Social Prescribing and Relationship Cognitive Strategies (SPARCS)

Summary

The study team is testing the acceptability and feasibility of two treatments for improving loneliness: Social Prescribing and Brief Cognitive Therapy.

For this pilot study, the study team have adapted these treatments for Collaborative Care and are studying whether these are practical and well-received by patients that might use them.

Conditions

• Social Isolation
• Suicidal Ideation

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Brief Cognitive Therapy

This intervention will be delivered by participants Behavioral Health Care Manager during Collaborative Care Management appointments. These appointments typically take place over video call (telehealth). Each intervention consists of 4 sessions (approximately 20 minutes each), delivered over 3 months. Participants will also receive a one-time introductory session before starting the first intervention. Between sessions, there will be "homework" tasks, such as filling out worksheets or completing goals that are set with the provider. The therapy portion of the appointment only will be audio recorded using a voice recorder or secure meeting software. Audio recordings will be reviewed by study staff for training and compliance purposes.

BEHAVIORAL

Social Prescribing

This intervention will be delivered by participants Behavioral Health Care Manager during Collaborative Care Management appointments. These appointments typically take place over video call (telehealth). Each intervention consists of 4 sessions (approximately 20 minutes each), delivered over 3 months. Participants will also receive a one-time introductory session before starting the first intervention. Between sessions, there will be "homework" tasks, such as filling out worksheets or completing goals that are set with the provider. The therapy portion of the appointment only will be audio recorded using a voice recorder or secure meeting software. Audio recordings will be reviewed by study staff for training and compliance purposes.

OTHER

Enhanced Usual Care

Participants will receive an informational booklet on improving loneliness. Participants may initiate or continue Collaborative Care for other conditions on a not research basis.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

  collaborator NIH

• University of Michigan

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Paul Pfeiffer, MD · University of Michigan

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-12-30

Primary Completion

2026-07-31

Completion

2026-07-31

Countries

• United States

Study Locations