Tele-PROTECT Therapy: Effectiveness, Empowerment, and Implementation

Launched by WEILL MEDICAL COLLEGE OF CORNELL UNIVERSITY · Sep 8, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The Tele-PROTECT trial is studying a new type of therapy delivered through video calls to help older adults who have experienced elder abuse and are dealing with depression. This trial will compare two groups: one group will receive the Tele-PROTECT therapy, which focuses on both mental health and safety, while the other group will receive general education about depression. Researchers aim to see if the Tele-PROTECT therapy is more effective in reducing depression and helping participants feel safer in their situations.

To be eligible for the trial, participants need to be at least 60 years old, able to understand and agree to participate, and have mild to moderate depression. Importantly, they should also need support for elder abuse as determined by a case worker. Participants will receive 9 weeks of therapy and have a few check-ins to track their progress. This study is currently looking for participants, and it’s a great opportunity for older adults who want to improve their mental health and learn how to feel safer.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • ≥60 years of age
• • Capacity to consent (per elder abuse staff)
• • Depression, i.e., PHQ-9≥10 (by elder abuse staff), represents mild to moderate severity of depression and has a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 88% for major depression
• • Need for elder abuse services as verified by the elder abuse case worker.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Active suicidal ideation (MADRS item 10 ≥4)
• • Inability to speak English or Spanish
• • Axis 1 DSM-5 diagnoses other than unipolar depression or comorbid generalized anxiety disorder (by SCID)
• • Mini-MOCA less than 11
• • Severe or life-threatening medical illness
• • Elder abuse emergency and or referral out of elder abuse agency.