Behavioral program to help depressed nursing home residents see if it helps
Official title: Building Resilience in Skilled Nursing Care: Open Pilot for a Behavioral Health Intervention
Run by Massachusetts General Hospital · NCT07655232 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests the InSTILL program to see if it is feasible, satisfactory, and helpful for residents of skilled nursing facilities who have depressive symptoms.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Massachusetts General Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 17, 2025 |
| Main results expected | January 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | February 28, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 20, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07655232 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Residents of skilled nursing facilities aged 18 or older with depressive symptoms and multiple chronic conditions, able and willing to participate.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with very short expected stays, severe cognitive impairment, active high-risk suicide ideation, or recent initiation of psychotherapy may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This pilot study will enroll adults in skilled nursing facilities who have depressive symptoms and multiple chronic conditions. Participants will complete six bi-weekly InSTILL sessions and undergo assessments at three timepoints plus a brief exit interview to gauge feasibility and satisfaction. The study aims to determine whether the program can be delivered as planned and whether residents perceive benefit. Lead site is Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, with no other collaborators listed. The trial will help inform whether a larger trial is warranted.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, residents may experience improved mood and coping with transitions, contributing to better quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Prior behavior-focused programs for older adults show potential benefits in similar settings, but this exact InSTILL approach in SNFs is exploratory.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Psychological distress, as indicated by a score Patient Health Questionnaire- 2 ≥ 2 OR Patient Health Questionnaire-9 ≥ 5 * 5+ chronic conditions based on Elixhauser Comorbidity Index * Aged ≥ 18 years * Able and willing to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: * Intended length of SNF stay \< 7 days * More than mild cognitive impairment, as indicted by Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) \<13 * Participant's roommate is already enrolled in study/intervention * High risk of suicide/active documented SI per the PHQ-9, item 9 or otherwise * Participation 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: BRISK Study Coordinator
- Email: brisk@mgb.org
- Phone: 617-643-9406
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.