Project Technical Support-III -ICMR eSPOT Project

Job highlights

• The Project Technical Support staff will be graduates in psychology / social work and will assist the coordinator in implementing the Intervention components of the DIMOND intervention at assigned AAMs.
• Preferred Qualifications: MSc in Psychology,Masters in Social Work (MSW),or a Masters degree in another relevant health sciences discipline

Bangalore

Job Summary

The eSPOT study evaluates the effectiveness and implementation of a brief, scalable psychological intervention for reducing depression among adults with diabetes mellitus and/or hypertension attending Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) in Karnataka. The intervention combines Single-Session Problem-Solving Therapy (SSPST) delivered by Community Health Officers (CHOs) with Short Digital Video Support (SDVS) and is designed for integration into routine NCD care. eSPOT study full protocol objectives:

1. To pilot test the preliminary effectiveness and feasibility of SSPST supplemented with SDVS, assessing recruitment, retention, intervention fidelity, acceptability, and preliminary changes in PHQ-9 scores among 40 participants.

2. To evaluate the effectiveness and implementation of the intervention over 12 months by assessing changes in depression scores at 3, 6, and 12 months, along with implementation outcomes including Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance, fidelity, and integration into routine NCD services. eSPOT study full protocol

3. To estimate the incremental cost and cost-effectiveness of the intervention from the health-system perspective. eSPOT study full protocol

Methods: It will be a prospective, single-arm pilot study followed by a Hybrid Type 1 effectiveness-implementation study using a mixed-methods approach. Adults with diabetes mellitus and/or hypertension who screen positive for depression will be recruited from selected AAMs in Karnataka. Trained CHOs will deliver a 20-30-minute SSPST session, supplemented by a 10-15-minute digital video module for home-based reinforcement. Participants will be assessed at baseline and followed up at 3, 6, and 12 months. Effectiveness will be evaluated primarily using PHQ-9 scores, along with anxiety, quality of life, problem-solving ability, clinical indicators, and treatment adherence. Implementation will be assessed using the RE-AIM framework, supported by qualitative interviews and focus group discussions. A trial-based economic evaluation will assess the costs and cost-effectiveness of the intervention.

No of Vacancy: Two

Key Responsibilities

• The Project Technical Support staff will be graduates in psychology/social work and will assist the coordinator in implementing the Intervention components of the DIMOND intervention at assigned AAMs.
• They will coordinate site-level activities, support CHO training logistics, and ensure fidelity to the intervention protocol.
• The staff will be trained in the administration of study tools and will conduct tablet-based screening, participant enrolment, follow-up and data collection under the supervision of the coordinator/ PRS.
• They will maintain study trackers, facilitate referral linkages between CHOs and report field issues during regular review meetings to ensure data quality and protocol adherence.

Eligibility Criteria

Preferred Qualifications: M.Sc. in Psychology, Master's in Social Work (MSW), or a Master's degree in another relevant health sciences discipline. - Preferably 2-3 years of post-qualification experience in fieldwork and/or research projects.

Age Criteria: 35 Years

Experience: Minimum of 1 year of fieldwork in rural areas of Karnataka

Preferred Language: English, Kannada

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