Improving depression treatment in heart disease patients using an electronic tool

An Information TecHnology Approach to ImplEmenting Depression TreAtment in CaRdiac PatienTs: [iHeartDepCare Trial]

NA · Columbia University · NCT03882411

This study is testing a new electronic tool to help heart disease patients with depression start treatment and feel better.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment350 (estimated)
Ages21 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorColumbia University (other)
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT03882411 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an electronic shared decision making (eSDM) intervention designed to address depressive symptoms in patients with coronary heart disease. It focuses on enhancing treatment initiation and reducing depressive symptoms through a hybrid effectiveness-implementation approach in diverse outpatient settings. The study will involve a pre-post design across various cardiology and primary care clinics, targeting patients who exhibit elevated depressive symptoms. By addressing barriers to treatment, the study seeks to improve both mental health and quality of life for these patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients with a history of coronary heart disease who are English or Spanish speaking and exhibit elevated depressive symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe cognitive impairment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the mental health and quality of life for patients with coronary heart disease experiencing depression.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using technology-based interventions for improving mental health outcomes, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* History of coronary heart disease
* English or Spanish Speaking
* Elevated Depressive symptoms (PHQ9 ≥10)
* Appointment at participating cardiology or primary care clinics

Exclusion Criteria:

* Under the care of a psychiatrist \[\*\*On 6/22/2022, this exclusion criteria was removed for those clusters of clinics not already in the post-implementation period\*\*\]
* Diagnosis/history of psychosis or schizophrenia
* Diagnosis/history of bipolar disorder
* Attempted suicide
* Non-English or Spanish speaking
* Dementia or severe cognitive impairment
* Non-elevated depressive symptoms
* Alcohol or substance abuse
* Pregnancy

Where this trial is running

New York, New York

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Depressive Symptoms, Coronary Heart Disease, Implementation science

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.