Telehealth program for depression and fall prevention in low-income seniors
Integrated Tele-Behavioral Activation and Fall Prevention for Low-income Homebound Older Adults With Depression
This study is testing a new telehealth program that helps low-income seniors with depression and fall prevention to see if it can improve their mental health and safety at home.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 320 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Texas at Austin Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Austin, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT05011864 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of an integrated telehealth program that combines behavioral activation and fall prevention strategies for low-income homebound seniors suffering from depression. It aims to recruit 320 participants who will receive either the combined intervention or individual components, along with follow-up support calls. The study seeks to address the disparities in mental health and fall prevention services for this vulnerable population by utilizing lay counselors/coaches instead of licensed clinicians, making the approach more scalable and accessible.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are low-income seniors aged 50 and older who are homebound and experiencing moderate to severe depression.
Not a fit: Patients with high suicide risk, recent changes in antidepressant medication, or those currently engaged in other psychotherapy or fall prevention programs may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve mental health and reduce fall risks among low-income homebound seniors.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that lay counselors/coaches can be as effective as licensed clinicians, indicating potential success for this integrated approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 50+ * English or Spanish proficiency * 24-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression score \> 15 * 12-item Fall Risk Questionnaire score \>4 Exclusion Criteria: * Recently (\< 4 weeks) initiated or modified antidepressant pharmacotherapy * High suicide risk * Probable dementia * Bipolar disorder * Substance use/misuse * Current participation in any psychotherapy or FP program * Bedbound status
Where this trial is running
Austin, Texas
- University of Texas at Austin — Austin, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Namkee G Choi — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Namkee G Choi, PhD
- Email: nchoi@austin.utexas.edu
- Phone: 5122329590
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.