Feasibility of a Technology-Based Intervention for Depression Referral Uptake in Cancer Survivors

NCT ID: NCT07091968

Last Updated: 2025-12-17

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

60 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2026-01-31

Study Completion Date

2026-12-31

Brief Summary

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Depression is very common in cancer survivors but there are challenges to linking those in need of treatment efficiently to care. In this study, investigators will test the feasibility and acceptability of a new text-based approach to connect cancer survivors with depression with care.

Detailed Description

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The objectives of this study are 1) to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a technology-enabled approach to improve referral uptake among cancer survivors and 2) to evaluate the preliminary efficacy of this approach to improve referral uptake compared to usual care among cancer survivors.

Conditions

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Cancer Depression

Study Design

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Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

Primary Study Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Blinding Strategy

NONE

Study Groups

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Technology-Enabled Tailored Referral

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.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Technology-Enabled Tailored Referral

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

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 through personalized, accessible, and stage-matched communication.

Usual Care Referral

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.

Group Type NO_INTERVENTION

No interventions assigned to this group

Interventions

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Technology-Enabled Tailored Referral

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 through personalized, accessible, and stage-matched communication.

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

* age \> 18 years
* diagnosis of cancer
* upcoming appointment in an HCC or HCN oncology clinic within 14 days
* English proficiency
* ownership of a cellphone with SMS text capability.
* elevated depressive symptoms at screening (as measured by \> 3 on the PHQ-2)

Exclusion Criteria

* cognitive impairment as evaluated by attending physician
* currently receiving counseling for depression
Minimum Eligible Age

18 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Sponsors

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Medical University of South Carolina

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

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Katherine Sterba

Professor-Faculty

Responsibility Role PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Principal Investigators

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Katherine Sterba, PhD

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Medical University of South Carolina

Central Contacts

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Research Assistant/Coordinator

Role: CONTACT

843-792-5182

Other Identifiers

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Pro00142801

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id