Brief problem-solving program in person, by conference call, or via smartphone to prevent suicide in adults over 50
Official title: Efficacy of a Brief Poblem-solving Based Psychological Intervention Implemented in Different Formats for the Indicated Prevention of Suicide in Adults Over 50
Run by University of Santiago de Compostela · NCT06338904 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether a short problem-solving program delivered in person, by conference call, or through a smartphone app can reduce suicidal thoughts in people aged 50 and older who live in Galicia, Spain.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 50 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 212 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Santiago de Compostela Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 1, 2023 |
| Main results expected | May 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | May 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | May 5, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06338904 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal participants are adults aged 50 or older who live in Galicia, speak Spanish, report suicidal ideation, can use a mobile device if assigned to the app arm, and have not started new mental health treatment in the past two months.
✕Probably not a fit
People with serious mental health or medical disorders, those who recently began psychological or pharmacological treatment, those without Spanish fluency or a suitable mobile device, or those planning to move soon are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
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 trial compares a brief problem-solving psychological intervention delivered in three formats — face-to-face, conference call, and smartphone app — for adults aged 50 and older with suicidal ideation. Participants meeting inclusion criteria are randomized to one of the delivery formats and receive a short, structured problem-solving program aimed at reducing suicidal thoughts. Key exclusions include serious mental or medical disorders, recent start of psychological or pharmacological treatment, lack of Spanish fluency or suitable devices, and plans to move during follow-up. Outcomes focus on changes in suicidal ideation and related symptoms across follow-up periods to determine whether remote delivery formats are as effective as face-to-face delivery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, the intervention could reduce suicidal thoughts and expand access to brief suicide prevention for older adults by offering remote options.
How similar studies have gone: Face-to-face problem-solving therapies have shown some reductions in suicidal ideation in prior research, but brief interventions delivered by conference call or app are much less tested and evidence is limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Be at least 50 years old * Reside in Galicia * Present suicidal ideation Exclusion Criteria: * Present serious mental health or medical disorders * Have begun receiving psychological or psychopharmacological treatment in the previous two months or are participating in other suicide prevention research * Do not have an appropriate mobile device or sufficient fluency to communicate in Spanish, or have problems that make it impossible to participate * Plan to move in the next 18 months.
Where it's running
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Research Group on Mental Health and Psychopatology
Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Fernando L. Vazquez González, PhD. — University of Santiago de Compostela
- Study coordinator: Fernando L. Vázquez González, PhD.
- Email: fernandolino.vazquez@usc.es
- Phone: (00 34) 881811000
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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.