RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT06894849

Text -Based Depression Screening Among Cancer Survivors

Evaluation of a Text Message-Based Approach to Depression Screening Among Cancer Survivors

Sponsor

Medical University of South Carolina

Enrollment

60 participants

Start Date

Jan 5, 2026

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Cancer Cancer Survivor Depression Secondary to Other Disease

Summary

Depression is common among cancer survivors, but current screening methods are not always effective. To help improve depression screening for cancer survivors, this study will conduct a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) with 60 participants. The goal is to evaluate whether a text message-based approach to depression screening is feasible, acceptable, and potentially more effective than the current standard of care.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is testing whether a simple text message-based depression screening program sent before clinic appointments can improve detection of depression in cancer survivors who are seen in oncology clinics. **You may be eligible if...** - You are over 18 years old - You have been diagnosed with cancer - You have an upcoming appointment at an oncology clinic within the next 14 days - You can read and understand English - You own a cellphone that can receive text messages (SMS) **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You do not have an upcoming oncology clinic appointment within 14 days - You do not own a cellphone capable of receiving text messages - You do not have sufficient English proficiency to complete the screening Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALText-based depression screening

Starting 1 week prior to the scheduled clinic appointment, patients will receive a text message invitation from HCC to complete depression screening. Participants will be asked to click to continue to the screening PHQ-2. For text message screening cadence, reminder texts will be sent daily for 3 days. Those who screen positive (PHQ-2 \>/= 3) will complete the remainder of the items (i.e., PHQ-9).

BEHAVIORALUsual care (UC)

Usual care (UC) will consist of in-person assessment of depression using a validated brief screening tool (e.g., PHQ-2) synchronous with a clinical encounter with the outpatient oncology team. Although the person completing the screening (e.g., nurse, medical assistant) and other workflow may vary slightly across settings, the 2-items are generally presented orally to the patient during routine intake for a clinical encounter and entered into the EHR. Patients who screen positive will be asked to complete the full PHQ-9.