Telephone-based support program for seniors with mental health issues
Official title: Evaluation of the PACE/PACENET BHL Clinical Program
Run by University of Pennsylvania · NCT02463266 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests a phone support program to help seniors in Pennsylvania with mental health issues who are starting new medications, to see if it improves their care and outcomes.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 4000 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Pennsylvania Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 2014 |
| Main results expected | December 2028 |
| Study ends | December 2028 |
| Registry record updated | October 22, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT02463266 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are seniors aged 65 and older who are enrolled in the SUSTAIN Clinical Program and have been newly prescribed psychotropic medications.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who do not meet the age requirement or are not enrolled in the SUSTAIN Clinical Program will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The SUSTAIN program is a telephone-based clinical service aimed at identifying and managing behavioral health issues among elderly enrollees of the PACE and PACENET programs in Pennsylvania. It focuses on individuals who have recently been prescribed psychotropic medications, providing tailored assessment, monitoring, and intervention. By overcoming logistical barriers associated with traditional face-to-face care, the program enhances access to mental health services and aims to improve treatment outcomes. The study evaluates the moderators of treatment response and the sustained clinical effects of the program over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve mental health outcomes and overall functioning for elderly patients dealing with depression, anxiety, and chronic pain.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown success with similar telephone-based interventions for mental health, indicating a promising approach for this population.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Aged 65 and older, males and females. 2. Participating in the SUSTAIN Clinical Program 3. For the 6 Month Outcome Research Evaluation, in addition to meeting criteria 1 and 2, willing to provide verbal informed consent to participate in the 6 Month Outcome Research Evaluation at the end of the acute phase of clinical care, usually at three months. Exclusion Criteria: * Not meeting the inclusion criteria listed above.
Where it's running
-
Department of Psychiatry (Center for Psychotherapy Research), University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Mary Beth Gibbons, PhD — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Mary Beth Gibbons, PhD
- Email: gibbonsm@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
- Phone: (215)662-3488
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.