Text messaging support for parents after a child's psychiatric emergency
Developing and Testing a Text-messaging Intervention to Support Parents After Their Child's Psychiatric Emergency
This study is testing a text messaging program to help parents of kids and teens who just had a mental health crisis feel more supported and better navigate mental health services.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Vanderbilt University Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Nashville, Tennessee) |
| Trial ID | NCT06456762 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project develops and tests a text-messaging intervention aimed at supporting parents of children and teens who have experienced a psychiatric emergency and are discharged from the emergency department. The intervention, known as iPEACE, focuses on enhancing parents' mental health literacy and self-efficacy to help them navigate the mental health services system. By providing timely information and support through text messages over an 8-week period, the study seeks to improve engagement in outpatient mental health services and reduce the need for repeated emergency department visits. This innovative approach addresses a critical gap in support for families during a high-risk transition period.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are parents or legal guardians of children aged 11-17 who have been evaluated for a mental health crisis in the emergency department.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have access to a mobile phone capable of receiving text messages or who are not fluent in English may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could empower parents to better manage their child's mental health and improve treatment engagement.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been effective interventions for adolescents during emergency visits, this specific approach targeting parents is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Parents or legal guardians of a child ages 11-17; * Parents or legal guardians must live with their child ≥50% of the time; * Child must be admitted to the pediatric emergency department for a mental health crisis; * Child must be discharged home from the emergency department with referrals to outpatient care. Exclusion Criteria: * Do not have daily access to a mobile phone that can receive SMS text messages; * Do not speak and read fluently in English.
Where this trial is running
Nashville, Tennessee
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, Tennessee, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Margaret Benningfield, MD — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Margaret Benningfield, MD
- Email: margaret.m.benningfield@vumc.org
- Phone: 6156128324
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.