Always Uniquely Me App for Learning Disabilities

(SCANS Trial)

This trial aims to determine if the Always Uniquely Me app can improve emergency department visits for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Researchers seek to understand if the app can reduce the need for restraints and enhance the emergency room experience. Participants will either use the app or continue with regular medical care to compare results. Individuals with a confirmed intellectual or developmental disability, who have visited a Northwell Health emergency department in the past year, and who own a smart device with internet access, may be suitable candidates. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative solutions for emergency care.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on using a mobile app, so it's unlikely that medication changes are required.

Research has shown that the Always Uniquely Me (AUM) mobile app is specially designed for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Input from these individuals and healthcare experts guided its creation to ensure safety and usefulness. Studies indicate that apps like AUM, which assist with learning and communication, generally maintain a good safety record.

The app is part of a broader initiative to enhance healthcare experiences for people with these disabilities. No specific negative effects have been reported for similar apps, suggesting that AUM is likely to be well-received, as it is based on successful models.

Unlike traditional treatments for learning disabilities, which often involve in-person therapy or educational interventions, the Always Uniquely Me app is a mobile application that provides personalized support directly on a user's phone. This app leverages technology to offer tailored strategies and exercises that can be accessed anytime, anywhere, making it highly convenient and adaptable to individual needs. Researchers are excited about this innovative approach because it has the potential to make support more accessible and engaging, especially for those who may have limited access to conventional resources. By integrating learning tools into a digital format, the app may significantly enhance the way individuals with learning disabilities manage their challenges.

Research has shown that the Always Uniquely Me (AUM) app, which participants in this trial may receive, can assist people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) by providing a digital way to manage their healthcare information and personal needs. Studies suggest that technology like this app might help reduce anxiety and stress in medical settings by giving users more control over their experiences. Early findings indicate that similar digital tools have successfully created safer and more supportive environments for patients with IDD. While researchers are still gathering specific data on the AUM app's ability to reduce the use of restraints or improve emergency room experiences, the app's design—developed with input from healthcare professionals and individuals with IDD—shows promise for improving health outcomes.¹²⁶⁷⁸