Avatar-guided intervention for young adults with alcohol use and suicidal thoughts
Development and Evaluation of an Avatar-guided Mobile Health Intervention for Emerging Adults With Alcohol Misuse and Suicidality
This study is testing a new mobile app that uses an avatar to help young adults aged 18-29 who struggle with binge drinking and suicidal thoughts, to see if it can support them better than regular care alone.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 29 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Massachusetts, Worcester Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Marlborough, Massachusetts and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06595862 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This open pilot trial evaluates a newly developed mobile health intervention designed to assist emerging adults aged 18-29 who are experiencing binge drinking and suicidal ideation. Participants will be recruited from the emergency department and will receive access to an avatar-guided digital intervention alongside standard care for a duration of 12 weeks. The study aims to assess the usability of the intervention and the feasibility of conducting daily assessments and follow-ups over a 28-day period. Data will be collected through various measures, including qualitative interviews and usability scales, to refine the intervention based on participant feedback.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are emerging adults aged 18-29 who present to the emergency department with binge drinking and active suicidal ideation.
Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive delays, active psychosis, or those at imminent safety risk may not benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could provide a novel and effective tool for managing alcohol use problems and suicidal thoughts in young adults.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in using digital interventions for mental health and substance use issues.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Emergency department admission for alcohol- or suicide-related reason * aged 18-29 * speak, read, and understand English * binge drinking and alcohol use problems in the past month * active suicidal ideation in the past month * owning and having access to a personal smartphone Exclusion Criteria: * severe cognitive delay, active psychosis, or heavy intoxication that precludes research participation * at imminent safety risk and need to be on a 1:1 observation, in which case research may interfere with their clinical care in the emergency department * under arrest or a prisoner/inmate * not interested or are unwilling to use an avatar-guided digital intervention
Where this trial is running
Marlborough, Massachusetts and 1 other locations
- UMass Memorial Health - Marlborough Hospital — Marlborough, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
- UMass Memorial, University Campus — Worcester, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Lourah M. Kelly — UMass Worcester (UMass Chan Medical School)
- Study coordinator: Lourah M Kelly, Ph.D.
- Email: Lourah.Kelly@umassmed.edu
- Phone: 508-948-8973
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.