Improving social engagement and connectedness among veterans

Increasing Veterans' Social Engagement and Connectedness

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

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 264 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development (fed)
• Locations: 1 site (Indianapolis, Indiana)
• Trial ID: NCT06467214 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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.

Not a fit: Patients with active suicidal ideation, severe cognitive impairments, or exacerbated psychiatric symptoms may not benefit from this study.

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 performed: Other studies have shown promise in addressing social isolation through peer support and navigation services, indicating that this approach may be effective.

Eligibility 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 this trial is running

Indianapolis, Indiana

• 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

Conditions: Social Isolation, Veterans, Peer specialists, Loneliness, Navigation