What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to find the best way to deliver anxiety and depression questionnaires to people with epilepsy. Researchers are comparing methods such as email, text message, and electronic health record (EHR) portals to determine which one yields the most completed responses. Those with an upcoming appointment at an epilepsy clinic who wish to help improve mental health screenings might find this trial suitable. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to enhancing mental health care delivery for epilepsy patients.
Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.
What prior data suggests that these screening methods are safe for patients with epilepsy?
Past studies have proven that screening questionnaires for anxiety and depression are safe for people with epilepsy. Research shows these tools can identify mental health issues without harming patients. One study found that using these questionnaires can be a regular part of epilepsy care without negative effects.
Additionally, sending these questionnaires electronically, such as through emails or text messages, poses no risk of physical harm. This technology increases completion rates, facilitating early detection of issues. Overall, research strongly supports the safety of these screening methods, confirming they are a safe choice for patients.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores innovative ways to identify anxiety and depression in people with epilepsy through various digital prompts. Unlike traditional methods that might rely on in-person screening or less frequent assessments, this trial uses customized email prompts, text messages, and electronic health record (EHR) notifications to encourage regular mental health check-ins. This approach could lead to more timely and consistent monitoring, ensuring that patients receive support when they need it most. By leveraging technology, the trial aims to make mental health screenings more accessible and integrated into everyday healthcare routines.
What evidence suggests that these screening delivery methods are effective for anxiety and depression in epilepsy?
Research has shown that using questionnaires to screen for anxiety and depression in people with epilepsy can be helpful. This trial will compare different methods of delivering these questionnaires. Participants in one arm will receive a customized email prompt with a REDCap survey link, while another arm will receive a text message via Twilio. Another group will be prompted with a customized message in their EHR portal, and a final group will have access to the questionnaires in their EHR portal without receiving a reminder. Studies have found that integrating these questionnaires into electronic health records (EHR) increases completion rates. Early detection of anxiety and depression is crucial for better management of these conditions. Previous research suggests that the delivery method, such as email or text, can influence completion rates. Although less research exists on anxiety screening compared to depression, the current evidence still supports using these tools to help manage mental health in people with epilepsy.16789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Heidi M. Munger Clary, MD, MPH
Principal Investigator
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults with epilepsy who have a clinic visit scheduled at least 7 days in advance. There are no specific exclusions, meaning it's open to anyone meeting the inclusion criteria.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Randomized Delivery
Participants receive anxiety and depression screening instruments via one of four randomized delivery methods (REDCap email, Twilio text, EHR portal with reminder, EHR portal without reminder)
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for completion of screening instruments and clinic visit attendance
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Screening Questionnaires
Trial Overview
The study is testing how well patients complete anxiety and depression questionnaires using different methods: REDCap versus Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems. It aims to see if one method leads to better completion rates.
How Is the Trial Designed?
4
Treatment groups
Active Control
Subjects in this arm will be asked to complete standard care screening questionnaires on anxiety and depression, delivered by an email with a REDCap email survey link.
Subjects in this arm will be asked to complete standard care screening questionnaires on anxiety and depression, delivered by Twilio text message.
Subjects in this arm will be prompted with customized EHR portal message after login to EHR portal.
Subjects in this arm will not receive a reminder, but previsit questionnaires associated with a visit will be in their EHR portal.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Lead Sponsor
National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS)
Collaborator
Citations
Anxiety screening tools in people with epilepsy
Many studies have validated depression screening tools rather than anxiety. This lack of data has left much uncertainty about the relationship of epilepsy ...
Implementing electronic health record-based anxiety and ...
This study aimed to develop an implementation strategy for anxiety and depression screening at an epilepsy center and evaluate it in a pre-post design.
What is the role of screening instruments in ...
This article reviews recent literature on the utility of depression and anxiety screening instruments in epilepsy care.
Depression & Anxiety - American Epilepsy Society
This toolkit is to create an easy-to-use guide to inform a clinician's selection of behavioral health screening tools to best fit both their patient population ...
5.
news-medical.net
news-medical.net/news/20250521/New-strategy-improves-screening-rates-for-anxiety-and-depression-among-epilepsy-patients.aspxNew strategy improves screening rates for anxiety and ...
A new study from researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine shows an improvement in screening rates for anxiety and depression among epilepsy ...
Depression Screening Tools: More Hammers, Fewer Nails
The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature on the validity of depression-screening tools in epilepsy. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and ...
Screening for depression in patients with epilepsy: What ...
Screening for depression in people with epilepsy (PWE) is highly recommended in order to avoid underdiagnosis, misdiagnosis, or delayed diagnosis.
8.
aesnet.org
aesnet.org/clinical-care/treatments/resources-for-providers/behavioral-health-screeners-for-cliniciansBehavioral Health Toolkit: Depression & Anxiety
Why screening matters in epilepsy care. Anxiety and depression are common in people with epilepsy and can worsen quality of life and seizure outcomes if missed.
Feasibility and Insights from Automated Depression ...
Virtual routine screening is feasible in busy tertiary epilepsy clinics as part of care for PWE to identify psychiatric comorbidities.
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