Developing and Testing an Online Pathway From Screening to Treatment for Depression in Oncology: iPath*D (Aim 2)

Last updated: August 5, 2026
Sponsor: Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
Overall Status: Active - Not Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Depression

Neoplasms

Cancer

Treatment

iPath*D

Clinical Study ID

NCT05302375
STUDY02002016
R21CA249767
  • Ages > 18
  • All Genders

Study Summary

The purpose of this study is to determine the extent to which an online pathway to depression treatment (iPath*D) is acceptable and usable to patients receiving cancer treatment who report symptoms of depression.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion criteria

  1. Adults (≥18 years)

  2. New patients who are beginning treatment at Dartmouth Cancer Center North and returning for their chemo teach or radiation simulation visit

  3. Can communicate in English

  4. PHQ-9 ≥10 and ≤27

Exclusion criteria

  1. Mild Depression (PHQ-9 ≥10)

  2. Individuals who screen positive for suicidal ideation with method, intent, plan or a recent prior suicide/self-harm attempt, as determined by a positive endorsement of items 3, 4, 5 or 6 on the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSR).

  3. Individuals with bipolar disorder or psychosis (documented in the EMR)

  4. Individuals currently receiving treatment for a mental health condition (documented in the EMR or self-reported during eligibility screening)

  5. Significant cognitive impairment (Callahan's Six Item Screener of cognitive function ≤ 4; Self-reported during eligibility screening)

Study Design

Total Participants: 30
Treatment Group(s): 1
Primary Treatment: iPath*D
Phase:
Study Start date:
July 01, 2024
Estimated Completion Date:
August 31, 2026

Study Description

The investigators will determine the extent to which an online pathway to depression treatment (iPathD) is acceptable and usable to patients receiving cancer treatment who report symptoms of depression. iPathD will be designed to increase screening, mental health literacy, and treatment access. Patients will access their iPath*D account online to review their PHQ-9 score and its interpretation, followed by an interactive depression decision aid comparing information on a range of online and in-person treatment options. Upon review of the decision aid, participants will be able to directly connect to a treatment path via embedded hyperlinks in the decision aid.

The investigators will determine the usability, acceptability, and feasibility of iPathD. The investigators will explore the hypothesis that iPathD will be highly usable, acceptable to patients, feasible to implement, and will result in improved mental health literacy, and greater treatment access. The tool for the study was developed during a preliminary portion (Aim 1) of the project, under D-H IRB number STUDY02001240 .

This approach uses an open-label, single arm pilot, with adult patients receiving treatment for cancer in a rural cancer clinic, St Johnsbury, VT (Dartmouth Cancer Center North) (n=30) with moderate-severe depression, Aim 2 of the project.

Connect with a study center

  • Dartmouth Cancer Center St. Johnsbury

    Saint Johnsbury, Vermont 05819
    United States

    Site Not Available

Map preview placeholder

Not the study for you?

Let us help you find the best match. Sign up as a volunteer and receive email notifications when clinical trials are posted in the medical category of interest to you.