Telehealth therapy for depression and elder abuse victims
Tele-PROTECT Therapy: Effectiveness, Empowerment, and Implementation
This study tests whether a new video therapy program can help older adults in New York City who are dealing with depression and elder abuse feel better and safer compared to just getting education about depression.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 140 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Weill Medical College of Cornell University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT06039930 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized trial evaluates the effectiveness of Tele-PROTECT, a video-delivered psychotherapy intervention, compared to a control group receiving depression education. The study aims to assess the impact of Tele-PROTECT on reducing depression and increasing safety-related empowerment among elder abuse victims in New York City. Participants will receive 9 weeks of telehealth therapy designed specifically for older adults experiencing both depression and elder abuse. The trial also seeks to gather insights on the implementation of Tele-PROTECT to facilitate its broader dissemination.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are English- or Spanish-speaking individuals aged 60 and older who are experiencing mild to moderate depression and require elder abuse services.
Not a fit: Patients with active suicidal ideation or severe medical illnesses may not benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce depression and empower elder abuse victims to take steps towards their safety.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for similar interventions targeting mental health in elder abuse victims, indicating potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * ≥60 years of age * Capacity to consent (per elder abuse staff) * Depression, i.e., PHQ-9≥10 (by elder abuse staff), represents mild to moderate severity of depression and has a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 88% for major depression * Need for elder abuse services as verified by the elder abuse case worker. Exclusion Criteria: * Active suicidal ideation (MADRS item 10 ≥4) * Inability to speak English or Spanish * Axis 1 DSM-5 diagnoses other than unipolar depression or comorbid generalized anxiety disorder (by SCID) * Mini-MOCA less than 11 * Severe or life-threatening medical illness * Elder abuse emergency and or referral out of elder abuse agency.
Where this trial is running
New York, New York
- Weill Cornell Medicine — New York, New York, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jo Anne Sirey, Ph.D — Weill Medical College of Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Jo Anne Sirey, Ph.D
- Email: jsirey@med.cornell.edu
- Phone: 914-997-4333
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.