Narrative therapy intervention for patients with overuse syndrome
Impact of an Intervention with a Narrative Approach in Overusers in Primary Health Care: a Controlled and Randomized Trial
This study is testing whether a new type of therapy that focuses on personal stories can help people who often visit the doctor feel better emotionally and reduce their doctor visits compared to regular care.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 264 (estimated) |
| Ages | 25 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Catalan Institute of Health Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Barcelona, Catalonia) |
| Trial ID | NCT06258512 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a narrative therapy-based intervention compared to standard care for patients who frequently visit primary care services, known as overusers. Participants will engage in ten individual therapy sessions over five months, focusing on improving emotional support and reducing anxiety, depression, and the number of medical consultations. The study will involve 264 participants, randomly assigned to either the narrative therapy group or the control group receiving standard care. The primary outcomes will include changes in psychosocial distress and healthcare utilization.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals who are in the 95th percentile for primary care consultations and exhibit symptoms of psychosocial distress.
Not a fit: Patients with severe mental disorders, cognitive disabilities, or major mobility limitations may not benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce the emotional distress and healthcare utilization of patients who frequently seek medical attention.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using narrative therapy is innovative, similar interventions have shown promise in reducing healthcare utilization and improving mental health outcomes.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Users in the 95th percentile in the distribution of consultations face-to-face, patient self-initiated consultations with PHC services within the period of 1 year. Exclusion Criteria: * Drug abuse or dependence, except for nicotine and tetrahydrocannabinol. * Comorbidity with DSM-IV-TR (American Psychiatric Association, 2000) severe mental disorders. * Comorbidity with ICD-10 (World Health Organization, 2008) severe cognitive disorders or sensory disabilities. * Major locomotor mobility limitations or terminal illness
Where this trial is running
Barcelona, Catalonia
- Centre d'Atenció Primària Montnegre, Institut Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain — Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Valentin Calvo-Rojas Phd, Social Worker
- Email: valenticalvo.bcn.ics@gencat.cat
- Phone: 800-555-5555
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.