NCT06257095 · The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
Improving Adult Protective Services Client Outcomes: A Stepped-Care Social and Mental Health Engagement Program
What this study is about
The purpose of this study is to ascertain the feasibility and effectiveness of an 8-week social engagement program aimed at reducing depression and increasing social engagement among seniors who are transitioning out of Adult Protective Services (APS) for either elder abuse or self-neglect.
View original scientific description
The purpose of this study is to ascertain the feasibility and effectiveness of an 8-week social engagement program aimed at reducing depression and increasing social engagement among seniors who are transitioning out of Adult Protective Services (APS) for either elder abuse or self-neglect.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Stepped-care social and mental health engagement
Each student will be matched to an older adult and the students will make one call o the older adult which lasts upto 1 hour each week for 8 weeks. Ending each call, the student will assess symptoms of depression anxiety through questionnaires. If the participant responds yes on two consecutive calls to any of these questions, they will be asked if they would like to receive a call from the University of Texas Health Science Center Trauma and Resilience Center to discuss free counseling services.
BEHAVIORAL
APS Usual care
Participants will receive a phone call for data collection. Then they will be offered to receive an abbreviated version of the stepped-care social and mental health engagement intervention, lasting only 6-weeks with the option to continue calls if agreeable between the student and older adult.
Primary outcome measures
Change in social isolation assessed by the Duke Social Support Index (DSSI-6)
Time frame: baseline, 4-week and 8-week follow-up
This is a 6-item questionnaire and each is measured from 1(hardly ever) to 3(most of the time) for a maximum score of 18, higher score indicating greater social support
Change in loneliness as assessed by the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA )loneliness scale
Time frame: baseline, 4-week and 8-week follow-up
This is a 20-item questionnaire , each item is rated as either O ("I often feel this way"), S ("I sometimes feel this way"), R ("I rarely feel this way"), N ("I never feel this way") for a score range of 0-3,for a maximum score of 60, higher score indicating worse outcome
Change in depression as assessed by the PATIENT HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRE (PHQ-9)
Time frame: baseline, 4-week and 8-week follow-up
This is a 9 item questionnaire and each is scored from 0(not at all) to 3(nearly every day) , for a maximum score of 27 , higher score indicating more depression
Recurrence of Elder mistreatment (EM)
Time frame: From participant's first call to 1 month post final call
This is a yes or no questionnaire that will be answered by adult protective services (APS)
Recurrence of self neglect (SN)
Time frame: From participant's first call to 1 month post final call
This is a yes or no questionnaire that will be answered by adult protective services (APS)
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Older Adults
- an APS validated EM/SN case
- able to provide informed consent
- able to speaks English or Spanish
- able to hear sufficiently using the telephone
- transitioning out of APS intervention (i.e. in the case closure phase of the APS service). Student
- college or university student
- enrolled in a health-related program
- commit to making 8-weekly consecutive calls
- complete the required 1-hour training and assessment.
Exclusion criteria
- Older Adults
- Individuals needing a proxy to consent
- suspected or confirmed decision-making capacity impairments or uncontrolled psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia, paranoia, delusion, or delirium Student -only engaging in the program to fulfill some educational requirement
Where
- Houston, Texas
Collaborators
Department of Health and Human Services
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 3, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations