Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

StratCare Trial 2: Evaluating the Clinical and Cost-effectiveness of AI-driven Stratified Care for Depression

Depression is common, and current treatments don't always work for everyone, with about half of patients not fully recovering. Usually, people start with short therapies and move to more intense ones if needed. This study is testing a new computer tool called 'StratCare'. This tool uses artificial intelligence to help therapists decide which treatment might be best for each patient right from the start – either brief therapy or more in-depth therapy. The treatments themselves are already available in the NHS. Researchers want to see if using StratCare helps more people get better from depression in the long term, compared to the current system, and if it could work widely in the NHS. About 1252 adults will take part.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

1,252

Start

07 Jul 2025

Estimated completion

30 Nov 2026

Depression

What is this study about?

Depression is a common mental health condition that affects many people in the UK. When you seek help for depression in the NHS, you usually start with shorter treatments. If these don't seem to help enough, you then move on to longer or more intensive therapies. While this approach works for some, about half of people don't fully recover, suggesting there might be a better way to match people with the right treatment from the beginning.

This study is looking at a new computer system called 'StratCare'. Think of it as a smart assistant for therapists. It uses artificial intelligence to help them decide which treatment plan might be most effective for you. When you first meet your therapist, StratCare would ask some questions about your feelings, personality, and background. Based on your answers, it suggests whether you might benefit more from starting with brief therapy or from a more intensive therapy. It's important to remember that these are treatments already offered in the NHS – the tool just helps choose the best starting point.

The main goal of this study is to see if using StratCare can help more people recover from depression and improve their quality of life over time, compared to the standard NHS approach. Researchers also want to find out if this tool could be successfully used on a large scale across different NHS services. They will follow participants for 18 months, checking on their mood and how they feel about their life, and also gathering opinions from both patients and therapists about using StratCare.

Key takeaways

This study evaluates an AI tool (StratCare) for depression treatment in the NHS.
It aims to find out if StratCare helps people get the most effective treatment sooner.
Treatments offered are standard NHS therapies, not new or experimental.
One group will use StratCare guidance; another will follow usual NHS treatment selection.
Participants will be followed for 18 months to check mood and quality of life.
Your decision to take part will not affect your standard NHS care.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or older. You must also be seeking treatment for common mental health problems through NHS Talking Therapies services and have symptoms of depression that your doctor or therapist would consider significant (this is usually checked using a questionnaire).

Also, you need to be willing to allow researchers to look at your medical records, but all your personal details will be removed so you can't be identified. Finally, you must also be eligible for treatment within the NHS Talking Therapies service according to their usual guidelines.

You would not be able to join the study if you are not eligible for treatment through the NHS Talking Therapies services for any reason, according to their standard rules.

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 18 years old or older?
Are you currently seeking treatment for common mental health problems through NHS Talking Therapies?
Do you have symptoms of depression that your therapist considers significant?
Are you willing to share your medical records (with personal details removed) for research?
Are you eligible for treatment within the NHS Talking Therapies service according to their usual rules?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, it actually means the NHS Talking Therapies team you're being treated by is taking part. So, you would continue to receive care for your depression through your usual Talking Therapies service. What changes is how your initial treatment plan is decided. Half of the participating teams will use the StratCare computer tool to help guide that decision, while the other half will follow the usual NHS way of deciding on treatment.

You will discuss the recommended treatment option with your therapist and can decide together what's best for you. The treatments themselves are standard NHS therapies for depression. After your initial treatment, researchers will get in touch with you at 6, 12, and 18 months to check on your mood and quality of life. Some participants and therapists will also be asked to share their thoughts about the StratCare tool in interviews.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer the benefit of potentially receiving a more personalised treatment plan for your depression right from the start, which could lead to better outcomes. There are no new or experimental treatments involved, as all therapies are already available through the NHS. The main change is how the initial treatment choice is made. There are no anticipated physical risks. You always have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, even if your NHS Talking Therapies team is participating, without it affecting your care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Doncaster, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is AI and how does it help with depression treatment?

AI, or Artificial Intelligence, is a computer system that can learn and make suggestions. In this study, it's used to help therapists recommend the best starting treatment for your depression based on your specific situation.

Will I receive different treatment if I join this study?

You will receive treatments that are already available in the NHS. The study is about how the *choice* of your initial treatment is made – either with the help of the AI tool or through the usual NHS process.

What is the 'stepped care' model?

Stepped care is the usual way the NHS offers help for depression. You start with shorter, simpler treatments, and if those aren't enough, you 'step up' to more intensive therapies.

How long will the study last for me?

You will be followed up for 18 months, with researchers contacting you at 6, 12, and 18 months to see how you are doing.

Can I still get NHS care if I don't join the study?

Yes, your decision to join or not join the study will not affect your access to standard NHS Talking Therapies services or your care in any way.

How to find out more

Jonathan Woodward

ben.thompson@sheffield.ac.uk 0114 2222966 Official trial record

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