Improving depression care in Vietnam through task-shifting strategies

Randomized Control Trial on Implementation Strategies for Task-Shifting Depression Care in Vietnam

Not applicable Interventional City University of New York, School of Public Health · NCT04491045

This study is testing different ways to help healthcare workers in Vietnam provide better care for people with depression to see which method works best.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment918 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorCity University of New York, School of Public Health Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Bắc Giang and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04491045 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project aims to enhance depression care in Vietnam by testing three different implementation strategies to support healthcare providers in community health stations. It employs a cluster randomized control trial design and a mixed-methods approach to evaluate both the adoption of these strategies by providers and the resulting patient outcomes. The study focuses on training and supporting general practitioners, nurses, and social workers to deliver effective depression interventions, addressing the significant treatment gap in mental health services. By comparing the effectiveness of these models, the study seeks to identify the best approach for integrating depression care into primary healthcare settings.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18-65 with a PHQ-9 score of 10 or above who plan to receive care at participating community health stations.

Not a fit: Patients with psychosis, mania, substance abuse issues, or high suicide risk may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve access to effective depression treatment for patients in Vietnam.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar task-shifting approaches in mental health care, indicating potential for positive outcomes in this context.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Patient Participants:

* 18-65 years of age
* PHQ-9 score of 10 or above
* Planning to receive care at an eligible community health station
* Able to provide written informed consent

Provider Participants:

• General practitioners, nurses, social workers, and other qualified health care providers at a selected community health station selected by CHS Directors for depression care project.

Exclusion Criteria:

Patient Participants:

* Psychosis
* Mania
* Substance Abuse
* High suicide risk

Provider Participants: Cannot commit to full participation for the two year project period. Examples of reasons for potential barriers to commitment include leaving due to pursuit of advanced formal training at universities, anticipation of promotion or change in job status, anticipation of relocation.

Where this trial is running

Bắc Giang and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions DepressionBehavior ActivationProblem solving therapyDepression TreatmentDepression care integrationImplementation researchTask shiftingCollaborative care
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.