A mental workout before surgery: could problem-solving coaching speed recovery in seniors?
NCT ID NCT06174701
First seen Aug 03, 2026 · Last updated Aug 04, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This pilot study tests whether problem-solving therapy (PST) — a form of coaching that helps people tackle challenges step by step — is practical and acceptable for older adults preparing for major surgery. Participants aged 65 and older who show mild depressive symptoms or lack social support will receive PST sessions before and after their operation, or enhanced usual care with educational materials. The study will measure how well participants recover their daily functioning over six months and track changes in depressive symptoms, aiming to see if this approach is worth testing in a larger trial.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Problem-solving therapy (PST) delivered as one-on-one coaching before and after surgery, compared with enhanced usual care (educational handouts).
- What this could lead to
- If this approach proves feasible, it could pave the way for a larger study testing whether PST helps older adults regain function and avoid depression after major surgery.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small pilot study focused on feasibility, not proof of effectiveness. Results may not generalize, and the therapy may not improve recovery outcomes.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, California, 94143, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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