VetEd App for Mental Health Support in Student Veterans

Overseen By Paula Mroz, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development

Disqualifiers: Alcohol, Drug use, Cognitive impairment, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

13 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to develop and test a mobile app called VetEd for student Veterans with mental health issues. The app helps them plan their education, improve study skills, manage mental health, and find useful resources. It targets student Veterans who face higher rates of PTSD and depression, leading to academic challenges.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

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

What data supports the effectiveness of the VetEd Mobile Application treatment for mental health support in student veterans?

Research shows that mental health apps, like those developed by the VA and DoD, are generally seen as helpful by veterans, with some apps like PTSD Coach and Mindfulness Coach being rated as 'helpful' or 'very helpful'. However, actual use of these apps is low, and more awareness and education about these resources are needed to increase their effectiveness. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is the VetEd App safe for use in humans?

The available research on mental health apps for veterans, including those developed by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense, suggests that these apps are generally considered feasible and acceptable for use. However, specific safety data for the VetEd App is not provided, and more evidence is needed to fully understand the safety and effectiveness of these apps. ^{1 2 3 5 6}

How does the VetEd App treatment differ from other mental health treatments for student veterans?

The VetEd App is unique because it leverages mobile technology to provide mental health support specifically tailored for student veterans, addressing barriers like accessibility and stigma that often prevent them from seeking traditional care. Unlike standard treatments, this app offers a self-management approach, allowing veterans to engage with mental health resources at their convenience. ^{1 4 5 7 8}

Research Team

Erin D. Reilly, PhD

Principal Investigator

VA Bedford HealthCare System, Bedford, MA

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for student veterans who are currently enrolled in at least two higher education courses, own a smartphone, can read English, and have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder according to DSM-5. They should self-report difficulties with course activities but not have severe substance use disorders or recent suicidal ideation/hospitalization.

Inclusion Criteria

I am having trouble with my current course activities.

Willing and able to read in English

Current DSM-5 mental health disorder

Exclusion Criteria

I have not had severe thoughts of suicide or been hospitalized for psychiatric reasons in the last month.

Not currently enrolled as a student

Current or recent (within 1 month of study entry) moderate or severe DSM-5 alcohol or drug use disorder

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Usability Testing

Participants use the VetEd app at home and complete in-app tasks over a four-week period

4 weeks

Remote app usage

Follow-up

Participants are evaluated for app usefulness, effectiveness, learnability, satisfaction, and engagement

1 week

1 visit (in-person or virtual)

Treatment Details

Interventions

• VetEd Mobile Application

Trial Overview The VetEd Mobile Application is being tested as an academic support tool for student veterans with mental health issues. It aims to help them transition into the student role by providing resources for educational planning, academic skills enhancement, and mental health management.

Participant Groups

Group I: VetEd Mobile Application Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants be provided with the VetEd mobile app, with instructions on how to utilize the app at home over a four-week period.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

VA Office of Research and Development

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,691

Recruited

3,759,000+

Findings from Research

The systematic review analyzed 22 articles on 8 mental health apps developed by the Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense, highlighting their feasibility and acceptability among users, including patients and clinicians.

Evidence supporting the efficacy and effectiveness of these apps is limited, with only two apps (PTSD Coach and Virtual Hope Box) showing promising results, suggesting that clinicians should be cautious in promoting these tools until more robust evidence is available.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense mental health apps: A systematic literature review. Gould, CE., Kok, BC., Ma, VK., et al.[2019]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mobile applications may be the future of veteran mental health support but do veterans know yet? A survey of app knowledge and use. [2022]

2. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evaluation of a Psychoeducational Group to Expand Mobile Application Knowledge and Use in a Veteran Residential Treatment Program. [2023]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense mental health apps: A systematic literature review. [2019]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Harnessing mobile technology to reduce mental health disorders in college populations: A randomized controlled trial study protocol. [2022]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mental health apps and U.S. military veterans: Perceived importance and utilization of the National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder app portfolio. [2023]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Public implementation of a web-based program for veterans with risky alcohol use and PTSD: A RE-AIM evaluation of VetChange. [2021]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Student and Nonstudent National Guard Service Members/Veterans and Their Use of Services for Mental Health Symptoms. [2022]

8. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Can ResilienceNHope, an evidence-based text and email messaging innovative suite of programs help to close the psychological treatment and mental health literacy gaps in college students? [2023]