RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

INternet-based Programmes FOR the Prevention of Suicidal Ideation in MEDical Students

This study is exploring new online programmes designed to help medical students who might be experiencing thoughts of harming themselves. Researchers have developed two different programmes for students to try. One programme focuses on helping students manage stress using coping skills, while the other aims to promote general good health and well-being. The study wants to find out how well each of these online tools works in preventing such thoughts over a 12-month period after students have completed the programme. It's an important step in supporting the mental health of future doctors during challenging times in their studies.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Charles Perrens, Bordeaux

Enrolment target

2,544

Start

01 Jul 2021

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2025

Suicidal Ideation

What is this study about?

This research study is looking at ways to support medical students and interns (doctors in their first year of training) with their mental well-being. Sometimes, due to the stress and demands of their studies, students can experience thoughts of harming themselves. This study is designed to test two different online programmes that aim to prevent these kinds of thoughts. They want to see which one, if any, is more effective.

One programme focuses on managing stress, using practical techniques similar to those used in talking therapies. The other programme is about generally promoting good health and well-being, which can also help with mental health. By providing these programmes online, the researchers hope to offer accessible support to students who might need it.

The main goal is to compare these two programmes to see how well they prevent students from having thoughts of harming themselves within a year after using the programme. This type of study, called a randomised controlled trial, is a robust way to find out if new treatments or interventions really work and can make a difference in people's lives.

Key takeaways

This study is testing online programmes to help medical students with mental well-being.
It aims to prevent thoughts of harming oneself using stress management or health promotion tools.
Participation involves using an online programme and a 12-month follow-up.
The study is for fourth-year medical students or first-year interns, aged 18+, who speak French.
You can withdraw at any time if you decide to.

Who may be eligible?

To be able to take part in this study, you need to be a medical student in your fourth year or a doctor in your first year of training (intern). These are considered particularly important times during medical studies. You also need to be at least 18 years old.

You must be able to understand and communicate in French, as the study materials will likely be in French. You'll need to be willing to give your permission to take part, understand what the study involves, and agree to answer health questions online. Having a mobile phone and email address, along with health insurance, are also important.

There are a few reasons why someone might not be able to join. If you decide you don't want to take part, or if you are under certain legal protections (like having a guardian), you wouldn't be able to participate. This is to make sure everyone involved is fully able to understand and agree to the study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a medical student in your fourth year or a first-year intern?
Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you speak and read French?
Do you have a mobile phone and email address?
Are you willing to agree to online assessments?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you would be assigned to one of the two online programmes described. You would engage with the programme through videos and/or text messages (SMS) over a certain period. After the programme finishes, the researchers would keep in touch to check in on how you're doing, specifically whether you've had thoughts of harming yourself over the next 12 months. This follow-up would likely involve online assessments. The total duration of your participation would involve the time spent using the programme plus the 12-month follow-up period.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer the benefit of learning skills to manage stress or improve your overall well-being, which could help reduce thoughts of harming yourself. While no direct risks are expected from using online programmes, discussing sensitive topics can sometimes be upsetting. You are free to stop participating at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care or academic standing. Your well-being is the top priority, and support would be available if needed.

Locations (1)

Centre Hospitalier Charles PERRENS
Verified postcode
Bordeaux, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What kind of programmes are these?

They are online programmes accessible via videos and/or text messages. One helps with stress, and the other promotes good health.

Who can join this study?

Medical students in their fourth year or doctors in their first year of training, aged 18 or over, who speak and read French.

What will I have to do if I join?

You'll use an online programme (videos/SMS) and then have online check-ups for 12 months to see how you are feeling.

Will my information be kept private?

Yes, all your responses and personal information will be kept confidential and used only for the study.

Can I leave the study once I've started?

Absolutely, you are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason.

How to find out more

MARIE TOURNIER, MD, Prof

mtournier@ch-perrens.fr 05 56 56 17 71 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.