None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
The Australian Government Department of Veterans' Affairs is expanding the current Coordinated Veterans’ Care (CVC) program to address the specific needs of veterans. The existing CVC program uses a team-based model of care led by a general practitioner (GP) and supported by a practice nurse. The GP and practice nurse, in consultation with the patient, develop a personalised care plan for the patient and then work with the patient to improve the management of the patient’s health and quality of life. In the expanded CVC program to address mental health needs, the program will incorporate a digital mental health coaching program to support veterans with mild to moderate anxiety or depression. The digital mental health coaching program is known as Clevertar™ Digital Coaches “app”. Veterans using the “app” will also be supported by a call monitoring facility run by Tunstall Healthcare. The call monitoring facility will provide on-going support for veterans during the time they are using the Clevertar™ Digital Coach program. Staff at the call facility include mental health nurses, allowing participants to access immediate care and support. The aim of this pilot is to evaluate whether the CVC mental health program for veterans with chronic pain who also demonstrate signs of mild to moderate mental health problems can improve mental health (as measured by psychological distress).
Interventions
The CVC mental health program will include a digital coaching program known as Clevertar digital coaches, and a call monitoring facility provided by Tunstall Healthcare.
i) Clevertar digital coaches - mental health module
This program involves using an “app” for about 6 to 9 weeks per module. The module consists of 12 sessions, with a new coaching session available every 3 days. Each session lasts approximately 15 minutes. However, participants may choose to use the “app” for a longer period
The CVC mental health program will include a digital coaching program known as Clevertar digital coaches, and a call monitoring facility provided by Tunstall Healthcare. i) Clevertar digital coaches - mental health module This program involves using an “app” for about 6 to 9 weeks per module. The module consists of 12 sessions, with a new coaching session available every 3 days. Each session lasts approximately 15 minutes. However, participants may choose to use the “app” for a longer period of time if they wish to revise the materials that they have read. Further, they can choose to access the “app” at any time at your convenience. Participants will have access to the mental health “app” module for 90 days. The module uses low intensity cognitive behaviour therapy (Li-CBT) to guide goal setting and self-management for mild to moderate anxiety and depression. The mental health “app” module uses a virtual coach to provide individuals with the skills and strategies needed to maximise self-determination, and supports them to recognise and take responsibility for their own recovery and well being. Training to use the “app” will not be provided but participants can contact the Tunstall Healthcare for assistance if they have any difficulties while using the “app”. Adherence will be assessed based on data capture included in the “app”. These include time spent during each session, time for completion, types of problems encountered etc. ii) Clinical and technical support provided by Tunstall Healthcare Tunstall will then call the participants every fortnight to provide them with any technical or clinical support that they need while using the “app”. Additionally, participants can contact the Tunstall call monitoring facility for any technical or clinical support during the hours of 9am-5pm Monday to Friday.
Sponsors
Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Study design
Allocation
Non-randomised trial
Intervention model
Single group
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
1) Have a Kessler Psychological distress (K-10) score between 20 and 29 at study entry; 2) Have chronic pain symptoms (chronic pain being defined as pain lasting more than 12 weeks) or other physical comorbidity; 3) Diagnosis of depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); and 4) Ability to provide informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
1) Persons with K-10 scores outside the 20 to 29 range; 2) Persons participating in another mental health research project; 3) Persons with a drug or alcohol use disorder; and 4) Hospitalisation with a mental health condition within the past 12 months.
Outcome results
None listed