Improving social engagement and connectedness among veterans
Official title: Increasing Veterans' Social Engagement and Connectedness
Run by VA Office of Research and Development · NCT06467214 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new program to help veterans feel less isolated and more connected to others by providing support and resources through telehealth over eight weeks.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 264 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Indianapolis, Indiana) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 4, 2024 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2028 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | August 19, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06467214 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are veterans who have experienced social isolation, as indicated by a score of 12 or higher on the Lubben Social Isolation Scale.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with active suicidal ideation, severe cognitive impairments, or exacerbated psychiatric symptoms may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This intervention focuses on reducing social isolation among veterans by implementing the Increasing Veterans' Social Engagement and Connectedness (CONNECTED) program. The program includes peer support, psychosocial interventions, and navigation services delivered via telehealth over an 8-week period. Participants will receive person-centered assessments and be connected to social resources to enhance their social engagement. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of this approach in diverse veteran populations within primary care settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce social isolation among veterans, improving their overall health and well-being.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in addressing social isolation through peer support and navigation services, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Eligible participants for Aim 1 \& Aim 2 1. Must be Veterans at the Roudebush Veterans Affairs Medical Center or its Community-Based Outpatient Clinics who had a primary care encounter in the prior 6 months and 2. Veteran obtained a score 12, indicating social isolation, on the Lubben Social Isolation Scale (LSNS-6), a validated, 6-item social isolation measure, at the time of screening in Aim 1. Exclusion Criteria: For Aim 1 and Aim 2, the investigators will exclude Veterans with 1. Active suicidal ideation needing immediate mental health treatment 2. severe cognitive, hearing or speech impairment, 3. current exacerbation of severe psychiatric symptoms (e.g., active psychosis), or 4. severe illness that makes study participation not feasible.
Where it's running
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Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN
Indianapolis, Indiana, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Johanne Eliacin, PhD — Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN
- Study coordinator: Johanne Eliacin, PhD
- Email: johanne.eliacin@va.gov
- Phone: (317) 988-5298
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.