Technology-Based Intervention for Depression
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to assist cancer survivors with depression by testing a new text-based system, Technology-Enabled Tailored Referral, to connect them with appropriate care. Participants will receive personalized text messages to overcome treatment barriers and access mental health resources. The study compares this approach with the usual method of providing a flyer with mental health information. Ideal candidates for this trial are cancer survivors who have experienced depression symptoms and have a cellphone for texting. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative mental health care solutions.
What prior data suggests that this technology-based intervention is safe for cancer survivors with depression?
Research shows that digital tools can effectively manage depression. Past studies have found technology-based methods promising in reducing depression symptoms. For example, one study found that digital health tools led to noticeable improvement in depression symptoms over six months.
These tools, such as the Technology-Enabled Tailored Referral, are generally easy to use and well-received. They often involve simple text messages or videos, which are user-friendly and pose little risk. Previous research has reported no major negative side effects from similar digital methods. Overall, using technology to support mental health care is considered safe and could help connect cancer survivors with the depression care they need.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the Technology-Enabled Tailored Referral for depression because it uses a personalized, tech-driven approach to improve how people connect with mental health services. Unlike traditional methods, which typically involve providing general information through printed materials, this intervention uses text messages that are specifically tailored to address each participant's unique barriers to seeking help. By mapping messages to the stages of readiness using the Transtheoretical Model, the platform offers a more engaging and accessible way to encourage individuals to take action on their mental health needs. This method has the potential to increase the uptake of depression care by providing timely, personalized support through a medium that many people find convenient and easy to use.
What evidence suggests that this technology-enabled referral is effective for depression?
Research has shown that technology-based methods can help reduce depression symptoms. Studies have found digital mental health tools to be effective in improving symptoms of depression and anxiety. In this trial, participants in the intervention arm will use a technology-enabled, text-based referral system designed to enhance depression referral uptake. This system sends personalized messages and resources to keep patients engaged in their treatment. This approach may make it easier for individuals to manage depression, especially if they have difficulty accessing traditional mental health care.16789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Katherine Sterba, PhD
Principal Investigator
Medical University of South Carolina
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adult cancer survivors over 18 who can speak English, have a cellphone with texting, and show signs of depression. They must be scheduled for an oncology clinic visit within two weeks and score above a certain level on a quick depression screening test.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention
Participants receive a technology-enabled, text-based referral platform designed to improve depression referral uptake over a 4-week period
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for referral uptake and engagement with the intervention
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Technology-Enabled Tailored Referral
Trial Overview
Researchers are looking at how well a new text message system works to help people who've had cancer and are feeling depressed get connected to the right treatment.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Participants in the intervention arm will receive a technology-enabled, text-based referral platform designed to improve depression referral uptake. The platform includes an initial text with a brief video explaining common barriers, tailored text messages based on participant-identified barriers, and an automated referral link. Messages are mapped to stages of readiness using the Transtheoretical Model and sent every two days over a two-week period to non-responders or decliners. This approach aims to engage survivors with depression care through personalized, accessible, and stage-matched communication.
Participants in the usual care arm will receive a printed flyer with information on local and virtual mental health treatment resources. The flyer includes contact details for emergency services, psychiatric urgent care, psychological oncology programs, support groups, and behavioral health clinics in the Charleston area, many of which offer telehealth options. No personalized messages or follow-up outreach will be provided.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Medical University of South Carolina
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Depression and Anxiety Outcomes in a Technology-Enabled ...
Rates of reliable change, recovery, remission, deterioration, and the magnitude and trajectory of symptom change in depression and anxiety ...
Technology Enabled Services to Enhance Depression Care
OBJECTIVES. Depression and anxiety are common1 and impose a tremendous societal burden in terms of cost, morbidity, quality of life, ...
Comparative Effectiveness of Three Digital Interventions for ...
This randomized clinical trial found decreases in depression and anxiety symptoms across all DMHIs and minimal evidence that specific applications were better ...
Effectiveness of Digital Mental Health Tools to Reduce ... - PMC
Digital mental health tools are moderately to highly effective in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms in LMICs.
The efficacy of automated feedback after internet-based ...
The results of the DISCOVER trial show that automated feedback after internet-based depression screening did not reduce depression severity compared with no ...
An overview of and recommendations for more accessible ...
In this Review, we describe the evidence base for digital mental health interventions across various diagnoses and treatment targets.
Exploring digital health tools for depression management ...
The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of digital health tools for the management of depression within primary care.
6-Month Outcomes of a Large Clinical Trial
Conclusions: Both the technology-facilitated care and supported care delivery models showed potential to improve 6-month depression and ...
AI, neuroscience, and data are fueling personalized mental ...
The results of the study of Therabot users showed that people diagnosed with depression experienced a 51% average decrease in symptoms after ...
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