Use Surveillance Technology to Reduce Elder Abuse Recidivism

NCT04563728 | Terminated DMC

• 1 other identifier: Pro2019001409
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 1
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The project is to build multi-sector and multi-institutional partnerships to test the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of a pilot surveillance camera intervention (N=10) to reduce the frequency and severity of abuse, exploitation, and neglect in community older adults.

Conditions

Elder Abuse; Self Neglect; Aging; Domestic Abuse

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (14)

• elder abuse prevalence

  Psychological, physical, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, caregiver neglect, and self-neglect. For psychological and physical abuse, we will use 8 items and 10 items from a modified Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS). Sexual abuse will be assessed by a question asking about experiences of being touched in private areas when unwanted. Financial exploitation will be assessed by the 17-item Financial Exploitation Scale, adapted from Conrad et al in a study funded by the Department of Justice. Caregiver neglect will be assessed by 20 items of unmet needs in key activities of daily living. Self-neglect will be assessed by a validated 25-item measurement. Items will be combined to report whether any vs no abuse/neglect/exploitation was experienced. In addition, multiple definitions of severity can be determined by combining these instruments and using various cut off points to determine severity.

  Baseline

• elder abuse incidence

  Psychological, physical, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, caregiver neglect, and self-neglect. For psychological and physical abuse, we will use 8 items and 10 items from a modified Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS). Sexual abuse will be assessed by a question asking about experiences of being touched in private areas when unwanted. Financial exploitation will be assessed by the 17-item Financial Exploitation Scale, adapted from Conrad et al in a study funded by the Department of Justice. Caregiver neglect will be assessed by 20 items of unmet needs in key activities of daily living. Self-neglect will be assessed by a validated 25-item measurement. Items will be combined to report whether any vs no abuse/neglect/exploitation was experienced. In addition, multiple definitions of severity can be determined by combining these instruments and using various cut off points to determine severity.

  First week of participation

• elder abuse incidence

  Psychological, physical, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, caregiver neglect, and self-neglect. For psychological and physical abuse, we will use 8 items and 10 items from a modified Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS). Sexual abuse will be assessed by a question asking about experiences of being touched in private areas when unwanted. Financial exploitation will be assessed by the 17-item Financial Exploitation Scale, adapted from Conrad et al in a study funded by the Department of Justice. Caregiver neglect will be assessed by 20 items of unmet needs in key activities of daily living. Self-neglect will be assessed by a validated 25-item measurement. Items will be combined to report whether any vs no abuse/neglect/exploitation was experienced. In addition, multiple definitions of severity can be determined by combining these instruments and using various cut off points to determine severity.

  Second week of participation

• elder abuse incidence

  Psychological, physical, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, caregiver neglect, and self-neglect. For psychological and physical abuse, we will use 8 items and 10 items from a modified Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS). Sexual abuse will be assessed by a question asking about experiences of being touched in private areas when unwanted. Financial exploitation will be assessed by the 17-item Financial Exploitation Scale, adapted from Conrad et al in a study funded by the Department of Justice. Caregiver neglect will be assessed by 20 items of unmet needs in key activities of daily living. Self-neglect will be assessed by a validated 25-item measurement. Items will be combined to report whether any vs no abuse/neglect/exploitation was experienced. In addition, multiple definitions of severity can be determined by combining these instruments and using various cut off points to determine severity.

  Third week of participation

• elder abuse incidence

  Psychological, physical, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, caregiver neglect, and self-neglect. For psychological and physical abuse, we will use 8 items and 10 items from a modified Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS). Sexual abuse will be assessed by a question asking about experiences of being touched in private areas when unwanted. Financial exploitation will be assessed by the 17-item Financial Exploitation Scale, adapted from Conrad et al in a study funded by the Department of Justice. Caregiver neglect will be assessed by 20 items of unmet needs in key activities of daily living. Self-neglect will be assessed by a validated 25-item measurement. Items will be combined to report whether any vs no abuse/neglect/exploitation was experienced. In addition, multiple definitions of severity can be determined by combining these instruments and using various cut off points to determine severity.

  Fourth week of participation

• elder abuse incidence

  Psychological, physical, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, caregiver neglect, and self-neglect. For psychological and physical abuse, we will use 8 items and 10 items from a modified Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS). Sexual abuse will be assessed by a question asking about experiences of being touched in private areas when unwanted. Financial exploitation will be assessed by the 17-item Financial Exploitation Scale, adapted from Conrad et al in a study funded by the Department of Justice. Caregiver neglect will be assessed by 20 items of unmet needs in key activities of daily living. Self-neglect will be assessed by a validated 25-item measurement. Items will be combined to report whether any vs no abuse/neglect/exploitation was experienced. In addition, multiple definitions of severity can be determined by combining these instruments and using various cut off points to determine severity.

  Fifth week of participation

• elder abuse incidence

  Psychological, physical, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, caregiver neglect, and self-neglect. For psychological and physical abuse, we will use 8 items and 10 items from a modified Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS). Sexual abuse will be assessed by a question asking about experiences of being touched in private areas when unwanted. Financial exploitation will be assessed by the 17-item Financial Exploitation Scale, adapted from Conrad et al in a study funded by the Department of Justice. Caregiver neglect will be assessed by 20 items of unmet needs in key activities of daily living. Self-neglect will be assessed by a validated 25-item measurement. Items will be combined to report whether any vs no abuse/neglect/exploitation was experienced. In addition, multiple definitions of severity can be determined by combining these instruments and using various cut off points to determine severity.

  Sixth week of participation

• elder abuse incidence

  Psychological, physical, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, caregiver neglect, and self-neglect. For psychological and physical abuse, we will use 8 items and 10 items from a modified Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS). Sexual abuse will be assessed by a question asking about experiences of being touched in private areas when unwanted. Financial exploitation will be assessed by the 17-item Financial Exploitation Scale, adapted from Conrad et al in a study funded by the Department of Justice. Caregiver neglect will be assessed by 20 items of unmet needs in key activities of daily living. Self-neglect will be assessed by a validated 25-item measurement. Items will be combined to report whether any vs no abuse/neglect/exploitation was experienced. In addition, multiple definitions of severity can be determined by combining these instruments and using various cut off points to determine severity.

  Seventh week of participation

• elder abuse incidence

  Psychological, physical, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, caregiver neglect, and self-neglect. For psychological and physical abuse, we will use 8 items and 10 items from a modified Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS). Sexual abuse will be assessed by a question asking about experiences of being touched in private areas when unwanted. Financial exploitation will be assessed by the 17-item Financial Exploitation Scale, adapted from Conrad et al in a study funded by the Department of Justice. Caregiver neglect will be assessed by 20 items of unmet needs in key activities of daily living. Self-neglect will be assessed by a validated 25-item measurement. Items will be combined to report whether any vs no abuse/neglect/exploitation was experienced. In addition, multiple definitions of severity can be determined by combining these instruments and using various cut off points to determine severity.

  Eighth week of participation

• elder abuse incidence

  Psychological, physical, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, caregiver neglect, and self-neglect. For psychological and physical abuse, we will use 8 items and 10 items from a modified Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS). Sexual abuse will be assessed by a question asking about experiences of being touched in private areas when unwanted. Financial exploitation will be assessed by the 17-item Financial Exploitation Scale, adapted from Conrad et al in a study funded by the Department of Justice. Caregiver neglect will be assessed by 20 items of unmet needs in key activities of daily living. Self-neglect will be assessed by a validated 25-item measurement. Items will be combined to report whether any vs no abuse/neglect/exploitation was experienced. In addition, multiple definitions of severity can be determined by combining these instruments and using various cut off points to determine severity.

  Tenth week since baseline

• elder abuse incidence

  Psychological, physical, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, caregiver neglect, and self-neglect. For psychological and physical abuse, we will use 8 items and 10 items from a modified Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS). Sexual abuse will be assessed by a question asking about experiences of being touched in private areas when unwanted. Financial exploitation will be assessed by the 17-item Financial Exploitation Scale, adapted from Conrad et al in a study funded by the Department of Justice. Caregiver neglect will be assessed by 20 items of unmet needs in key activities of daily living. Self-neglect will be assessed by a validated 25-item measurement. Items will be combined to report whether any vs no abuse/neglect/exploitation was experienced. In addition, multiple definitions of severity can be determined by combining these instruments and using various cut off points to determine severity.

  Third month since baseline

• elder abuse incidence

  Psychological, physical, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, caregiver neglect, and self-neglect. For psychological and physical abuse, we will use 8 items and 10 items from a modified Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS). Sexual abuse will be assessed by a question asking about experiences of being touched in private areas when unwanted. Financial exploitation will be assessed by the 17-item Financial Exploitation Scale, adapted from Conrad et al in a study funded by the Department of Justice. Caregiver neglect will be assessed by 20 items of unmet needs in key activities of daily living. Self-neglect will be assessed by a validated 25-item measurement. Items will be combined to report whether any vs no abuse/neglect/exploitation was experienced. In addition, multiple definitions of severity can be determined by combining these instruments and using various cut off points to determine severity.

  Fourth month since baseline

• elder abuse incidence

  Psychological, physical, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, caregiver neglect, and self-neglect. For psychological and physical abuse, we will use 8 items and 10 items from a modified Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS). Sexual abuse will be assessed by a question asking about experiences of being touched in private areas when unwanted. Financial exploitation will be assessed by the 17-item Financial Exploitation Scale, adapted from Conrad et al in a study funded by the Department of Justice. Caregiver neglect will be assessed by 20 items of unmet needs in key activities of daily living. Self-neglect will be assessed by a validated 25-item measurement. Items will be combined to report whether any vs no abuse/neglect/exploitation was experienced. In addition, multiple definitions of severity can be determined by combining these instruments and using various cut off points to determine severity.

  Fifth month since baseline

• elder abuse incidence

  Psychological, physical, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, caregiver neglect, and self-neglect. For psychological and physical abuse, we will use 8 items and 10 items from a modified Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS). Sexual abuse will be assessed by a question asking about experiences of being touched in private areas when unwanted. Financial exploitation will be assessed by the 17-item Financial Exploitation Scale, adapted from Conrad et al in a study funded by the Department of Justice. Caregiver neglect will be assessed by 20 items of unmet needs in key activities of daily living. Self-neglect will be assessed by a validated 25-item measurement. Items will be combined to report whether any vs no abuse/neglect/exploitation was experienced. In addition, multiple definitions of severity can be determined by combining these instruments and using various cut off points to determine severity.

  Sixth month since baseline

Study Arms (3)

Camera Group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

1\) The camera(s) will be a stationary device installed by the study technician on the ceiling of a common living area of the participant's home. The camera(s) will record video and audio data to be stored in our secure data base. The cameras will be purchased from YI Technology (see more details in Section 1.7). A sign will be placed outside the home to notify individuals regarding the potential recording, reading, "NOTICE Audio and/or video surveillance may be in use on these premises". Highlighted video and audio data will be reviewed daily by the study technician. If there is evidence of abuse, exploitation, and neglect on these video and audio data, a report will be made to APS and the IRB.

Behavioral: Surveillance camera(s)

Mock Camera Group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

2\) The mock camera(s) will be a stationary device installed on the ceiling of a common living area of the participant's home. They will not record video or audio but will be installed with a sensor chip and a Wi-Fi connection, which will notify the study team if the device has been touched, tampered, altered, or disrupted power sources. After installing the device, the study technician and study coordinator will test the anti-tampering sensor to ensure potential future tampering will be detected. A sign will be placed outside the home to notify individuals regarding the potential recording, reading, "NOTICE Audio and/or video surveillance may be in use on these premises". Daily check-ins to assess whether elder abuse may have been experienced by the participant will occur by phone or other preferred mode of communication. In the event of reported abuse, exploitation, and neglect, despite not being mandatory reporters, we will report to NJ APS and the IRB.

Behavioral: Surveillance camera(s)

Usual Care

NO INTERVENTION

Each participant will receive educational packages about elderly community-living.

Interventions

Surveillance camera(s) BEHAVIORAL

the mock camera intervention is for testing whether the impression of surveillance would have the effect to reduce the recidivism of elder abuse in home settings; 2) whether less costly options (mock cameras) are as effective as surveillance camera(s) in reducing the recidivism of elder abuse; 3) feasibility and acceptability of surveillance camera(s)

Camera Group; Mock Camera Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 60 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Aged 60 or older;
• Community-living;
• Individuals identified by New Jersey APS as potentially at risk of elder abuse; OR Individuals who have experienced abuse, exploitation, or neglect within the last 3 months (assessed by any "present" or "yes" response to elder abuse questions on the screener).

You may not qualify if:

• Live in institutional and/or residential facilities;
• Have plans to move for the next 3 months;
• Unable to understand and provide written consent. Capacity to consent will be determined by a score of at least 24 on the Mini-mental state examination;
• Have impairment in eating, dressing, bathing, walking, transferring, grooming, bladder control, or toileting. These will be determined by any "present" or "positive" item on the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Rutgers University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Rutgers Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research

New Brunswick, New Jersey, 08901, United States

Location

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: TRIPLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, CARE PROVIDER, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: Comparing two different intervention strategies, participants and research assistants will be masked about the assignment during the 8-week participation. In the camera and mock camera group, participants will not be told which group they are a part of. In either the camera or mock camera group, research assistants (RAs) administering consent will also not be told which group the participant is a part of to avoid accidental reveal of groups. Groups will be revealed at the end of the study participation.
• Purpose: PREVENTION
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Model Details: Three groups of people receive different interventions and usual care.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: March 30, 2020
• First Posted: September 24, 2020
• Study Start: May 1, 2020
• Primary Completion: March 1, 2022
• Study Completion: March 1, 2022
• Last Updated: February 15, 2024

Record last verified: 2024-02

Locations

US (1)