RECRUITINGINTERVENTIONAL

Integrated Care for Older Adults With Major Depression and Physical Multimorbidity - The I-CONNECT

About This Trial

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if I-CONNECT (Integrated Care for Older Adults with Major Depression and Physical Multimorbidity) can improve the health and well-being of older adults with depression or bipolar disorder and at least two chronic physical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. It will also study if the care model improves how people experience their care, lowers treatment burden, and how well the program is delivered. Researchers will compare two groups: I-CONNECT group: participants receive care coordination, a personalized care plan, medication review, shared decision-making support, and regular follow-up from a care coordinator working with their GP, psychiatrist, pharmacist, and specialists. Usual care group: participants continue with their normal healthcare from their GP and psychiatrist. Participants will: Receive either I-CONNECT or usual care, depending on their group Complete questionnaires about their mood, quality of life, and care experience Have their healthcare use (emergency visits and hospitalizations) tracked during the study

Who May Be Eligible (Plain English)

Who May Qualify: - Age 65 years or older - Clinical diagnosis of a mood disorder (depression or bipolar disorder) - Currently receiving care from a psychiatrist - At least two chronic physical health conditions - Living independently at home in the Leuven region - Ongoing care from both a general practitioner and a psychiatrist Who Should NOT Join This Trial: - Severe cognitive impairment (e.g., advanced dementia) that prevents participation in assessments or shared decision-making - Inability to provide willing to sign a consent form Always talk to your doctor about whether this trial is right for you.

Original Eligibility Criteria

View original clinical language

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 65 years or older * Clinical diagnosis of a mood disorder (depression or bipolar disorder) * Currently receiving care from a psychiatrist * At least two chronic physical health conditions * Living independently at home in the Leuven region * Ongoing care from both a general practitioner and a psychiatrist Exclusion Criteria: * Severe cognitive impairment (e.g., advanced dementia) that prevents participation in assessments or shared decision-making * Inability to provide informed consent

Treatments Being Tested

OTHER

integrated care intervention tailored to the needs of older adults leaving at home with mood disorders and multimorbidity in Leuven

The six guiding principles are translated into practice through a structured six-step care model. Each step operationalizes one or more principles, ensuring that the model is consistently applied across patient trajectories. The program takes 12 months, with flexible contacts depending on patient's needs.

Locations (1)

KU/UZ Leuven

Leuven, Belgium