StratCare Trial 2: Evaluating the Clinical and Cost-effectiveness of AI-driven Stratified Care for Depression

Launched by ROTHERHAM DONCASTER AND SOUTH HUMBER NHS FOUNDATION TRUST · Aug 20, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The StratCare Trial 2 is a research study aimed at finding out if an artificial intelligence tool called "StratCare" can improve treatment for depression compared to the usual care approach. Depression and anxiety affect many people, and current treatments often involve a stepped care model where patients start with short sessions and move to longer ones if needed. However, only about half of the patients fully recover using this method. StratCare is designed to help therapists recommend the best treatment for each patient by asking questions about their symptoms and background. This study will involve more than 1,200 participants from NHS Talking Therapies services, with half using the StratCare tool and the other half following the usual care approach. Researchers will check in with participants after 6, 12, and 18 months to see how their mood and quality of life have changed.

To participate in this trial, individuals need to be 18 years or older, willing to allow their anonymized health records to be used for research, and have symptoms of moderate depression. Those who are not eligible for standard Talking Therapies treatments will not be included. Participants can expect to receive either the StratCare-guided treatment or the usual stepped care, and they will have the chance to share their thoughts and experiences with both therapists and researchers throughout the study. This trial is important because it could help improve how depression is treated in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion criteria:
• • 18 years of age or older.
• • Patients who consent to share their de-identified clinical records for research purposes.
• • Patients assessed as eligible for psychological care in Talking Therapies based on clinical guidelines.
• • Patients with case-level depression symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥ 10).
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • • Those who are ineligible for treatment in Talking Therapies services according to standard treatment guidelines.