NCT04867395 · NYU Langone Health
A Multi-Phase Study Examining Hospital to Home Transitions for Children With Medical Complexity
What this study is about
The overarching objective of this study is to make it easier for parents of children with medical complexity (CMC) to take care of their children after discharge home from the hospital and reduce the chance of post-hospitalization morbidity (meaning bad outcomes such as readmissions) after discharge.
View original scientific description
The overarching objective of this study is to make it easier for parents of children with medical complexity (CMC) to take care of their children after discharge home from the hospital and reduce the chance of post-hospitalization morbidity (meaning bad outcomes such as readmissions) after discharge. CMC, or those with multiple chronic conditions, progressive conditions, or technology dependence, are at high risk for post-hospitalization morbidity.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
HELPix Care Plan
A web application tool for CMC - Health literacy-informed, disease and medication-specific, standardized discharge instructions that will: 1) facilitate plain language provider/parent communication at hospital discharge and 2) act as "stand-alone" handouts that parents can use at home.
Primary outcome measures
Parent Comprehension of Discharge Instructions
Time frame: Visit 2 (Day 0-1)
The proportion of parents making errors in comprehension of their child's discharge instructions will be assessed. The visit will consist of a structured survey. Parents will be asked open-ended questions about their child's discharge instructions for their medications, appointments , return precautions , restrictions , equipment. Parents will be encouraged to use their written instructions when answering survey questions. The total proportion of parents making comprehension errors in an individual domain and across domains will be calculated. Errors in domains are defined by parent report of not following instructions properly. Comprehension in a given domain will be dichotomized into no errors vs. ≥1 error
Parent Adherence to Discharge Instructions
Time frame: Visits 3-4 (Days 1-45)
The proportion of parents making errors in adherence to their child's discharge instructions will be assessed with a structured survey. Parents will be asked open ended questions about their child's discharge instructions for their medications, appointments attended, return precautions, restrictions being followed, and equipment. Parents will be encouraged to use their written instructions when answering questions. Parents will be asked to measure out any liquid medications using a standard medication bottle as they would measure them at home.The total proportion of parents making adherence errors in an individual domain and across domains will be calculated.Medication dosing errors will be defined by \>20% deviation from the prescribed dose for ≥1 medication as assessed by visual inspection as part of in-person dosing assessment. Appointment attendance errors will be defined by missing ≥1 scheduled appointment after discharge.
Number of CMC with any type of post-discharge morbidity
Time frame: Visit 4 (Day 30-45)
The total proportion of children with medical complexity (CMC) with any type of post-discharge morbidity (30-day readmissions, ED visits, outpatient visits, adverse drug events, surgical complications, infections) within 30 days of discharge will be calculated. Subjects will be dichotomized into those with no post-discharge morbidity vs. ≥1 type of postdischarge morbidity.
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
- English or Spanish-speaking
- Parent or legal guardian and primary caregiver of child who has medical complexity (defined by significant chronic conditions in ≥2 body systems, progressive conditions associated with decreased life expectancy, dependence on technology for \>6 months \[e.g., respiratory equipment, central lines, feeding tubes\], or progressive/metastatic malignancies) who was admitted to the acute or intensive care units
- The individual's child is ≤18 years old
- The individual's child was discharged home or is expected be discharged home on ≥1 daily medication.
- Willingness to be randomized to intervention group
- Willingness and ability to participate in study procedures
Exclusion criteria
- Caregiver \<18 years old
- Poor visual acuity (\<20/50 corrected on Rosenbaum screener for in-person recruitment; by subject report for phone recruitment)
- Self-reported hearing difficulty
- Previously enrolled.
Where
- New York, New York
Collaborators
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
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 Jul 16, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations