REACHOUT Mental Health Support App for Type 1 Diabetes

Overseen By Yasmin Banga, MA

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of British Columbia

Disqualifiers: Mental health, Multiple co-morbidities, Substance use, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

225 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial investigates the effectiveness of the REACHOUT app, which offers mental health support to adults with type 1 diabetes through peer interactions and virtual meetings. The app includes personalized peer support, a 24/7 chat room, and virtual educational sessions. It aims to provide emotional and practical help to those managing type 1 diabetes.

Research Team

Tricia S Tang, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of British Columbia

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults over 19 with type 1 diabetes who live in certain areas of British Columbia, speak English, and experience some distress related to their diabetes. They must have internet or smartphone access. Those with pre-existing mental health conditions or substance use issues cannot participate.

Inclusion Criteria

I have type 1 diabetes.

Your average score on the diabetes distress scale is 2 or higher.

Have access to the internet and/or a smartphone.

Exclusion Criteria

Participants with a pre-existing mental health condition, multiple co-morbidities, substance use challenges, and or any other condition that may prevent meaningful participation may not participate in this study.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants receive peer-led mental health support via the REACHOUT mobile app for 6 months

6 months

Baseline, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months assessments

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in diabetes distress, perceived social support, and other health metrics

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• REACHOUT Virtual Mental Health Support

Trial Overview The study tests a mobile app called REACHOUT that offers peer-led mental health support to adults with type 1 diabetes. Participants will use the app's features like chat rooms and virtual happy hours for six months, compared to a wait-list group.

Participant Groups

Group I: REACHOUT Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The REACHOUT intervention arm will receive access to the REACHOUT mobile app through which they will be able to review profiles of Peer Supporters and connect with one of their choosing. They will also have access to the other app features including a 24/7 chat room and face-to-face support via virtual happy hours. Participants will complete questionnaires (baseline, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months) and a blood draw (baseline and 6 months). Monetary compensation will be provided for their time and effort.

Group II: Wait-list Active Control 1 Intervention

The wait-list control group will receive access to the mobile app/support program after six (6) months. They will complete questionnaires and a blood draw at baseline and 6 months. Monetary compensation will be provided for their time and effort.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of British Columbia

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,506

Recruited

2,528,000+

Brain Canada

Collaborator

Trials

22

Recruited

6,100+

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

Collaborator

Trials

237

Recruited

142,000+