StratCare: Using AI to guide depression treatment choices

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This pragmatic, multi-site study tests whether StratCare, an AI-guided decision aid, can improve clinical outcomes and reduce costs for adults with depression by recommending starting with brief or more intensive therapy. It uses a cluster randomized design where Talking Therapies teams are assigned to use StratCare or continue usual care, with patients followed through their chosen treatment path. The trial includes an internal pilot and predefined stop/go criteria to decide progression to a full-scale study, and will recruit about 1,252 participants from NHS services across England. Outcomes will consider symptom change, service utilization, and potential cost implications. Participation requires consent to share de-identified data and treatment within eligible Talking Therapies services.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

In addition to the criteria, participants must be under the treatment of a participating Talking Therapies service.

Inclusion criteria:

* 18 years of age or older.
* Patients who consent to share their de-identified clinical records for research purposes.
* Patients assessed as eligible for psychological care in Talking Therapies based on clinical guidelines.
* Patients with case-level depression symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥ 10).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Those who are ineligible for treatment in Talking Therapies services according to standard treatment guidelines.

Where it's running

• Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust
  Darlington, Durham, United Kingdom Recruiting
• Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust
  Preston, Lancashire, United Kingdom Recruiting
• West London NHS Trust
  Southall, London, United Kingdom Recruiting
• Vita Health Group
  Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom Recruiting
• Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
  Taunton, Somerset, United Kingdom Recruiting
• Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust
  Doncaster, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Jaime Delgadillo, Prof — University of Sheffield
• Study coordinator: Jonathan Woodward
• Email: jonathan.woodward@sheffield.ac.uk
• Phone: 0114 2222966

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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.