iLookOut for Child Abuse: Micro-learning to Improve Knowledge Retention

NCT04324619 | Recruiting

• 2 other identifiers: iLO6000R01HD088448
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 6,000
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This proposed randomized controlled trial will examine whether gamified micro-learning is a feasible and effective way to promote long-term learning about child abuse and its reporting. After completing the interactive online learning program, iLookOut for Child Abuse, early childhood professionals will receive brief (5-10 minute) gamified learning exercises to complete on their smart-phones. By measuring knowledge (and other outcomes) over time, the investigators will determine how much knowledge decays over various time periods, how well micro-learning can remediate that decay, and whether such a 2-phase intervention is feasible for helping early childhood professionals be better prepared to identify and report suspected child abuse.

Conditions

Child Abuse

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Acceptable completion of iLookOut Micro-learning program measured by 50% of core program learners completing the micro-learning program.

  Evaluate whether a multi-faceted implementation strategy that includes learners completing an initial core training that is reinforced by using a micro-learning program (core learning program + micro-learning) is a way to educate ECPs about child abuse and its reporting. We will judge the iLookOut intervention program to have an acceptable completion rate if: \>50% of ECPs who complete iLookOut's core learning program also complete the micro-learning program.

  5 years

• Feasibility of iLookOut micro-learning program used for professional development measured by 75% of leaner self-reporting learner satisfaction using net promoter score.

  Evaluate whether a multi-faceted implementation strategy that includes learners completing an initial core training followed by using a micro-learning program is a feasible way to educate ECPs about child abuse and its reporting. We will judge the iLookOut intervention feasible if: \>75% of participants report endorsing the iLookOut micro-learning program, as measured by the a net promoter score that is \>0. The net promoter scale consists of one question, How likely would you be to recommend this learning program to a fellow early childhood professional?, with responses measured on a -100 to +100.

  5 years

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Average knowledge score compared at 5-time points and measured by the iLookOut knowledge assessment.

  5 years

• Knowledge score decay and remediation measured by change in average knowledge score on the iLookOut knowledge assessment over 5 time points.

  5 years

Study Arms (4)

Immediate

EXPERIMENTAL

After completing an online learning program about child abuse and its reporting, this group will receive follow-up micro-learning immediately.

Other: Online interactive learning activities

3 month delay

EXPERIMENTAL

After completing an online learning program about child abuse and its reporting, this group will receive follow-up micro-learning after a delay 3 months.

Other: Online interactive learning activities

6 month delay

EXPERIMENTAL

After completing an online learning program about child abuse and its reporting, this group will receive follow-up micro-learning after a delay 6 months.

Other: Online interactive learning activities

12 month delay

EXPERIMENTAL

After completing an online learning program about child abuse and its reporting, this group will receive follow-up micro-learning after a delay 12 months.

Other: Online interactive learning activities

Interventions

Online interactive learning activities OTHER

1. 3-hour video-storyline-based interactive learning program 2. Micro-learning activities that can be completed on mobile devices (eg, smartphones)

12 month delay; 3 month delay; 6 month delay; Immediate

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 100 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• At least 18 years of age
• Works or volunteers at a childcare facility in Pennsylvania

You may not qualify if:

• Younger than 18 years of age
• Does not work or volunteer at a childcare facility in Pennsylvania

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Milton S. Hershey Medical Center: lead
• Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD): collaborator

Study Sites (1)

Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center / Penn State College of Medicine

Hershey, Pennsylvania, 17033, United States

RECRUITING

Central Study Contacts

Nicole Verdiglione, MA

CONTACT

717-531-4221; NVerdiglione@PennStateHealth.psu.edu

Benjamin H Levi, MD PhD

CONTACT

7175318778; BHLEVI@psu.edu

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: OTHER
• Intervention Model: SEQUENTIAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Professor

Model Details: After completing an online learning program about child abuse and its reporting, early childhood professionals will be randomized to receive follow-up micro-learning either immediately, or after a delay (3, 6, or 12 months). Decay in knowledge will be measured, as well as remediation of that decay following micro-learning.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: February 25, 2020
• First Posted: March 27, 2020
• Study Start: April 10, 2024
• Primary Completion (Estimated): August 31, 2027
• Study Completion (Estimated): August 31, 2027
• Last Updated: August 12, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-08

Locations

US (1)