A program to improve mental health care for children in hospitals
I-CARE: The Effectiveness of a Modular Digital Intervention to Reduce Suicidal Ideation and Emotional Distress During Pediatric Psychiatric Boarding
This study is testing a new program with videos and activities to help kids aged 12-17 in hospitals feel better and reduce feelings of distress while they wait for mental health treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 109 (estimated) |
| Ages | 12 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06233747 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial tests the I-CARE program, designed for children aged 12-17 who are in medical hospitals awaiting inpatient mental health treatment. The program includes seven web-based animated videos and workbook activities that teach psychosocial skills, facilitated by licensed nursing assistants. Patients will engage with the program during their hospital stay and provide feedback through online surveys. The aim is to assess the program's feasibility and its impact on reducing emotional distress and suicidal thoughts among participants.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 12-17 who present to the emergency department with suicidal ideation or attempts and are awaiting psychiatric care.
Not a fit: Patients with cognitive or developmental delays, psychosis, or those whose primary issue is an eating disorder may not benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve mental health outcomes for hospitalized youth by providing essential psychosocial skills and support.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using digital interventions for mental health support, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adolescents aged 12-17 years * Ability to speak and complete surveys in English * Presented to ED with suicidal ideation or attempt * Awaiting psychiatric disposition * Receiving one-on-one safety supervision * Medically stable Exclusion Criteria: * Cognitive or developmental delays that preclude program participation based on clinical team assessment * Diagnosis of psychosis * Primary reason for hospitalization or ED visit is an eating disorder * Parent/guardian not fluent in English (or Spanish - future plan) * Admission or transfer for psychiatric care anticipated on the first day of potential enrollment * Clinical team concern for patient or staff safety based upon active behavioral concerns * In child protective custody/ward of the state
Where this trial is running
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and 1 other locations
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
- University of Vermont Medical Center — Burlington, Vermont, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: JoAnna K Leyenaar, MD, PhD, MPH — Dartmouth Health
- Study coordinator: Stephanie C. Acquilano, MA
- Email: stephanie.acquilano@dartmouth.edu
- Phone: 603-848-4742
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.