Could a smartphone app give hospital patients a stronger voice in their own care?
NCT ID NCT06973707
First seen Sep 08, 2026 · Last updated Sep 09, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial tests whether digital tools, used with help from a digital navigator, can increase patient engagement during a hospital stay. Researchers will compare usual care with passive tools, like a care team chart, and active tools, such as a question organizer and journal. The study includes 520 adults admitted to a general medicine service who speak English or Spanish. The goal is to see if these tools improve patient activation, knowledge, and confidence, and reduce anxiety.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Digital tools (passive and active) and digital navigator support
- What this could lead to
- If effective, these tools could help hospital patients become more involved in their care, reduce anxiety, and improve post-discharge outcomes.
- What could go wrong
- The trial is relatively small and focuses on one hospital, so results may not apply broadly. Benefits may be modest, and some patients might find the tools difficult to use.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 520 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Jul 2028
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Jan 2030
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult patients admitted to the general medicine service at Brigham and Women's Hospital during the 12-month trial enrollment period * English or Spanish speakers * Age 18 or older * Able to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Residence in a nursing home, rehab facility, or group home * Undomiciled * Pregnant women, prisoners, or institutionalized individuals * Dementia * Likely to be discharged somewhere other than home in the opinion of the care team
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.