An interventional study of The CONNECT Program and Community Participation as Usual (Service as Usual) in Loneliness, Social Isolation and Depression Disorders, sponsored by University of Manitoba. Recruiting at 1 site in Canada. Open to participants aged 55 Years and older, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2025-09-19.
Sponsored by University of Manitoba · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
Older adults in Canada are experiencing increasing levels of social isolation, loneliness, and mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression - trends that have worsened during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. Research consistently shows that loneliness and social isolation are associated with poorer mental and physical health outcomes, increased risk of dementia, and increased mortality. At the same time, social connection has a strong protective impact on health and well-being. Community-based programs that promote both social engagement and psychological support are urgently needed, particularly since older adults are less likely to access formal mental health services.
Approximately 3-11% of older adults meet diagnostic criteria for mood or anxiety disorders each year, with even more experiencing elevated symptoms that greatly influence quality of life. Subsyndromal depression in late life is estimated to occur two to three times more often than major depressive disorder. Despite these needs, up to 70% of older adults with anxiety or mood disorders do not access psychological services, often due to low mental health literacy or practical barriers to care. At the same time, participation in community activities is associated with improved emotional well-being, greater social support, and lower rates of depression and anxiety.
To bridge this need for support, our team developed and pilot-tested The CONNECT Program - a group-based mental health intervention for adults 55 years and older, delivered via telephone or virtually. The CONNECT Program is grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), self-compassion, and theories of successful aging, and aims to improve psychological flexibility; reduce loneliness, social isolation, and co-occurring symptoms of depression and anxiety. A Manitoba pilot study (N = 34) demonstrated promising outcomes in terms of feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness with the telephone-based group intervention.
The current trial will evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of The CONNECT Program in four Canadian provinces (British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan), using an implementation-effectiveness hybrid design and a crossover randomized controlled trial. This study compares The CONNECT Program, delivered via telephone or virtually, to routine community programming (i.e., community participation as usual), which may occur in telephone, virtual, or in-person formats. The primary outcome is psychological flexibility; secondary outcomes include loneliness, social isolation, anxiety, depression, emotional support, mental health literacy. Implementation outcomes will be evaluated following the Proctor et al. framework.
This trial will contribute evidence on the mental health needs of adults 55+ and the value of low-barrier, community-based programs delivered remotely. Findings will guide further national and international implementation of The CONNECT Program and similar initiatives aimed at addressing the challenges of loneliness, social isolation, and mental health problems in late life.
236 studies on the registry are indexed under Social Isolation; 61 are open to participants now.
This study's planned enrollment of 128 is above the median of 80 across 198 interventional studies indexed under Social Isolation.
Browse Social Isolation studies →University of Manitoba is the lead sponsor of 555 studies on the registry; 89 are open to participants now.
Of its 12 completed or terminated interventional studies of FDA-regulated products, 5 (42%) have results posted.
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Participants in this arm will receive The CONNECT Program during the first 6-week phase, followed by community participation as usual during the second 6-week phase.
Behavioral: The CONNECT Program · Behavioral: Community Participation as Usual (Service as Usual)
Participants in this arm will receive community participation as usual during the first 6-week phase, followed by The CONNECT Program during the second 6-week phase. Community participation as usual refers to the regular group programs already offered by community organizations in-person, over the phone or virtually.
Behavioral: The CONNECT Program · Behavioral: Community Participation as Usual (Service as Usual)
A group-based telehealth intervention grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), self-compassion, and successful aging theories, aimed at reducing social isolation, loneliness, and mental health symptoms among adults 55+. Delivered over six weeks via group phone or Zoom sessions. The CONNECT Program includes 6 weekly 90-minute group sessions, with structured workbooks and homework. The CONNECT Program is delivered in two modalities (group telephone or Zoom videoconferencing).
These community-based programs may include social, educational, or recreational group sessions that are already offered by local organizations - either in person, by phone, or virtually.
Change in Psychological Flexibility from Baseline (Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II)
Psychological flexibility will be measured using the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II, a 7-item self-report scale. Scores range from 7 to 49, with higher scores indicating greater psychological inflexibility, and lower scores indicating greater psychological flexibility. Psychological flexibility is a core target of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and has been shown to be a transdiagnostic mechanism of change in psychotherapy outcomes.
Time frame: At baseline (Week 0), after community-based programming as usual if delivered first (Week 6), after the CONNECT program (Week 6 or 12 depending on sequence), and at 6-month follow-up (Week 30-36).
Change in Loneliness from Baseline (DeJong Gierveld Loneliness Scale)
Loneliness will be assessed using the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, a validated 6-item self-report instrument designed to measure emotional and social dimensions of loneliness. Total scores range from 0 to 6, with higher scores indicating greater loneliness and lower scores indicating less loneliness. Loneliness is a key risk factor for late-life depression and anxiety and is associated with negative physical and cognitive health outcomes.
Time frame: At baseline (Week 0), after community-based programming as usual if delivered first (Week 6), after the CONNECT program (Week 6 or 12 depending on sequence), and at 6-month follow-up (Week 30-36).
Change in Social Isolation from Baseline (PROMIS Social Isolation 8a)
Social isolation will be assessed using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Social Isolation 8a short form, an 8-item standardized measure of perceived disconnection from others. Scores range from 8 to 40, with higher scores indicating greater social isolation. Social isolation is an objective risk factor for poor mental and physical health and is closely linked to late-life depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline.
Time frame: At baseline (Week 0), after community-based programming as usual if delivered first (Week 6), after the CONNECT program (Week 6 or 12 depending on sequence), and at 6-month follow-up (Week 30-36).
Change in Emotional Support from Baseline (PROMIS Emotional Support)
Emotional support will be assessed using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Emotional Support Short Form, a standardized self-report measure evaluating the perceived availability of caring and understanding individuals in one's life. Scores range from 4 to 20, with higher scores indicating greater emotional support. Greater emotional support is associated with reduced risk of depression, better coping with stress, and improved quality of life in older adults.
Time frame: At baseline (Week 0), after community-based programming as usual if delivered first (Week 6), after the CONNECT program (Week 6 or 12 depending on sequence), and at 6-month follow-up (Week 30-36).
Change in Anxiety Symptoms from Baseline (PROMIS Anxiety Short Form 4a)
Anxiety symptoms will be assessed using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Anxiety Short Form 4a, a validated 4-item self-report scale capturing core features of anxiety such as fear, worry, and nervousness. Scores range from 4 to 20, with higher scores indicating greater severity of anxiety symptoms. Anxiety is prevalent among older adults and is strongly linked to social isolation and reduced quality of life.
Time frame: At baseline (Week 0), after community-based programming as usual if delivered first (Week 6), after the CONNECT program (Week 6 or 12 depending on sequence), and at 6-month follow-up (Week 30-36).
Change in Depressive Symptoms from Baseline (PROMIS Depression Short Form 4a)
Depressive symptoms will be assessed using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Depression Short Form 4a, a 4-item self-report measure capturing core features such as sadness, hopelessness, and lack of interest in activities. Scores range from 4 to 20, with higher scores indicating greater severity of depressive symptoms. Subsyndromal depressive symptoms are common in late life and are associated with lower quality of life and increased health risk.
Time frame: At baseline (Week 0), after community-based programming as usual if delivered first (Week 6), after the CONNECT program (Week 6 or 12 depending on sequence), and at 6-month follow-up (Week 30-36).
Change in Mental Health Literacy from Baseline (Brief Mental Health Literacy Scale)
Mental health literacy will be assessed using the Brief Mental Health Literacy Scale. This 4-item self-report measure evaluates perceived knowledge about signs and symptoms, possible causes, types of professional help available, and how to seek help for common mental health problems (e.g., anxiety, depression). Respondents rate their knowledge on a 5-point Likert scale (1=not at all, to 5=extremely). Composite scores range from 4 to 20, with higher scores indicating greater perceived mental health literacy. Older adults typically have lower mental health literacy than younger groups, which may hinder service use and self-identification of mental health problems.
Time frame: At baseline (Week 0), after community-based programming as usual if delivered first (Week 6), after the CONNECT program (Week 6 or 12 depending on sequence), and at 6-month follow-up (Week 30-36).
Acceptability of the CONNECT Program: Post-Program Survey
Acceptability is defined as the perception among implementation stakeholders that a given treatment, service, practice, or innovation is agreeable, palatable, or satisfactory. Acceptability of the CONNECT Program will be assessed using a post-program survey that includes both Likert-scale items (1=not at all acceptable to 5=completely acceptable, with higher scores indicating greater acceptability) and open-ended questions. Survey items were developed based on the Proctor implementation outcomes framework.
Time frame: Once post-program (at Week 6 or Week 12, depending on intervention sequence).
Acceptability of the CONNECT Program: Intervention Content Evaluation
Participant ratings of the CONNECT program intervention content acceptability will be assessed using the Intervention Content Evaluation survey adapted from McCracken et al., 2014. This survey includes Likert ratings of key aspects of the intervention. Items are rated on a 3-point scale: satisfied, neither satisfied nor not satisfied, or not satisfied. Higher satisfaction across items reflects greater acceptability of the CONNECT program content.
Time frame: Once post-program (Week 6 or Week 12).
Acceptability of the CONNECT Program: Exit Interview
Qualitative exit interviews assessing participants' perceptions and overall satisfaction with the CONNECT Program. Data will be analyzed thematically to identify patterns in participant experience.
Time frame: Once post-program (at Week 6 or Week 12).
Acceptability of the CONNECT Program: Group Session Rating Scale
Weekly participant ratings of the quality and acceptability of group sessions will be assessed using the Group Session Rating Scale. This brief self-report measure captures participants' perceptions of four key aspects of each session: relationship, goals and topics, approach or method, and overall experience. Each item is rated on a 10-point visual analog scale, with higher scores indicating greater session acceptability.
Time frame: Weekly during the CONNECT program (Weeks 1-6 or 7-12, depending on sequence).
Acceptability of the CONNECT Program: Intervention Delivery Type Evaluation
Participant ratings of CONNECT program intervention delivery mode satisfaction and usability will be assessed using the Intervention Delivery Type Evaluation adapted from McCracken et al., 2014. Responses are provided using a 3-point Likert scale: satisfied, neither satisfied nor not satisfied, and not satisfied. Higher ratings reflect greater delivery acceptability; lower ratings reflect challenges or dissatisfaction with the delivery mode.
Time frame: Once post-program (Week 6 or Week 12).
Acceptability of the CONNECT Program: Weekly Facilitator Check-in Questionnaire
Acceptability will be evaluated through weekly facilitator-reported tracking of acceptability indicators such as attendance, dropout rates, reasons for missing sessions or discontinuing participation using the weekly facilitator check-in questionnaire (developed for this trial).
Time frame: Weekly during the CONNECT program (Weeks 1-6 or 7-12, depending on sequence).
Adoption of the CONNECT Program: Post-Program Survey
Adoption is defined as the intention, initial decision, or action to employ or continue using the CONNECT Program. Adoption will be assessed using a post-program survey, each item rated on a 5-point Likert scale (1=Not at all 5=Extremely), and open-ended questions (items developed based on Proctor implementation framework).
Time frame: Once post-program (Week 6 or Week 12, depending on intervention sequence).
Adoption of the CONNECT Program: Weekly Facilitator Check-in Questionnaire
Adoption will be evaluated through weekly facilitator-reported tracking of adoption indicators such as attendance, dropout rates, reasons for missing sessions or discontinuing participation using the weekly facilitator check-in questionnaire (developed for this trial).
Time frame: Weekly during the CONNECT program (Weeks 1-6 or 7-12, depending on sequence).
Appropriateness of the CONNECT Program: Post-Program Survey
Appropriateness is the perceived fit, relevance, or compatibility of the innovation or evidence-based practice for a given setting, provider, or consumer, and/or the perceived fit of the innovation to address a particular issue or problem. Data will be collected through the post-program survey item, rated on a 5-point Likert scale (1=Not at all a good fit to 5=Excellent fit). Higher scores reflect greater perceived appropriateness. Participants will also respond to the open-ended question.
Time frame: Once post-program (Week 6 or Week 12, depending on intervention sequence).
Appropriateness of the CONNECT Program: Exit Interview
Qualitative assessment of participants' perceptions of the CONNECT Program's appropriateness using open-ended interview questions. Data will be analyzed thematically to identify patterns in participant experience.
Time frame: Once post-program (Week 6 or Week 12).
Appropriateness of the CONNECT Program: Intervention Content Evaluation
Participants' evaluation of intervention content appropriateness using the Intervention Content Evaluation adapted from McCracken et al. (2014). Participants will rate satisfaction with specific components of the CONNECT Program using a 3-point scale (satisfied, neither satisfied nor not satisfied, not satisfied). Higher ratings across items indicate greater perceived appropriateness of the intervention content; lower ratings reflect poorer perceived fit or relevance.
Time frame: Once post-program (Week 6 or Week 12).
Appropriateness of the CONNECT Program: Intervention Delivery Type Evaluation
Participants' perceptions of the appropriateness of the CONNECT Program's delivery mode will be assessed using the Intervention Delivery Type Evaluation Survey, adapted from McCracken et al. (2014). The survey includes participant ratings of specific delivery-related aspects using a 3-point scale (satisfied, neither satisfied nor not satisfied, not satisfied). Higher ratings indicate greater perceived appropriateness and fit of the delivery format.
Time frame: Once post-program (Week 6 or Week 12).
Appropriateness of the CONNECT Program: Weekly Facilitator Check-in Questionnaire
Appropriateness will be evaluated through weekly facilitator-reported tracking of appropriateness indicators such as attendance, dropout rates, reasons for missing sessions or discontinuing participation using the weekly facilitator check-in questionnaire (developed for this trial).
Time frame: Weekly during the CONNECT program (Weeks 1-6 or 7-12, depending on sequence).
Feasibility of the CONNECT Program: Post-Program Survey
Feasibility is defined as the extent to which an innovation can be successfully used or carried out within a given agency or setting. Feasibility will be assessed using the post-program survey item, rated on a 5-point Likert scale (1=Not at all manageable to 5=Very manageable). Higher scores indicate greater perceived feasibility. Participants will also respond to the open-ended question.
Time frame: Once post-program (Week 6 or Week 12, depending on intervention sequence).
Feasibility of the CONNECT Program: Exit Interview
Qualitative assessment of participants' perceptions of the CONNECT Program's feasibility using open-ended interview questions. Data will be analyzed thematically to identify patterns in participant experience.
Time frame: Once post-program (Week 6 or Week 12).
Feasibility of the CONNECT Program: Intervention Content Evaluation
Participants' evaluation of intervention content feasibility using the Intervention Content Evaluation adapted from McCracken et al. (2014). Participants will rate satisfaction with specific components of the CONNECT Program using a 3-point scale (satisfied, neither satisfied nor not satisfied, not satisfied). Higher ratings across items indicate greater perceived feasibility of the intervention content; lower ratings reflect poorer perceived feasilibity.
Time frame: Once post-program (Week 6 or Week 12).
Feasibility of the CONNECT Program: Intervention Delivery Type Evaluation
Participants' perceptions of the feasibility of the CONNECT Program's delivery mode will be assessed using the Intervention Delivery Type Evaluation Survey, adapted from McCracken et al. (2014). The survey includes participant ratings of specific delivery-related aspects using a 3-point scale (satisfied, neither satisfied nor not satisfied, not satisfied). Higher ratings indicate greater perceived feasibility of the delivery format.
Time frame: Once post-program (Week 6 or Week 12).
Feasibility of the CONNECT Program: Weekly Facilitator Check-in Questionnaire
Feasibility will be evaluated through weekly facilitator-reported tracking of feasibility indicators such as attendance, dropout rates, reasons for missing sessions or discontinuing participation using the weekly facilitator check-in questionnaire (developed for this trial).
Time frame: Weekly during the CONNECT program (Weeks 1-6 or 7-12, depending on sequence).
Penetration of the CONNECT Program
Penetration refers to the integration of an innovation within a service setting and its reach among intended users. At the recipient level, it is defined as the number of eligible individuals who use a service, divided by the total eligible population. At the setting level, it is the number of providers delivering the service, divided by the total number trained or expected to deliver it. Penetration will be assessed using the post-program survey item, rated on a 5-point Likert scale (1=almost none of them to 5=almost all of them). Higher scores indicate greater perceived program reach among eligible individuals. Participants will also respond to an open-ended question.
Time frame: Post-CONNECT program at Week 6 or Week 12, depending on randomization sequence.
Implementation Costs of the CONNECT Program
Cost (incremental or implementation cost) is defined as the cost impact of an implementation effort. Implementation cost will be assessed using the post-program survey item, rated on a 5-point Likert scale (1=It was no burden at all to 5=A very big burden). Higher scores indicate greater perceived cost or burden. Participants will also respond to an open-ended question.
Time frame: Post-CONNECT program at Week 6 or Week 12, depending on randomization sequence.
Sustainability of the CONNECT Program: Post-Program Survey
Sustainability is defined as the extent to which a newly implemented treatment is maintained or institutionalized within a service setting's ongoing, stable operations. Sustainability will be assessed using the post-program survey item, rated on a 5-point Likert scale (1=Not at all sure to 5=Very sure). Higher scores indicate greater perceived sustainability. Participants will also respond to the open-ended question.
Time frame: Once post-program (Week 6 or Week 12, depending on intervention sequence).
Sustainability of the CONNECT Program: Weekly Facilitator Check-in Questionnaire
Sustainability will be evaluated through weekly facilitator-reported tracking of sustainability indicators such as attendance, dropout rates, reasons for missing sessions or discontinuing participation using the weekly facilitator check-in questionnaire (developed for this trial).
Time frame: Weekly during the CONNECT program (Weeks 1-6 or 7-12, depending on sequence).
Plan to share: No
Started Sep 2025 (actual). Primary completion is estimated for Sep 2026, 12 months after the start.
Of 155 non-industry interventional studies with no phase under Social Isolation, half reached primary completion within 18 months of starting (the median), counting those still running; a quarter within 10 and three quarters within 36. This study's planned 12 months is below that.
Counting every sponsor, half of 156 studies reached it within 18 months; a quarter within 10 and three quarters within 36.
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