NCT06850870 · Onward Health, Inc
Door-Through-Door Companion Rideshare Technology for Individuals With Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (AD/ADRD)
What this study is about
The goal of this pilot randomly assigned controlled trial is to assess the impact of D2D rideshare services with a trained companion driver on the rate of medical appointments for older adults and individuals with AD/ADRD. Participants will be assigned either door-through-door (D2D) rideshare or curb-to-curb (C2C) rideshare services.
View original scientific description
The goal of this pilot randomized controlled trial is to assess the impact of D2D rideshare services with a trained companion driver on the rate of medical appointments for older adults and individuals with AD/ADRD. Participants will be assigned either door-through-door (D2D) rideshare or curb-to-curb (C2C) rideshare services.
Interventions
OTHER
Door-through-door companion rideshare
Door-through-Door Companion Drivers, unlike traditional rideshare services, are certified in CPR and first aid, and undergo onboard training to support older adults, individuals with mobility impairments, and those with AD/ADRD. They are trained to observe behaviors of AD/ADRD patients, monitor and detect risk of falls, elopement, and other events that may require extra assistance or emergency care during transport. Drivers accompany riders continuously until they can hand off riders to clinicians or other caregivers, or return them to their home. Technology features in the rideshare platform enable continuity of care, for consistent rider-driver matching and matching of riders to drivers based on support needs.
OTHER
Curb-to-curb rideshare services
Curb to curb rideshare services provided by a transportation network company (TNC) with drivers who don't have specialized training in supporting healthcare riders and who don't undergo fingerprint background checks or drug and alcohol testing.
Primary outcome measures
Appointment Adherence
Time frame: 9 Months
The rate of missed medical appointments (No shows and same day cancellations).
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- All participants (or their surrogate) have the capacity to agree to allow Onward service for transportation;
- have scheduled medical appointments at partner practices of Onward;
- community-dwelling;
- 60 participants who self-reported cognitive problems, such as memory issue, or have mild cognitive impairment, subjective cognitive decline, or AD/ADRD diagnosis
- Resides and attends appointments in the following San Francisco Bay Area Counties (San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Mateo, Sonoma)
Exclusion criteria
- current enrollment in another transportation study;
- already using any type of free or heavily subsized transportation service;
- enrollees with comfort care only;
- Not wheelchair bound, e.g. if using a wheelchair must be foldable and must be able to transfer
- Transient, lacking consistent long term housing
- Resides outside of the San Francisco Bay Area
Where
- San Leandro, California
Collaborators
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Nov 25, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations