The MED4VI Study (RCT)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Mobile Electronic Devices for Visual Impairment
IRAS ID
243434
Contact name
Christine Dickinson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 4 months, 1 days
Research summary
By converting text into speech, smartphones and tablets offer a completely new type of assistive technology for visually-impaired people (VIP). Younger individuals learn how to use these devices from friends and family, but uptake is significantly lower in older age groups, amongst whom they have considerable potential to reduce social isolation and increase independence. Some organisations are offering training courses to interested VI individuals, but there is no evidence currently of the effectiveness of the training.
We will test two models of training: one will involve up to 4 weekly sessions with the trainer (rehabilitation officer), and the other will operate with the addition of a student volunteer buddy (recruited via the University Student Volunteering networks) to meet regularly with the VIP to offer support and encouragement in the 6 months after the training.Validated questionnaires will be used to measure changes in quality of life, depression, adaptation to vision loss, and performance of everyday tasks, before and after training, and 6 months later.
Participants will be assessed for visual status, age, and current knowledge/experience with devices. They will then be randomised to two groups: “training only” and “training plus student buddy”. Following randomisation, and training, some participants will decide not to proceed with a purchase of a device, but will continue in the study as control groups and (if randomised to that arm) will retain their student buddy who will meet them socially on a regular basis during their time in the study. For those who purchase a device, we will also assess the usage of devices by questionnaire and device usage statistics for the next 6 months.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
18/NS/0079
Date of REC Opinion
29 Jun 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion