Using Digital Navigators to Help Patients with Mental Health Apps
Digital Navigators for Acceptance and Competence Development with Mental Health Apps
This study is testing whether trained helpers can support patients in using mental health apps to improve their well-being and understanding of digital tools.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 116 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Medizinische Hochschule Brandenburg Theodor Fontane Academic / other |
| Locations | 6 sites (Brandenburg an der Havel, Brandenburg and 5 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06575582 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Digital Navigators (DN) in assisting patients and healthcare providers in utilizing digital mental health applications (DiGAs). Trained medical assistants will support patients over a 12-week period, helping them select and effectively use suitable mental health apps. The study will assess the acceptance, implementation barriers, and impact of DNs on patients' psychological health and digital literacy. The project is set in rural Brandenburg, Germany, and involves collaboration with Harvard Medical School for training adaptation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with mental disorders who have the capacity to consent and access to a smartphone.
Not a fit: Patients in acute danger to themselves or others, or those who have recently received psychiatric treatment, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance patient engagement and improve mental health outcomes through better use of digital health tools.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of digital navigators is a relatively novel approach, similar studies have shown promise in enhancing patient engagement with digital health tools.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Main diagnosis according to ICD 10 F00-F69, F80-F99 * Capacity to consent is given * Sufficient language skills for an interview in German * Participants have access to modern digital hardware (smartphone) * Basic knowledge of how to operate a smartphone Exclusion Criteria: * Acute danger to self or others * Patients have received prompt (\<= 3 weeks) qualified psychiatric or psychotherapeutic treatment * Severe organic brain diseases with cognitive deficits * Intellectual disability
Where this trial is running
Brandenburg an der Havel, Brandenburg and 5 other locations
- Praxis Brandenburg an der Havel — Brandenburg an der Havel, Brandenburg, Germany (Recruiting)
- Praxis Eberswalde — Eberswalde, Brandenburg, Germany (Recruiting)
- Psychiatrische Institutsambulanz (PIA) Fürstenwalde — Fürstenwalde, Brandenburg, Germany (Recruiting)
- Praxis Fürstenwalde — Fürstenwalde, Brandenburg, Germany (Recruiting)
- Psychiatrische Institutsambulanz (PIA) Rüdersdorf — Rüdersdorf, Brandenburg, Germany (Recruiting)
- Psychiatrische Institutsambulanz (PIA) Strausberg — Strausberg, Brandenburg, Germany (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Julian Schwarz, MD
- Email: Julian.Schwarz@mhb-fontane.de
- Phone: +49 (0) 33638 83501
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.