NCT05955339 · Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
Comparing Healthcare Visit Recording and Open Notes to Improve Chronic iLlness Care Experience in Older Adults
(CHRONICLE)
What this study is about
CHRONICLE is a randomly assigned trial assessing the comparative effectiveness of providing written visit information via the patient portal (NOTES) versus NOTES plus visit audio recording (AUDIO) to older adult patients with chronic diseases on quality of life and other outcomes. During the trial, the team will also invite caregivers identified by patients to join the project.
View original scientific description
CHRONICLE is a randomized trial assessing the comparative effectiveness of providing written visit information via the patient portal (NOTES) versus NOTES plus visit audio recording (AUDIO) to older adult patients with chronic diseases on quality of life and other outcomes. During the trial, the team will also invite caregivers identified by patients to join the project.
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
- ≥ 65 years;
- With multimorbidity (diabetes or hypertension plus one of the following: arthritis (osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis), asthma, atrial fibrillation, Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (not severe), cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, depression, heart disease, heart failure, hyperlipidemia, osteoporosis, kidney disease and stroke. Patients with diabetes plus hypertension are eligible.
- Have had two or more clinic visits in the previous 12 months;
- Plan on receiving ongoing care at the clinic with the enrolled clinician for the subsequent 6 months;
- Do not have vision or hearing problems that cannot be corrected; and
- Have not recorded a clinic visit for personal use in the past 6 months
Exclusion criteria
- With no capacity to consent to the project;
- With schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, current substance-use disorders, uncorrected hearing or visual impairment with no adjustments to support accessing the interventions or surveys;
- Living in skilled nursing homes or hospice, because they engage less in self-management;
- With cognitive impairment as identified by a score of ≤4 on the six-item screener (SIS)
- Lacking internet access;
- Who do not speak English or Spanish;
- Who (i) do not have access to a personal email, (ii) do not have an email address shared with a family member or patient-identified caregiver, and/or (iii) are not interested in creating a personal email as this would prevent them from engaging with the intervention(s); and
- Who do not wish to create a patient portal account, if they do not already have one as this would prevent them from engaging with the intervention(s). CAREGIVERS: Inclusion criteria:
- Agree to their identified role as a caregiver;
- Speak English or Spanish;
- Have capacity to consent to research participation; and
- ≥ 18 years. Exclusion criteria:
- No capacity to consent to the project;
- Living in skilled nursing homes or hospice;
- Lacking internet access; or
- Do not speak English or Spanish
Where
- Manchester, New Hampshire
- Nashville, Tennessee
- Galveston, Texas
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 May 18, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations