RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

"Healthcare APPlication for Children and Young People With Neuromotor Disabilities": a Digital Tool to Promote Integrated Pediatric Rehabilitation Care for Children and Young People With Disabilities and Their Families: a Mixed-methods Usability-acceptability-impact Study (HAPPY)

This study looks at a new app, "Deneo Kid," designed for children and young people (aged 2-25) with conditions affecting their movement, like cerebral palsy. The app aims to improve how families communicate and work with their healthcare team. Researchers want to find out if the app is easy to use, whether people like it, and if it helps create more joined-up and family-focused care. Participants, including the young person, their family, and healthcare professionals, will use the app for three months. They will share information, set care goals, and talk to each other through the app. The study hopes to show if "Deneo Kid" can make a real difference in how care is organised and delivered.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University Hospital, Brest

Enrolment target

Start

05 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2026

Children and Adolescents With Neuromotor Impairment Children and Youth With Special Healthcare Needs

What is this study about?

This study is called HAPPY, which stands for "Healthcare APPlication for Children and Young People With Neuromotor Disabilities." It's looking at whether a new digital tool, or app, called "Deneo Kid" can help improve the care for children and young people who have conditions that affect their movement, such as cerebral palsy or certain injuries. These conditions are sometimes called "neuromotor disabilities."

The main idea behind "Deneo Kid" is to make it easier for young people, their families, and all the healthcare professionals involved in their care to work together. Often, children with these conditions see many different doctors, therapists, and other specialists, which can make it hard to keep everyone on the same page. The app was designed with input from young people, families, and healthcare providers in France, specifically to help coordinate care better and focus it more on the young person's and family's needs.

Over three months, participants will use the "Deneo Kid" app to share information, keep track of their care goals, and communicate with their healthcare team. The study aims to find out if the app is simple to use, if people find it helpful, and if it genuinely leads to more connected, family-centred care. It will also look at how the app might affect communication, relationships, and even how much time and money is spent on coordinating care. The results will help decide if "Deneo Kid" could be a valuable tool for supporting better care in the future.

Key takeaways

Exploring a new app called "Deneo Kid" for children and young people with movement difficulties.
Aims to improve teamwork and communication between families and healthcare professionals.
Involves using the app for three months to share information and track goals.
Will assess if the app is easy to use, helpful, and improves care coordination.
Participants include young people (2-25), their parents, and their healthcare team.
Study contributes to understanding how digital tools can support rehabilitation care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for children and young people aged 2 to 25 who have conditions affecting their movement and who are already receiving rehabilitation care. This could include conditions like cerebral palsy or difficulties after a brain injury, where their movement challenges affect their everyday life.

To join, a child or young person must be having rehabilitation at least once a week from at least two different healthcare professionals, for example, a doctor and a physiotherapist, or an occupational therapist and a speech therapist. The aim of their rehabilitation should be to help them become more independent and take part in daily activities.

Parents or legal guardians of eligible children are also included, as are the healthcare professionals who work with these children. Everyone participating must have access to a computer, smartphone, or tablet so they can use the app. You won't be able to join if you don't want to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Is my child aged 2 to 25 years old?
Does my child have a condition that affects their movement and everyday activities?
Is my child currently receiving rehabilitation care at least once a week from two or more professionals?
Do I, as a parent or guardian, have access to a computer, smartphone, or tablet?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you, your child (if they are old enough), and your child's rehabilitation team will use the "Deneo Kid" app for three months. Through the app, you will share information, track your child's care goals, and speak with the healthcare team. During these three months, you will continue with your child's usual rehabilitation appointments as normal.

Before you start using the app, and again after the three months, you will be asked to complete some short surveys. These surveys will ask about how easy the app is to use, if you like it, and how you feel it has affected your child's care. Some participants will also be invited to have a chat (an interview) or join a group discussion (a focus group) to share their experiences and thoughts about using the app in more detail.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer some benefits, such as potentially experiencing improved communication and coordination within your child's care team due to using the app. It also gives you a chance to try out a new tool that could make managing care easier and more focused on your family’s needs. The main risk is the time commitment required to use the app and complete the surveys or interviews. While personal and medical information shared on the app will be kept secure, as with all digital tools, there is always a very small, theoretical risk of data breach. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your child's ongoing medical care.

Locations (1)

Chu Brest
Verified postcode
Brest, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What kind of conditions are included?

This study is for children and young people with conditions that affect their movement, like cerebral palsy, brain injuries, or other conditions that limit their ability to do everyday things.

How long will I or my child be in the study?

You, your child, and their healthcare team will use the "Deneo Kid" app for a total of three months.

Do I need any special equipment?

You will need access to a computer, smartphone, or tablet to use the "Deneo Kid" app.

Will using the app replace my child's usual appointments?

No, you will continue with your child’s normal rehabilitation appointments. The app is designed to help coordinate existing care, not replace it.

Who developed this app?

The "Deneo Kid" app was developed through a partnership involving the University Hospital of Brest and a company called Deneo in France, with input from young people, families, and professionals.

How to find out more

Marietta Kersalé, OT, MSc, PhD student

marietta.kersale@chu-brest.fr +33633498971 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.