Digital monitoring to screen for mental health in teens and young adults with cancer
Using Digital Phenotyping to Optimize Psychosocial Risk Screening and Personalized Care: a Pilot Study in Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer
This project tests whether tracking smartphone and smartwatch data plus short surveys can find and speed help for mental health needs in adolescents and young adults recently diagnosed with cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 25 (estimated) |
| Ages | 10 Years to 25 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Stanford University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Palo Alto, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT07220343 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Participants will use the My Personal Health Dashboard (MyPHD) smartphone app to complete brief ecological momentary assessments (EMAs) and carry a smartphone and wearable smartwatch that collect passive behavioral data. The study uses digital phenotyping algorithms to identify participants showing signs of psychosocial distress and to triage those at higher risk to timely mental health services. Eligible participants are 10–25 years old with a cancer diagnosis made 2–18 months prior, and must be able to use a smartphone and smartwatch and read English or Spanish. The intervention is implemented at a single site, with data-driven notifications intended to accelerate access to supportive care.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are 10–25-year-olds diagnosed with cancer 2–18 months ago who can carry a smartphone, wear a smartwatch, and read English or Spanish.
Not a fit: Patients with significant physical or cognitive disabilities that prevent completing study activities, those unable to use a smartphone/smartwatch, or those who do not speak English or Spanish are unlikely to benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could identify mental health needs earlier and speed access to counseling and support for young people with cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Prior EMA and digital phenotyping studies in youth mental health have shown promising early results for detecting mood changes and risk, but using these methods to triage clinical care is still emerging rather than fully proven.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 10-25 years old * Recent cancer diagnosis (\>2 and \<18 months since diagnosis) * Willing to carry smartphone on their person for duration of study participation * Willing to wear smartwatch for duration of study participation Exclusion Criteria: * Significant physical or mental disability that prevents completion of study activities * Lack of proficiency in English or Spanish
Where this trial is running
Palo Alto, California
- Stanford University — Palo Alto, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Victoria Cosgrove, PhD — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Olivia Borge
- Email: oborge@stanford.edu
- Phone: (650) 723-9392
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.