Behavioral health program for short-stay nursing facility residents and their care partners

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized, controlled feasibility study will assign short-stay skilled nursing facility residents who screen positive for depressive symptoms and their primary support persons to either the InSTILL behavioral health program or minimally enhanced usual care. The team will deliver the intervention in the post-acute nursing facility setting and collect outcome data at three scheduled timepoints plus a brief exit interview. Key eligibility includes adults (≥18) resident-care partner pairs, with exclusion for more than mild cognitive impairment, very short expected stays (<7 days), high suicide risk, or newly initiated psychotherapy. The trial is being conducted through Massachusetts General Hospital and focuses on feasibility, participant satisfaction, and whether the program appears helpful.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient and care partner both aged ≥ 18 years
* Patient with care partner (known person providing regular health-related, socioemotional, or practical support) willing to participate
* Patient reporting depression symptoms on a screening tool (Patient Health Questionnaire)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patient intended length of nursing facility stay \< 7 days
* Patient evidencing more than mild impairment on a cognitive screen (Brief Interview for Mental Status)
* Patient's roommate in skilled nursing facility already enrolled in study/intervention
* Either patient or care partner reporting high risk of suicidality, based on a standardized safety assessment tool
* Either patient or care partner participating in newly initiated psychotherapy

Where it's running

• Massachusetts General Hospital
  Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Evan Plys, PhD — Massachusetts General Hospital
• Study coordinator: Makenna E Law, BS
• Email: brisk@mgb.org
• Phone: 617-643-9406

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.