AzTrials
AzTrials

Cancer Awareness and Prevention EducationPep-SMARTIDNCT07477938

A Single-Arm Interventional Trial of Pepper- Robot Delivered Cancer Education for Adults With Intellectual Disability

A study testing Robot delivered Education in people with Cancer Awareness and Prevention Education and Breast Cancer Awareness, run by National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland at 1 site in Ireland.

Not yet recruiting

Opening soon. The study is approved but enrolment has not started yet. Sites may already take enquiries.

Sites and contacts
Official record
Search all trials

Trial summary

Individuals with Intellectual disability face numerous barriers to cancer education, awareness and screening, including communication challenges, anxiety, and a lack of accessible educational resources. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and older
What is being tested?
Robot delivered Education
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
25 participants
Where
1 siteIreland
Study dates
1 May 2026to 30 Sep 2026
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Adults (≥18 years) with an intellectual disability requiring any level of support needs.
  • Able to provide informed consent, or where capacity is limited, able to assent with decision support in line
  • Attending the disability service day center.
  • Sufficient receptive/expressive communication (with supports) to participate in interactive sessions

Who cannot join

  • 1 Severe sensory impairments that cannot be reasonably accommodated (e.g., profound hearing/vision loss without assistive solutions available for the session).

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Aoife Lowery, MB,FRCS,PhD contact

+353 91 493033

alowery@universityofgalway.ie

Ireland1 site
  • University Hospital Galway

    Galway, H91 YR 71

    Veronica B McInerney, PhD, +353 91 494031, veronica.mcinerney@universityofgalway.ie

    Aoife Lowery, MB,FRCS,PhD

Other trials in Ireland

About this study

Official title: Pilot Single Arm Clinical Trial of Pepper, a Semi Humanoid Robot -Delivered Cancer Awareness and Education Intervention for Adults With Intellectual Disability

Individuals with Intellectual disability face numerous barriers to cancer education, awareness and screening, including communication challenges, anxiety, and a lack of accessible educational resources. Traditional methods often fail to meet their unique learning needs, contributing to lower screening rates , delayed diagnoses and poorer outcomes..

Socially assistive robots, have demonstrated effectiveness in delivering interactive, engaging, and tailored education, helping individuals with cognitive impairments better understand medical procedures and the importance of preventive care.

Read more

The study investigators propose to conduct a pilot single arm clinical trial with a semi humanoid robot to deliver cancer awareness education to adults with intellectual disability attending a disability day service in Ireland .The semi humanoid robot will be programmed to engage in 2 way communication about the cancer related educational content that is uploaded on its system.

.Approximately 25 adults with ID will receive the robot led educational intervention addressing both breast and colorectal cancer awareness and screening. This a pragmatic pilot study to inform a future larger controlled clinical trial Our overall objective is to Improve breast and colorectal cancer awareness knowledge level among adults with ID receiving a robot-delivered education intervention

Read the detailed description

Individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) face significant barriers in accessing healthcare education, including, challenges in understanding complex medical information and communicating with healthcare providers and anxiety1 Traditional methods of education delivery often fail to meet the unique learning needs of this population. Cancer screening is particularly affected by these barriers, leading to lower participation rates and delayed diagnoses 2 Socially assistive robots have demonstrated effectiveness in delivering interactive, engaging, and tailored education, helping individuals with cognitive impairments better understand medical procedures and the importance of preventive care. The integration of robotics in cancer awareness education offers a promising solution by providing an appealing and accessible learning experiences tailored to individuals with ID.

A number of studies have been conducted to investigate the use of social robots in healthcare learning .Findings demonstrate that technology which utilises artificial intelligence, speech recognition, and interactive displays enhance learning among individuals with cognitive impairments3 .A randomised controlled trial conducted in 2021 found the physical presence of the robot played a key role in engaging adults with ID and was valuable in learning as a facilitator of communication4.

Robots can simplify cancer awareness concepts using visual aids, step-by-step explanations, and gamification techniques to improve comprehension and retention. Additionally, research has shown that robots provide a non-judgmental and anxiety-free environment, making it easier for individuals with ID to engage with health education materials5,6.They also positively influence health behaviours and encourage proactive awareness participation7 Interactive robotic assistants have been shown to improve knowledge retention and promote adherence to medical recommendations among individuals with ID 8 Additionally it has also been demonstrated that social robots increase motivation in people with ASD when participating in educational activity9 By fostering independent learning and reducing healthcare disparities, robotics-based education represents a transformative approach to promoting cancer awareness screening and early detection.

'Breaking down Barriers' report10 (2023) is an assessment of the needs of disabled people in accessing cancer awareness services in Ireland. Recommendations to enhance cancer awareness in this population include person centred training and education using materials and assistive technologies to enhance delivery.

To this end the investigators plan to conduct a pilot a clinical trial to deliver Cancer Awareness and Prevention Education using the robot 'Pepper'. The trial will be conducted in collaboration with partners at the Brothers of Charity and colleagues at University of Galway, Galway University Hospital cancer services with support from the National Breast Cancer Research Institute ( NBCRI) ensuring co-design, implementation fidelity, and translation to routine care.

Cancer awareness resources already established by the National Cancer screening service will be utilised.

This pilot will assess feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of a robot-led education intervention to improve knowledge, reduce anxiety, and encourage participation in population-based cancer awareness programmes.

The project aligns with the Irish National Screening Service (NSS) programmes (e.g., Breast Check and Bowel Screen) and leverages accessible educational materials already established by NSS, adapted for delivery by Pepper.

Co-design workshops with adults with ID, caregivers, and Limelight staff will inform: content selection, accessible wording, imagery, session pacing, and anxiety supports. PPI contributors will review the easy-read materials and pilot the interaction flow on Pepper.

Being tested
Robot delivered Education
Keywords
cancer awareness and prevention education, intellectual disablity, robotics, breast self examination
Medical subject headings
Intellectual Disability, Breast Self-Examination

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Robot delivered EducationOther

    Two Pepper Robot educational sessions , each approx. 10-15 minutes in duration delivered within a 2-week window, to small groups (2-5) or individually if needed, to people with intellectual disability Breast cancer awareness and breast examination training will be delivered via the robot pepper. Participants will use the breast examination mannequin and also the breast awareness shower card to enhance learning about performing self breast -examination Colorectal cancer awareness information and red flag symptoms will also be delivered via pepper

Study groups in NCT07477938
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
ARM AExperimentalEach participant will receive at two ( or more if required) Pepper Robot sessions approx. 10-15 minutes delivered within a 2-week window, in small groups (2-5) or individually as needed. Breast cancer awareness and breast examination training will be delivered via pepper. Participants will use the breast examination mannequin and also the breast awareness shower card to enhance learning about performing self breast -examination Colorectal cancer awareness information and red flag symptoms will also be delivered via pepper
Receives: Other: Robot delivered Education

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Change in cancer awareness knowledge score range from pre- to post-intervention (immediate),

    Easy-read Knowledge Questionnaire (breast \& bowel awareness, 10-15 items each, pictorial supports, multiple choice/true-false.

    Measured: Before enrolment and post intervention -immediately after the final education session

Secondary outcomes (7)
  1. Anxiety level related to checking for red flag symptoms (pre/post) using a 5-point visual faces scale validated/adapted for ID populations

    Visual Faces Anxiety Scale (3 -point) will measure anxiety levels

    Measured: At baseline and post intervention -immediately after the final education session

  2. Intention to check for red flag symptoms (pre/post) on a 5-point pictorial Likert scale.

    Smiley face Likert scale (1-5) will measure assessment of intention to check for red flag symptoms and conduct self breast examinations (3)

    Measured: At basline and post intervention -immediately after the final education session

  3. Participant experience of the semi-humanoid robot to deliver the educational program via short structured questionnaire.

    Participant Experience Smiley Face Survey will be used to assess the participants in using the semi humanoid robot Pepper to deliver cancer awareness education

    Measured: At baseline and post intervention -immediately after the final education session

  4. Participant acceptability of the semi-humanoid robot to deliver the educational program via short structured questionnaire.

    Smiley Face Survey will be used to assess the participants acceptability in using the semi humanoid robot Pepper to deliver cancer awareness education.

    Measured: At baseline and post intervention -immediately after the final education session

  5. Participant reported usability of the semi-humanoid robot to deliver the educational program via short structured questionnaire.

    Smiley Face Survey will be used to assess participants percieved usability of the semi humanoid robot Pepper to deliver cancer awareness education.

    Measured: At baseline and post intervention -immediately after the final education session

  6. The acceptability of using a robot assisted educational program

    System Assessment for Staff and Professionals survey -6 point questionairre.

    Measured: At end of study

  7. The usability of a robot system for delivery of an educational program

    System Usability Scale (SUS)

    Measured: At end of study

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted17 Mar 2026
  2. Study start1 May 2026 (estimated)
  3. Primary completion30 Jul 2026 (estimated)
  4. Study completion30 Sep 2026 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Prevention
Allocation
Not applicable
Intervention model
Single group
Model description
This is a single-arm, open-label, non-randomized pilot feasibility trial conducted at a single community site with support from Galway University Hospital Cancer Services and University of Galway Research team. Approximately 25 adults with ID will receive the robot ' Pepper'-led education intervention addressing both breast and colorectal cancer awareness. This a pragmatic pilot study to inform a future larger controlled clinical trial.
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
25 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07477938
Sponsor's protocol ID
Galway01
Acronym
Pep-SMARTID
Status last verified
Mar 2026
First submitted
26 Feb 2026
Last updated
17 Mar 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Yes: Raw Anonymized Datasets: Coded data with Personal Health Information (PHI) removed will be shared.

Publications

  • Ortigosa Quiles JM, Garcia-Banda Garcia G, Chellew K, Ponsell Vicens E, Riquelme Marin A, Nicolas Carrasco MP. Identification of degrees of anxiety in children with three- and five-face facial scales. Psicothema. 2013;25(4):446-51. doi: 10.7334/psicothema2012.287.

    PubMed 24124776
  • 10. Cithambara k, Corby, D., & Hartnett, L ., Healy S., Joyce, D (2023). Breaking Down Barriers: An Assessment of the Needs of Disabled People in Accessing Population-Based Awareness Services in Ireland. 10.13140/RG.2.2.26735.82085.

  • 9. Desideri, L., Negrini, M., Malavasi, M. et al. Using a Humanoid Robot as a Complement to Interventions for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Pilot Study. Adv Neurodev Disord 2, 273-285 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41252-018

  • 8. Feil-Seifer, D., & Matarić, M. J. (2011). Socially assistive robotics. IEEE Transactions on Autonomous Mental Development, 3(1), 88-103.

  • 7. Papadopoulos, C., Koulouglioti, C., Ali, S., & Manthorpe, J. (2020). Promoting cancer awareness uptake for people with intellectual disabilities. BMC Public Health, 20(1), 1425

  • 6. Jordan A. Mann, Bruce A. MacDonald, I.-Han Kuo, Xingyan Li, Elizabeth Broadbent,People respond better to robots than computer tablets delivering healthcare instructions, Computers in Human Behavior, Volume 43,2015,Pages 112-117,ISSN 0747-5632,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2014.10.029

  • 5. Moyle, W., Jones, C., Cooke, M., O'Dwyer, S., Sung, B., & Drummond, S. (2017). Social robots helping people with dementia. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 26(23-24), 4765-4776

  • 4. Mitchell, A., Sitbon, L., Balasuriya, S.S., Koplick, S., Beaumont, C. (2021). Social Robots in Learning Experiences of Adults with Intellectual Disability: An Exploratory Study. In: Ardito, C., et al. Human-Computer Interaction - INTERACT 2021. INTERACT 2021. Lecture Notes in Computer Science(), vol 12932. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-85623-6_17

  • Scassellati B, Admoni H, Mataric M. Robots for use in autism research. Annu Rev Biomed Eng. 2012;14:275-94. doi: 10.1146/annurev-bioeng-071811-150036. Epub 2012 May 9.

    PubMed 22577778
  • 2. Flynn, S., Hulbert-Williams, N. J., Bramwell, R., & Stevens-Gill, D. (2015). Beliefs about cancer and health behaviors among individuals with intellectual disabilities. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 28(1), 36-45.

  • 1. Tuffrey-Wijne, I., Curfs, L., Finlay, I., Hollins, S., & Bernal, J. (2018). Cancer care for people with intellectual disabilities. European Journal of Oncology Nursing, 35, 25-30.

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Robot delivered Education in people with Cancer Awareness and Prevention Education and Breast Cancer Awareness, run by National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland at 1 site in Ireland.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 17 Mar 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Ireland. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Veronica McInerney, RN,PhD (+353 91494031, veronica.mcinerney@universityofgalway.ie), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Change in cancer awareness knowledge score range from pre- to post-intervention (immediate), (time frame: Before enrolment and post intervention -immediately after the final education session). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07477938, which also lists 11 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 17 Mar 2026.

Free account

Log in to keep searching

You’ve used your 3 free searches. AzTrials is free: log in or create a free account to keep searching clinical trials and save the ones you want to follow.

Create a free accountLog in