Can brief mindfulness treatment improve attention for ABI clients
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Can brief mindfulness treatment improve attention in individuals with mixed acquired brain injury?
IRAS ID
154897
Contact name
Judy Emenalo-Strange
Contact email
Research summary
The aim of this study is to evaluate whether mindfulness intervention will reduce attention problems with individuals with Brain Injury (BI). Acquired brain injury (ABI), whether classified as traumatic (e.g. road traffic accidents) or not (e.g. encephalitis, brain tumour, Parkinson’s Disease, multiple sclerosis [MS], stroke), is a major cause of disability in the UK, and can lead to a range of difficulties for people. Having an ABI can have a long-lasting effect on a person’s life. Presently, it is estimated that at least one million people in the UK have long-term disabilities as a result of acquired brain injury (Headway 2013; UKABIF 2012). Individuals who have sustained BI commonly report difficulties with attention, concentration, memory, irritability and fatigue and difficulties adjusting to changes in their lives after their injury.
The project’s aim is to investigate and evaluate the efficacy of an adapted (i.e., specifically tailored, short form) psychological group intervention based on mindfulness meditation techniques in improving attention problems associated with BI.The program under investigation is delivered over 4 weeks and comprises 4 x 1 hour training sessions, with an emphasis on daily practice at home. The experiences with the exercises at home are discussed at the training sessions and feedback is given accordingly to overcome any difficulties.
The main objective of the study is to evaluate the beneficial effects of a new mindfulness based psychological intervention in reducing problems with focusing or controlling attention as a consequence of an ABI. Furthermore, it will also be explored whether the intervention is improving patients' self-rated quality of life, as this may have important financial implications for the potential application of similar, adapted forms of MBI across NHS services in light of the current economic climate.
REC name
East of England - Essex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/EE/1173
Date of REC Opinion
19 Nov 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion