Home › Acute Traumatic Stress Disorders › NCT06482567
Promoting Improved Functioning Among People Experiencing Stressful Situations
Who can join
Ages 18 to 50 · All sexes
Full eligibility criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * ≥ 18 years and ≤ 50 years of age (if age not known, appears to be) * In the emergency department as a patient or loved one of a patient * If a patient, anticipated to be discharged to home from the emergency department after evaluation * Exhibiting visible signs of distress Richmond Agitation and Sedation Scale ((RASS) (+1 to +3)) or dissociation (awake and alert but reduced responsiveness) * Likely able to speak English Exclusion Criteria: * Known pregnancy * Prisoner or in custody * Known history of psychosis or bipolar disorder * Known or suspected drug intoxication * Known history of substantial cognitive impairment * Known or suspected altered mental status due to traumatic brain injury * Known active psychosis, suicidal ideation, or homicidal ideation * Unable to use both hands (e.g. due to sprain) * Any other history or condition that would, in the site investigator's judgement, indicate that the individual would very likely be non-compliant with the study or unsuitable for the study (e.g. might interfere with the study, confound interpretation, or endanger participant)
About the study
The iCOVER intervention was developed to rapidly restore functioning in individuals experiencing an Acute Stress Reaction (ASR). iCOVER is undergoing widespread adoption but has not been tested for efficacy. iCOVER was designed to be administered by peers, paraprofessionals, or medical personnel in 60-120 seconds, including in military operational environments. The term iCOVER is an acronym that summarizes the six specific steps of the intervention: (1) identify that an individual is experiencing an ASR; (2) Connect with the individual through word, eye contact, and physical touch to draw them back to the present moment; (3) Offer commitment so that the individual feels less psychologically isolated and withdrawn (e.g., "I'm right here with you"); (4) Verify facts - ask simple fact-based questions to engage the individual in deliberate cognitive activity; (5) Establish order of events - briefly review what has happened, what is happening, and what will happen to orient the individual; and (6) Request action to re-engage the individual in purposeful behavior.
Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: iCOVER, usual care, or physical presence with reassurance. Investigators have elected to use two different control conditions, in order to examine the reliability of the iCOVER intervention in comparison with two typical responses to individuals experiencing an ASR (i.e., physical presence with reassurance, no specific treatment).
What is being tested
- iCOVER (behavioral)
- Physical Presence with Reassurance (behavioral)
Sponsor: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill · Participants: 450 · Started: Aug 15, 2024
Contact the study team
- Jenni Shafer, PhD · Phone: 919-360-0681
- Allison Britt, BS · Phone: 919-605-1046
Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT06482567
Locations in the U.S.
Conditions
From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.