Technology-supported treatments for prolonged grief (PGD)

Technology-supported Interventions for Prolonged Grief Disorder in Adults a Randomized Controlled Trial

We will test two internet-based ways of delivering GROw for adults with prolonged grief—one blended with therapist video sessions and one self-guided format supported by app prompts—compared with a waiting list.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 141 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Universitat Jaume I (Academic / other)
• Locations: 2 sites (Castellon, Castellón de La Plana and 1 other locations)
• Trial ID: NCT06932120 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized trial will assign adults who meet ICD-11 criteria for prolonged grief disorder to one of three groups: a blended format combining the 8-module GROw program with videoconference therapist sessions (BF-GROw), a self-applied GROw program supported by ecological momentary assessments and interventions via an app (iGROw), or a waiting-list control. Both active arms deliver the same core eight treatment modules and differ in the amount and timing of therapist contact and real-time app support. Primary outcomes are changes in grief symptoms and treatment adherence, with eligibility restricted to Spanish-speaking adults who have internet access and a smartphone. Exclusion criteria include high suicide risk, severe psychiatric or substance use disorders, concurrent psychotherapy, or recent medication changes that would confound results.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (18+) who meet ICD-11 criteria for prolonged grief disorder, can read Spanish, have internet access, an email address and a smartphone, and are not receiving other psychological treatment are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People with high suicide risk, severe psychotic, bipolar, severe personality, dementia or substance dependence disorders, those unable to use a computer or smartphone, or those without internet access are unlikely to benefit from these interventions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, these formats could make effective grief treatment easier to access and improve symptoms by increasing adherence and providing timely support through video sessions or app-based prompts.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research on internet-based and self-guided interventions for grief and related conditions has shown promise for reducing symptoms and improving access, while blended formats with videoconferencing are less extensively studied but appear promising.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Being at least 18 years old.
* Meeting diagnostic criteria for Prolonged Grieft Disorder based on the International Classification of Diseases 11 edition (ICD-11).
* Sign an informed consent.
* Ability to understand and read Spanish.
* Ability to use a computer.
* Having an e-mail address.
* Having an internet connection and Access to a Smartphone.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of high risk of suicide.
* Presence of axis I severe mental disorder: substance abuse or dependence, psychotic disorder, dementia, bipolar disorder; severe personality disorder or medical illness whose severity or characteristics prevent treatment.
* Receiving other psychological treatment during the study.
* An increase and/or change in the medication during the study period, in the case of receiving pharmacological treatment.

Where this trial is running

Castellon, Castellón de La Plana and 1 other locations

• Universitat Jaume I — Castellon, Castellón de La Plana, Spain (Recruiting)
• Universitat Jaume I — Castellon, Castellón, Spain (Not_yet_recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Soledad Quero, Ph.D and psychology — Department of Basic, Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón de la Plana, Spain.
• Study coordinator: Soledad Quero, Ph.D and psychology

Conditions Prolonged Grief Disorder; Prolonged grief disorder; Efficacy; Randomized controlled trial; Internet-based treatment; blended intervention; Ecological Momentary Assessment; Ecological Momentary Intervention