NCT06460116 · University of Kansas Medical Center
Health Equity and Rural Education (HERE!) Clinical Trial
(HERE)
What this study is about
The goal of this community-engaged research is two-fold. The first goal is to gather stakeholder feedback to inform a school-based community health worker intervention with youth with poor school attendance and an enhanced usual care condition.
View original scientific description
The goal of this community-engaged research is two-fold. The first goal is to gather stakeholder feedback to inform a school-based community health worker intervention with youth with poor school attendance and an enhanced usual care condition. The second goal is to evaluate the feasibility of implementing the school-based community health worker intervention and enhanced usual care approach within rural schools. The main question it aims to answer is whether it is feasibile to recruit children with poor school attendance and their families to the intervention, to complete the trauma-informed intervention, and to complete the associated study measures of meeting social determinants of health/mental health needs, school-based health center utilization, and behavioral helath symptoms. At least 38 rural students in grades 6-12 with poor school attendance and their parents/guardians will meet with the school-based community health worker for support around social determinants of health needs that may be barriers to attendance. Researchers will also assess the feasibility of recruiting at least 10 rural students and their parents/guardians to complete the study measures in an enhanced usual care condition in which the school-based health center without a school-based community health worker is reminded of the availability of an online social services directory.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
School-Based Community Health Worker (SB-CHW) intervention
The school-based community health worker will support students with chronic poor attendance and their parent/guardian for a minimum of two 30-minute encounters focused on addressing social determinants needs, understanding the range/student encounter varies greatly due to the intensity of the social need(s) (e.g., crisis/noncrisis) and the number of needs being jointly addressed. The SB-CHW will build relationships across encounters and apply trauma-informed best practices.
BEHAVIORAL
Enhanced Usual Care (EUC) Methods
The network of school-based health centers without school-based community health workers will receive reminders of the the existing online social services directory.
Primary outcome measures
School Based Health Services Utilization
Time frame: At study completion (an average of 10 months/1 school year)
The number of visits to School Based Health Centers (SBHC)
School Attendance
Time frame: At study completion (an average of 10 months/1 school year)
The number of school days in attendance, collected by ½ day increments 1(b) determination whether the student continues to meet the definition of chronic poor attendance (Yes/No)
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
- A member of the program's Community Advisory Board, including community health workers;
- Caregiver of a child ages 12-18 from the Southeast Kansas region; or
- Student at least 12 years in age. Phase II Feasibility Pilot- SB-CHW Intervention and Enhanced Usual Care Conditions Inclusion Criteria:
- Children ages 12-18 and their parents/guardians from the Southeast Kansas region
- Student with or at risk for chronic poor attendance (missing 10% or more of the days that school has been in session at any point in the school year)
Exclusion criteria
- Parents/guardians or youth with profound intellectual/cognitive disability will be excluded.
Where
- Kansas City, Kansas
Collaborators
National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), National Institutes of Health (NIH)
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 Apr 20, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations