Understanding what drives patient engagement with a mental health app
A Clinical Trial Aimed at Evaluating Factors Contributing to Patient Engagement With Digital Mental Health Interventions
This study is testing different ways to encourage people with depression and anxiety to use a mental health app more often and see if it helps them feel better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 76 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Brigham and Women's Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT05555875 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates factors influencing patient engagement with a digital mental health intervention for depression and anxiety. Over 8 weeks, primary care patients will be randomized to receive either automated motivational messaging, coach support, both, or neither while using the app. The study employs micro-randomization to assess the immediate effects of messaging on engagement and clinical outcomes. Participants will report their usage and symptoms to measure the effectiveness of the engagement strategies.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are primary care patients aged 18-75 with clinically significant symptoms of depression or anxiety who own a smartphone.
Not a fit: Patients with bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, current substance use disorders, or unstable medical conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance patient engagement with digital mental health tools, leading to better management of depression and anxiety.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar digital engagement strategies, indicating potential for effective outcomes.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Mass General Brigham primary care patient * Age 18-75 * Clinically significant symptoms of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) greater than or equal to 10) and/or anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) greater than or equal to 8) * Owns a smartphone capable of running the study applications * Fluent in English. Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of bipolar I or bipolar II disorder per patient report or the patient's medical record * Diagnosis of any psychotic disorder per patient report or the patient's medical record * Current substance use disorder per patient report or the patient's medical record * Acute and/or unstable medical problem that may interfere with participation (e.g., scheduled for surgery in the next two months).
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- Jessica Morrow Lipschitz — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jessica M Lipschitz, PhD — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Jessica M Lipschitz, PhD
- Email: jlipschitz@bwh.harvard.edu
- Phone: 6177326548
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.