Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

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 typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment264 (estimated)
SponsorVA Office of Research and Development
Federal
Locations1 site (Indianapolis, Indiana)
StatusRecruiting
StartedOctober 4, 2024
Main results expectedJune 30, 2028
Study endsJune 30, 2028
Registry record updatedAugust 19, 2026
Trial IDNCT06467214 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

  • 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

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.