Text-based depression screening for cancer survivors
Evaluation of a Text Message-Based Approach to Depression Screening Among Cancer Survivors
This pilot tests whether sending short text-message depression screens (PHQ-2 with follow-up PHQ-9) before oncology visits helps adult cancer survivors complete screening and identify depression more often than usual care.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Medical University of South Carolina Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Charleston, South Carolina and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06894849 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a pilot randomized controlled trial enrolling 60 adult cancer survivors who are randomly assigned to receive either a text-message screening intervention or the clinic's usual depression screening. The intervention sends SMS invitations about one week before scheduled oncology appointments, with a PHQ-2 screen followed by the PHQ-9 for those who screen positive. Primary outcome is feasibility, measured by the proportion of participants who complete the screening via text; secondary outcomes include participant acceptability by survey and preliminary efficacy based on screening completion and detection rates. Eligible participants are English-speaking adults with an upcoming appointment at the Hollings Cancer Center or affiliated clinics and who own a cellphone capable of SMS.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking adult cancer survivors (18+) with an upcoming oncology appointment at the Hollings Cancer Center or affiliated clinics within 14 days who own a text-capable cellphone.
Not a fit: Patients without SMS-capable phones, non-English speakers, or those who already receive systematic in-clinic depression screening are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could increase timely detection of depression among cancer survivors and streamline referrals for mental health care.
How similar studies have performed: Similar text-message and mobile health screening approaches have shown feasibility and acceptability in primary care and chronic disease populations, but this specific application in cancer survivorship is relatively novel and being piloted.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * age \> 18 years * diagnosis of cancer * upcoming appointment in an HCC or HCN oncology clinic within 14 days * English proficiency * ownership of a cellphone with SMS text capability.
Where this trial is running
Charleston, South Carolina and 1 other locations
- Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, South Carolina, United States (Enrolling_by_invitation)
- Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, South Carolina, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Evan Graboyes, MD, MPH, FACS — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Ruby H McGhee, B.A. Psychology
- Email: mcgheeru@musc.edu
- Phone: 919-727-2339
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.