Study Status & Progress

• Recruitment for the VISTA Study has been successfully completed.
• A total of 20 participants have completed the full intervention visits.
• The study team is currently in the data analysis phase, examining outcomes related to feasibility, acceptability, and participant experiences.

Main Goals of the Study

Goal 1: Develop a person-centered, value-based intervention that improves digital literacy for older adults

Goal 2: Test how acceptable, feasible, and helpful the digital literacy intervention is for older adults with and without frailty.

Why It Matters:

1. Many older adults face barriers such as limited internet access, difficulty using devices, and fear of technology
2. Lack of digital skills can make it harder to stay connected with family, connect with healthcare teams, or even access important health information
3. Improving digital literacy can increase confidence, social support, and independence

The VISTA program aims to bring individualized digital support directly into the home and is customized to each participant’s comfort level and goals

What the VISTA Program Included

1. 4-6 Home Visits over 9 Weeks
2. Interim Phone Check-ins for Support
3. Free Internet Access Assistance (as needed)
4. Free iPad Provided (as needed)
5. Customized Technology Skill Building
   • Using tablets and smartphones
   • Adjusted settings for vision and accessibility
   • Help managing email and apps
   • Navigating the internet safely
   • Help using telehealth and patient portals like MyChart
6. Personalized goal development based on what matters most to participants
7. $100 compensation for full participation

Who Participated

Participants in the VISTA Study:

1. 65 years or older
2. Speak English
3. Have not had more than three hospitalizations in the past year
4. Do not have severe cognitive impairment

What Participation Looked Like

Initial Phone Call
Participants completed an introductory phone call to discuss internet access, prior technology use, and to schedule the first home visit.

Home-Based Visits
A Digital Access Specialist:

• Learned about participants’ values, preferences, and prior experiences with technology
• Assisted with iPad and internet setup when needed
• Taught step-by-step digital skills based on participant goals
• Helped develop SMART goals for practicing skills between sessions

Between Visits
Participants received supportive phone calls to monitor progress and troubleshoot challenges.

Wrap-Up Visit
Participants:

• Reviewed progress made during the program
• Discussed plans for continued digital skill development
• Received community-based resources for ongoing learning

Principal Investigator

Principal Investigator: Melissa deCardi Hladek, PhD, CRNP, FNP-BC

Want to Learn More?

Email: [email protected]

Phone/Text: 410-705-5808

Findings & What’s Next

What We Are Learning
We are still looking at the study data. So far, we see that participants liked the one-on-one support they received in their homes. Many found it helpful to work on technology skills that matched their own goals and comfort level. We will continue to review the data to better understand how well the program worked and how participants felt about it.

What Happens Next
The VISTA study team will:

• Finish reviewing all study data
• Summarize what we learned from participants
• Share results through presentations, reports, and publications
• Use what we learned to help shape future programs and research

We will share updates as more results become available.

Clinical trials.gov #: NCT06479707