Improving mental health services in Malawi through leadership alignment
Aligning Facility Leadership and Climate to Advance Mental Health Services Integration in Malawi (ALIGN)
This study is testing if getting leaders on board with a new approach can help improve mental health services in Malawi more effectively than just having champions for the cause.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 1080 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Academic / other |
| Locations | 12 sites (Chiradzulu and 11 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06399991 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of a combined leadership alignment and champion implementation strategy versus a champion strategy alone for integrating evidence-based mental health treatments into various medical settings in Malawi. It addresses the significant mental health treatment gap in low- and middle-income countries by leveraging task-shared mental health interventions. The study aims to enhance the role of organizational leaders in supporting implementation efforts, thereby improving the overall climate for mental health services. By utilizing the Leadership and Organizational Change for Implementation (LOCI) strategy, the research seeks to foster a supportive environment for mental health care delivery.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are receiving medical care in the participating districts and have screened positive for common mental disorder symptoms.
Not a fit: Patients under 18 years old or those not currently receiving medical care in the participating districts will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve access to and quality of mental health services for patients in Malawi.
How similar studies have performed: While similar approaches have been explored in high-income countries, this specific implementation strategy in low- and middle-income contexts is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years old or older * Patient receiving medical care in participating district who screened positive for elevated common mental disorder symptoms that day or in the preceding month. Exclusion Criteria: * \<18 years old * Not currently a patient receiving medical care in participating district who screened positive for elevated common mental disorder symptoms that day or in the preceding month.
Where this trial is running
Chiradzulu and 11 other locations
- Chiradzulu District Hospital — Chiradzulu, Malawi (Recruiting)
- Dedza District Hospital — Dedza, Malawi (Recruiting)
- Kasungu District Hospital — Kasungu, Malawi (Recruiting)
- Machinga District Hospital — Machinga, Malawi (Recruiting)
- Mangochi District Hospital — Mangochi, Malawi (Recruiting)
- Mchinji District Hospital — Mchinji, Malawi (Recruiting)
- Mulanje District Hospital — Mulanje, Malawi (Recruiting)
- Mzimba South District Hospital — Mzimba, Malawi (Recruiting)
- Nkhata Bay District Hospital — Nkhata Bay, Malawi (Recruiting)
- Ntcheu District Hospital — Ntcheu, Malawi (Recruiting)
- Phalombe District Hospital — Phalombe, Malawi (Recruiting)
- Salima District Hospital — Salima, Malawi (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Brian Pence — University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Brian Pence, PhD, MPH
- Email: bpence@unc.edu
- Phone: 1-919-966-7446
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.