NCT06494384 · University of Washington
Implementation of Problem-Solving Treatment in Community Health Centers (PST-Aid)
What this study is about
Although evidence-based clinical interventions (CI) are a preferred treatment option for patients with depression, CIs are rarely available in community primary care settings. When available, CIs are often delivered with poor fidelity and abandoned by practitioners during the initial months post-training.
View original scientific description
Although evidence-based clinical interventions (CI) are a preferred treatment option for patients with depression, CIs are rarely available in community primary care settings. When available, CIs are often delivered with poor fidelity and abandoned by practitioners during the initial months post-training. Identifying effective implementation strategies to support the adoption, reach, and sustained use with fidelity of these CIs could enhance the effectiveness of primary care-based treatment of depression, as primary care is where most treatment for this disorder is delivered. Current models of primacy care practitioner training and supervision follow standard formal didactic procedures that might not be sufficient for successful adoption, high-fidelity delivery, and sustainment of CIs. Automated decision support tools and feedback systems embedded in health informatics technology have been found to be effective in supporting the use of best practices and hence might be useful for the transition from training to sustained CI use. In practice, however, these tools are ignored by practitioners, have mixed success on outcomes, and can hinder clinical care owing to poor design. Problem Solving Treatment Aid (PST-Aid), an educate and reorganize implementation strategy, is a web-based app that promotes practitioner-client collaboration in the use of PST for goal setting and action planning. A pilot randomized trial comparing Problem Solving Treatment (PST) training-as-usual to training plus PST-Aid found PST-Aid was deemed to be appropriate and usable to both practitioner and client users with preliminary support for benefits in depression outcomes.
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
- Practitioner Participants. (a) are employed by a clinic that is an OCHIN clinical network member;
- Practitioner Participants. (b) hold a master's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field;
- Practitioner Participants. (c) provide psychotherapeutic care in the OCHIN network;
- Practitioner Participants. (d) have not previously received formal training in PST as defined by University of Washington Advancing Integrated Mental Health Solutions Center (AIMS) criteria;
- Practitioner Participants. (e) are not currently receiving specialized training outside of standard clinic support to implement a depression-specific psychosocial intervention; and
- Practitioner Participants. (f) are English-speaking.
- Client Participants. a) 18+,
- Client Participants. b) English-speaking,
- Client Participants. c) have a diagnosis of unipolar depression per provider report, and
- Client Participants. d) have a PHQ-9 score ≥ 10, which is above the clinical cutoff for depression symptoms.
Exclusion criteria
- Client Participants. (a) history or presence of psychiatric diagnoses other than unipolar, nonpsychotic depression or anxiety disorders,
- Client Participants. (b) active suicidal ideation,
- Client Participants. (c) current alcohol or substance abuse disorders, or
- Client Participants. (d) have dementia
- Client Participants. (e) all exclusion criteria cannot be confirmed via provider report.
- Practitioner Participants. Exclusion criteria are those that do not meet the inclusion criteria listed above.
Where
- Portland, Oregon
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 Sep 15, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations