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NCT Number: NCT07091968

Feasibility of a Technology-Based Intervention for Depression Referral Uptake in Cancer Survivors

Depression is very common in cancer survivors but there are challenges to linking those in need of treatment efficiently to care. In this study, investigators will test the feasibility and acceptability of a new text-based approach to connect cancer survivors with depression with care.

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Key information

Conditions

Cancer Behavior Behavioral Symptoms Depression Neoplasms

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Medical University of South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina, 29425, United States

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Lily Research Coordinator, MPH

CONTACT

[email protected]

843-792-5182

About this study

The objectives of this study are 1) to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a technology-enabled approach to improve referral uptake among cancer survivors and 2) to evaluate the preliminary efficacy of this approach to improve referral uptake compared to usual care among cancer survivors.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

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.
  • elevated depressive symptoms at screening (as measured by > 3 on the PHQ-2)

Exclusion criteria

  • cognitive impairment as evaluated by attending physician
  • currently receiving counseling for depression

Treatment and study plan

Technology-Enabled Tailored Referral

Behavioral

Participants in the intervention arm will receive a technology-enabled, text-based referral platform designed to improve depression referral uptake. The platform includes an initial text with a brief video explaining common barriers, tailored text messages based on participant-identified barriers, and an automated referral link. Messages are mapped to stages of readiness using the Transtheoretical Model and sent every two days over a two-week period to non-responders or decliners. This approach aims to engage survivors with depression through personalized, accessible, and stage-matched communication.

Primary outcomes

  1. Feasibility and Acceptability

    Time frame: 6 weeks

    The co-primary outcomes are acceptability and feasibility of the technology-enabled referral intervention. Acceptability will be measured using the System Usability Scale (SUS) at 6 weeks, with a score ≥80 indicating high acceptability. Feasibility will be assessed by determining whether key components of the intervention were successfully delivered and engaged with over the course of the 4 week intervention, including: (1) initiation of text-based contact, (2) delivery of tailored messages, and (3) access of the automated referral link by the participant. Additionally, participant engagement will be evaluated by tracking whether they opened the initial message, viewed the embedded video, and read the tailored text messages. These outcomes will be summarized using a Bayesian beta-binomial approach to determine go/no-go decision thresholds for future scale-up.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Referral Uptake

    Time frame: 6 weeks

    Referral uptake is defined as whether a participant initiates a mental health treatment referral at 6 weeks. It will be measured through participant self-report and, when available, verified via electronic health records or provider confirmation.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Lily P Research Assistant/Coordinator, MPH

CONTACT

[email protected]

843-792-5182

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Medical University of South Carolina

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Pilot Feasibility Trial to Evaluate a Technology-Enabled Approach to Enhance Depression Referral Uptake Among Cancer Survivors

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jul 29, 2025
Registry last updated
Jul 13, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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