Supportive text messaging program for mental health
Augmenting Mental Health Support for Patients Accessing Different Degrees of Formal Psychiatric Care Through a Supportive Text Messaging Program: A Randomized Controlled Trial
NA · Nova Scotia Health Authority · NCT05411302
This study tests if a daily supportive text messaging program can improve mental health for people in Nova Scotia who are receiving psychiatric care.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 1500 (estimated) |
| Ages | 16 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Nova Scotia Health Authority (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Halifax, Nova Scotia) |
| Trial ID | NCT05411302 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of a daily supportive text messaging program called Text4Support, designed using cognitive-behavioral therapy principles, for patients with mental health conditions in Nova Scotia. The program aims to enhance mental health support for individuals accessing psychiatric care or being discharged from psychiatric units. Participants will receive daily automated text messages alongside usual care, and their mental well-being and health service utilization will be compared to those receiving only usual care. The study will measure changes in mental health outcomes over a period of 12 months.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include new patients seeking mental health care or those recently discharged from psychiatric units who can read English and own a mobile device.
Not a fit: Patients who cannot read English text messages or do not own a mobile phone capable of receiving texts may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve mental health outcomes and reduce the need for intensive therapies among patients.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar text messaging interventions for mental health support, indicating potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Being a new patient (i.e. first-time user) of the TMHP, DH, RASP or MHCC, OR being a patient discharged from the ED or PIU (i.e. within a week period before discharge date). * Ownership of a mobile device capable of receiving text messages. * Able to read English text messages. * Can provide informed written consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who are not capable of reading text messages in English. * Patients who are not own a mobile phone capable of receiving text messages. * Patients who are not able/willing to provide consent to take part in the study.
Where this trial is running
Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Nova Scotia Health - Abbie J. Lane Memorial Building QEII Health Sciences Centre — Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Vincent Agyapong
- Email: vincent.agyapong@nshealth.ca
- Phone: 780-215-7771
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.
Conditions: Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Mental Health Wellness 1, Mental Health, Text messages, e-health, Text4Support