue in some form during the covid-19 lockdowns. But it has left many users feeling fatigued and socially isolated, perhaps becausethe limitations of video conferencing disrupt users’ability to coordinate interactions and foster social affiliation. Video Meeting Signals (VMS™) is a simple technique that uses gestures to overcome some of these limitations. We carried out a randomisedcontrolled trial with over 100 students, in which half underwent a short training session in VMS. All participants rated their subjective experience of two weekly seminars, and transcripts were objectively coded for the valence of language used. Compared to controls, seminar groups with VMS training rated their personal experience, their feelings toward their group, and their perceived learning outcomes as significantly higher. Also, they were more likely to use positive language and less likely to use negative language. While future, pre-registered experiments will explore which aspects of the technique are responsible for these benefits, the current results establish that VMS has great potential to overcome the psychological problems of group video meetings.

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Effects of suicide awareness materials on individuals with recent suicidal ideation or attempt: online randomised controlled trial

The British Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.1192/bjp.2019.259 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 217 (6) ◽

pp. 693-700 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Thomas Niederkrotenthaler ◽

Benedikt Till

Keyword(s):

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Randomised Controlled Trial ◽

Personal Experience ◽

Suicide Risk ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Control Group ◽

End Point ◽

Randomised Controlled ◽

Suicide Awareness ◽

Group 1

BackgroundAwareness materials featuring ways of coping with suicidal ideation can reduce suicidal ideation, the so-called Papageno effect. All of the previous experimental studies on this subject have been conducted with individuals not at risk of suicide.AimsTo assess effects of suicide awareness materials in a sample of individuals with recent suicidal ideation. Trial registration: German Clinical Trial Registry ID number DRKS00013613.MethodAdults (n = 266) with recent self-reported suicidal ideation or attempt were randomised to read an educative article featuring a lay individual with personal experience of suicidality (n = 86), a similar article featuring a mental health expert (n = 90), or an unrelated article (n = 90) in a double-blind online randomised controlled trial. Questionnaire data were collected before (T1) and immediately after exposure (T2) as well as 1 week later (study end-point, T3) and analysed with linear mixed models. The primary outcome was suicide risk as assessed using the Survival and Coping Beliefs subscale of the Reasons for Living Inventory (RFLI); secondary outcomes were suicide-prevention knowledge and mood.ResultsThere was an immediate beneficial effect on suicide risk in the intervention group exposed to the message delivered by the individual with personal experience (group 1) as compared with the control group that was maintained until the study end-point (study end-point: RFLI score mean difference from baseline within group 1 MD = −0.36 (95% CI −0.66 to −0.06), mean difference compared with control group MD = −0.71 (95% CI −1.27 to −0.14); d = −0.18). The effect was particularly pronounced for individuals with recent suicide attempt (RFLI score at T3, compared with control group: MD = −1.55 (95% CI −2.52 to −0.57); d = −0.23). Participants in this group also showed increased prevention-related knowledge compared with the control group.ConclusionsIndividuals with a recent suicide attempt appear to benefit from a printed narrative of positive coping with suicidal ideation. The intervention materials do not increase short-term suicide risk.

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Relapse prevention group therapy via video-conferencing for substance use disorder: protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial in Indonesia

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2021-050259 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (9) ◽

pp. e050259

Author(s):

Chika Yamada ◽

Kristiana Siste ◽

Enjeline Hanafi ◽

Youdiil Ophinni ◽

Evania Beatrice ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Substance Use ◽

Randomised Controlled Trial ◽

Group Therapy ◽

Substance Use Disorder ◽

Relapse Prevention ◽

Video Conferencing ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Post Treatment ◽

Prevention Programme ◽

Randomised Controlled

BackgroundSubstance use disorder (SUD) is a leading contributor to the global burden of disease. In Indonesia, the availability of formal treatment for SUD falls short of the targeted coverage. A standardised therapeutic option for SUD with potential for widespread implementation is required, yet evidence-based data in the country are scarce. In this study, we developed a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)-based group telemedicine model and will investigate effectiveness and implementability in a multicentre randomised controlled trial.MethodsA total of 220 participants will be recruited from the social networks of eight sites in Indonesia: three hospitals, two primary healthcare centres and three rehabilitation centres. The intervention arm will participate in a relapse prevention programme called the Indonesia Drug Addiction Relapse Prevention Programme (Indo-DARPP), a newly developed 12-week module based on CBT and motivational interviewing constructed in the Indonesian context. The programme will be delivered by a healthcare provider and a peer counsellor in a group therapy setting via video-conferencing, as a supplement to participants’ usual treatments. The control arm will continue treatment as usual. The primary outcome will be the percentage increase in days of abstinence from the primarily used substance in the past 28 days. Secondary outcomes will include addiction severity, quality of life, motivation to change, psychiatric symptoms, cognitive function, coping, and internalised stigma. Assessments will be performed at baseline (week 0), post-treatment (week 13), and 3 and 12 months post-treatment completion (weeks 24 and 60). Retention, participant satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness will be assessed as the implementation outcomes.Ethics and disseminationThe study protocol was reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committees of Universitas Indonesia and Kyoto University. The results will be disseminated via academic journals and international conferences. Depending on trial outcomes, the treatment programme will be advocated for adoption as a formal healthcare-based approach for SUD.Trial registration numberUMIN000042186.

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Volunteers’ experiences of providing telephone-based breast-feeding peer support in the RUBY randomised controlled trial

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s136898002000124x ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 23 (16) ◽

pp. 3005-3015

Author(s):

HA Grimes ◽

T Shafiei ◽

HL McLachlan ◽

DA Forster

Keyword(s):

Randomised Controlled Trial ◽

Peer Support ◽

Breast Feeding ◽

Online Survey ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Training Session ◽

Public Hospitals ◽

Support Intervention ◽

Training Requirements ◽

Randomised Controlled

AbstractObjective:The Ringing Up About Breastfeeding earlY (RUBY) randomised controlled trial (RCT) found that a telephone-based peer volunteer support intervention increased breast-feeding duration in a setting with high breast-feeding initiation. This sub-study of the RUBY RCT describes the motivation, preparation and experiences of volunteers who provided the peer support intervention.Design:An online survey was completed by 154 (67 %) volunteers after ceasing volunteering.Setting:Volunteers provided peer support to primiparous women (n 574) who birthed at one of three public hospitals in Melbourne, Australia, between February 2013 and December 2015.Participants:Volunteers (n 230) had themselves breastfed for at least 6 months and received 4 h of training for the role.Results:The median number of mothers supported was two (range 1–11), and two-thirds of respondents supported at least one mother for 6 months. Volunteers were motivated by a strong desire to support new mothers to establish and continue breast-feeding. Most (93 %) considered the training session adequate. The majority (60 %) reported following the call schedule ‘most of the time’, but many commented that ‘it depends on the mother’. Overall, 84 % of volunteers were satisfied with the role and reported that the experience was enjoyable (85 %) and worthwhile (90 %). Volunteers agreed that telephone support for breast-feeding was valued by women (88 %) and that the programme would be effective in helping women to breastfeed (93 %).Conclusions:These findings are important for those developing similar peer support programmes in which recruiting volunteers and developing training requirements are an integral and recurrent part of volunteer management.

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Implementing a successful proactive telephone breastfeeding peer support intervention: volunteer recruitment, training, and intervention delivery in the RUBY randomised controlled trial

International Breastfeeding Journal ◽

10.1186/s13006-021-00434-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Heather A. Grimes ◽

Helen L. McLachlan ◽

Della A. Forster ◽

Fiona McLardie-Hore ◽

Kate Mortensen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Randomised Controlled Trial ◽

Peer Support ◽

Emotional Support ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Training Session ◽

Trial Registration ◽

Breastfeeding Initiation ◽

Support Intervention ◽

Randomised Controlled ◽

Peer Support Intervention

Abstract Background The RUBY randomised controlled trial demonstrated the benefit of proactive telephone peer support in promoting breastfeeding continuation in a setting with high breastfeeding initiation, where typically this is difficult to achieve. This paper describes the implementation and delivery of the peer support intervention with a focus on recruitment, training, and support of peer volunteers, and includes a description of the key components of the calls. Methods Data collection occurred between December 2012 and June 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. Volunteers completed enrolment forms at the training session and recorded data related to each call in a Call Log maintained for each mother supported. Data were summarised using descriptive statistics and responses to open-ended questions analysed using content analysis. Results A total of 693 women expressed interest in the peer support role, with 246 completing training, that is, 95% of whom supported at least one mother. Each supported a mean of two mothers (range 1 to 11). Training session topics included respecting individual values, using positive language, confidence building, active listening, empathetic support, and normal baby behaviour. There were 518 periods of support where at least one call was made between a volunteer and a mother to whom she was allocated. Of the 518 periods of support, 359 Call Logs (69%) were returned. The 359 call logs recorded a total of 2398 calls between peers and mothers. Call length median duration was 12 min (range 1 to 111 min). Volunteers perceived the most valued aspects of the calls were the provsion of ‘general emotional support’ (51%) and ‘general information/discussion about breastfeeding’ (44%). During the first call, mothers raised questions about ‘nipple pain/ damage’ (24%) and 'general breastfeeding information’ (23%). At ≥12 weeks postpartum, issues raised related to ‘normal infant behaviour’ (22%), ‘feed frequency’ (16%), and ‘general breastfeeding information’ (15%). Volunteers referred women to other resources during 28% of calls, most commonly to the Australian Breastfeeding Association. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that the RUBY trial was feasible and sustainable in terms of recruiting volunteers who were willing to participate in training and who proceeded to provide peer support. Call content was responsive to the evolving breastfeeding information needs of mothers and the provision of emotional support was perceived by volunteers to be important. Trial registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN 12612001024831.

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Training general practitioners to improve evidence-based drug treatment of patients with heart failure: a cluster randomised controlled trial

Netherlands Heart Journal ◽

10.1007/s12471-020-01487-x ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 28 (11) ◽

pp. 604-612

Author(s):

M. J. M. Valk ◽

A. W. Hoes ◽

A. Mosterd ◽

M. A. Landman ◽

N. P. A. Zuithoff ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Randomised Controlled Trial ◽

Drug Treatment ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Training Session ◽

Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Cluster Randomised ◽

Randomised Controlled

Abstract Aims To assess whether a single training session for general practitioners (GPs) improves the evidence-based drug treatment of heart failure (HF) patients, especially of those with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Methods and results A cluster randomised controlled trial was performed for which patients with established HF were eligible. Primary care practices (PCPs) were randomised to care-as-usual or to the intervention group in which GPs received a half-day training session on HF management. Changes in HF medication, health status, hospitalisation and survival were compared between the two groups. Fifteen PCPs with 200 HF patients were randomised to the intervention group and 15 PCPs with 198 HF patients to the control group. Mean age was 76.9 (SD 10.8) years; 52.5% were female. On average, the patients had been diagnosed with HF 3.0 (SD 3.0) years previously. In total, 204 had HFrEF and 194 HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). In participants with HFrEF, the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers decreased in 6 months in both groups [5.2%; (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.0–10.0)] and 5.6% (95% CI 2.8–13.4)], respectively [baseline-corrected odds ratio (OR) 1.07 (95% CI 0.55–2.08)], while beta-blocker use increased in both groups by 5.2% (95% CI 2.0–10.0) and 1.1% (95% CI 0.2–6.3), respectively [baseline-corrected OR 0.82 (95% CI 0.42–1.61)]. For health status, hospitalisations or survival after 12–28 months there were no significant differences between the two groups, also not when separately analysed for HFrEF and HFpEF. Conclusion A half-day training session for GPs does not improve drug treatment of HF in patients with established HF.

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Talking about premature ejaculation in primary care: the GET UP cluster randomised controlled trial

BJGP Open ◽

10.3399/bjgpo.2021.0168 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. BJGPO.2021.0168

Author(s):

Marie Barais ◽

Marine Costa ◽

Camille Montalvo ◽

Vincent Rannou ◽

Hélène Vaillant-Roussel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Randomised Controlled Trial ◽

Usual Care ◽

Premature Ejaculation ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Communication Strategies ◽

Training Session ◽

Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial ◽

Control Group ◽

Cluster Randomised ◽

Randomised Controlled

BackgroundPremature ejaculation is the most common sexual dysfunction in men. A previous qualitative study identified six communication strategies described by general practitioners (GP) to tackle this topic during consultations.AimTo determine whether these six strategies are more effective than usual care for promoting discussion about premature ejaculation by patients with their GP.Design and SettingCluster randomised controlled trial, stratified in four French regions, with an intervention group (GPs who received a training session on the six communication strategies) and a control group (routine medical care). Participants were 18-80-year-old men consulting for a sexual, urogenital or psychological reason.MethodThe efficacy of the training session in communication skills, compared with usual care, was evaluated by determining the percentage of patients who discussed premature ejaculation with their GP (primary outcome). The percentage of enrolled patients with premature ejaculation was calculated using as cut-off a score >9 of the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool filled in by the enrolled patients at week four after the consultation. The quality-of-life changes were evaluated as the SF-12 scale score difference between baseline and week four post-consultation.Results130 patients were included by 32 GPs (n=16 in the intervention and n=16 in the control group). The percentage of patients who discussed about premature ejaculation was higher in the intervention than in the control group (42% vs. 4.9%, absolute difference = 37% 95%CI [24% to 50%], p <0.001).ConclusionsTraining GPs in communication strategies about premature ejaculation improves its detection.ClinicalTrials.govNCT02378779, date of registration: 03/02/2015.

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Tai Chi postural training for dyskinesia rehabilitation: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial in convalescent ischaemic stroke patients

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-046003 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

pp. e046003

Author(s):

Chengyang Jing ◽

Kuangshi Li ◽

Zongheng Li ◽

Yiting Sun ◽

Jiabao Wu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Randomised Controlled Trial ◽

Ischaemic Stroke ◽

Tai Chi ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Training Session ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Intention To Treat ◽

Randomised Controlled ◽

Postural Training

IntroductionAcute ischaemic stroke (AIS) is not only seriously damaging to the physical and mental health of patients, but also has become a major social public health problem. Effective dyskinesia rehabilitation treatment in convalescence is of great significance for AIS patients’ prognosis and quality of life. Tai Chi (TC) shows great potential in improving motor function. This trial aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy of modified TC postural training (TPT), and to explore the related central-peripheral neurotransmitter mechanisms.Methods/designThe proposed study will be a multicentre randomised controlled trial. The trial will randomise 120 eligible AIS patients in a 1:1 ratio to receive TPT or Bobath rehabilitation training. Each training session will last 40 min and will be implemented once a day and five times per week (from Monday to Friday) in a duration of 4 weeks. After finishing the 4-week treatment, another 3-month follow-up period will be seen. Root mean square generated from the surface electromyogram (sEMG) will be the primary outcome. Other sEMG time-domain parameters and frequency-domain parameters and clinical scales assessment will be the secondary outcomes. Peripheral blood samples will be collected at baseline and at the end of 4-week treatment, which will be used to explore the related therapeutic mechanisms. Intention-to-treat analysis and per-protocol analysis will both be implemented in this trial.Ethics and disseminationThe study has been approved by Ethics Committee of Dongzhimen Hospital Affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, being granted approval numbers DZMEC-KY-2020–22. The research results will be disseminated through (open access) peer-reviewed publications and presentations at conferences.Trial registration numberChiCTR2000032999.

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