Peer coaching to help homeless veterans reduce hospital visits
Official title: Using Data Analytics and Targeted Whole Health Coaching to Reduce Frequent Utilization of Acute Care Among Homeless Veterans
Run by VA Office of Research and Development · NCT05176977 · Data updated 2026-05-14
This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.
This study is testing whether peer coaching can help homeless veterans visit the hospital less often by providing them with personalized support that focuses on their health goals.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 220 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 3 sites (North Little Rock, Arkansas and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05176977 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are veterans on the VA's Homeless Registry who have experienced multiple acute care events in the past year.
✕Probably not a fit
Veterans with suicidal or behavioral flags in their medical records or those unable to understand the informed consent process will 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 project aims to reduce the frequent use of acute care services among homeless veterans by employing Peer Specialists trained in Whole Health Coaching. The approach integrates analytics to identify high-need veterans and provides tailored support to engage them in care. By focusing on the veterans' personal values and goals, the program seeks to enhance their well-being and reduce stigma associated with seeking help. The effectiveness of this intervention will be evaluated against Enhanced Usual Care to determine its impact on acute care utilization.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly lower healthcare costs and improve the overall health and well-being of homeless veterans.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using peer support and coaching approaches to engage vulnerable populations, suggesting potential success for this intervention.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Veterans who: * are on VA's Homeless Registry, which comprises those who utilized any VA homeless programs and services in the past 2 years * are enrolled on a Patient Aligned Care Team (or "PACT") at a study site * had a hot spotter qualifying event in two or more quarters in the past year will be eligible for participation Exclusion Criteria: * Veterans who have a suicidal and/or behavioral flag in their medical record and those who are too cognitively impaired to understand the informed consent process and other study procedures will be excluded
Where it's running
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Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System Eugene J. Towbin Healthcare Center, Little Rock, AR
North Little Rock, Arkansas, United States Recruiting -
VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto, California, United States Recruiting -
VA Bedford HealthCare System, Bedford, MA
Bedford, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Daniel M. Blonigen, PhD MA — VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA
- Study coordinator: Daniel M Blonigen, PhD MA
- Email: Daniel.Blonigen@va.gov
- Phone: (650) 493-5000
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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.