Improving recovery for older adults after surgery
Building Resilience for Surgical Recovery: Feasibility and Acceptability Pilot Study
NA · The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston · NCT06174701
This study is testing whether Problem Solving Therapy can help older adults who are feeling down or lack support recover better after major surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (San Francisco, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT06174701 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial tests the feasibility and acceptability of Problem Solving Therapy (PST) for older adults undergoing major surgery who exhibit depressive symptoms or lack social support. Ninety participants will be recruited from the University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center's Peri-operative Senior Health clinic, with half receiving PST and the other half receiving enhanced usual care. The study aims to evaluate the impact of PST on postoperative functional recovery and depressive symptoms through a structured 9-session intervention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults aged 65 and above scheduled for major surgery with depressive symptoms.
Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairment or those unable to understand English may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could enhance recovery outcomes and improve mental health for older surgical patients.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with psychosocial interventions for surgical recovery, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: * ≥ 65 years of age on the day of surgery * Scheduled major surgery with an anticipated hospital stay of 3+ days. Major operations include: orthopedic, thoracic or abdominal, cardiac procedures * Depressive symptoms - Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) screening with a score of 5+, 5-9 being subclinical depression and scores up to 27 indicating increasing depression. If the score is 5-9, we need to have at least one of these items included: "at least one of the endorsed items needs to be depressed mood or diminished activities" (questions #1 and #2) Exclusion criteria: * Those with severe cognitive impairment - Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ) screening with a score of 5+ errors, 5-8 being moderate to severe cognitive impairment * Unable to read, speak, and understand English * Current alcohol or other substance abuse (scoring 2+ on CAGE questionnaire or answering yes to "Do you currently use any non-prescription drugs or substances?") * Life expectancy is 6 months or less
Where this trial is running
San Francisco, California
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, California, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Victoria Tang, MD, MAS — The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
- Study coordinator: Jude des Bordes, MBChB, MPH, DrPH, CPH
- Email: Jude.K.desBordes@uth.tmc.edu
- Phone: 713-500-4434
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.
Conditions: Psychosocial Functioning, Surgery, Older Adults, Physical Function, Postoperative Outcome, Depressive Symptoms