Telephone-based support program for seniors with mental health issues

Evaluation of the PACE/PACENET BHL Clinical Program

Observational University of Pennsylvania · NCT02463266

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 typeObservational
Enrollment4000 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Pennsylvania Academic / other
Locations1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Trial IDNCT02463266 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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.

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.

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 performed: Other studies have shown success with similar telephone-based interventions for mental health, indicating a promising approach for this population.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions DepressionAnxietyPain, ChronicPrimary CareElderly
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.