Feasibility of a Technology-Based Intervention for Depression Referral Uptake in Cancer Survivors
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age18+
SponsorMedical University of South Carolina
About this trial
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.
Eligibility criteria
This trial does not accept healthy volunteersQualifiers
age > 18 years
diagnosis of cancer
upcoming appointment in an HCC or HCN oncology clinic within 14 days
English proficiency
Disqualifiers
cognitive impairment as evaluated by attending physician
currently receiving counseling for depression
Trial design
Design model
Parallel
Treatments tested in this trial
Technology-Enabled Tailored Referral
BehavioralParticipants 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.
Treatment groups
60 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groupsGroup A: Technology-Enabled Tailored ReferralExperimental treatment 1 intervention
Group B: Usual Care ReferralNo intervention 0 interventions
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Feasibility and Acceptability
The co-primary outcomes are acceptability and feasibility of the technology-enabled referral intervention. Acceptability will be measured using the System Usability Scale (SUS) at 6 weeks, with a score ≥80 indicating high acceptability. Feasibility will be assessed by determining whether key components of the intervention were successfully delivered and engaged with over the course of the 4 week intervention, including: (1) initiation of text-based contact, (2) delivery of tailored messages, and (3) access of the automated referral link by the participant. Additionally, participant engagement will be evaluated by tracking whether they opened the initial message, viewed the embedded video, and read the tailored text messages. These outcomes will be summarized using a Bayesian beta-binomial approach to determine go/no-go decision thresholds for future scale-up.
Time frame
6 weeksSecondary outcomes
1
Referral Uptake
Referral uptake is defined as whether a participant initiates a mental health treatment referral at 6 weeks. It will be measured through participant self-report and, when available, verified via electronic health records or provider confirmation.
Time frame
6 weeksSponsors and contacts
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Source ClinicalTrials.gov