CO-ACTION
Research type
Research Study
Full title
CO-ACTION: Personalised social and self-management support for better living with multiple long-term conditions in the community.
IRAS ID
331510
Contact name
Dorit Kunkel
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Southampton
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
106596.P, Sponsorship agreement
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 6 months, 2 days
Research summary
This IRAS submission is for the Approving Programmes of Research Pilot (APR Pilot)
CO-ACTION programme aims to improve wellbeing for people with multiple health problems.
Background
Living with Multiple Long-Term Conditions (MLTC-M) involves multiple appointments and care plans, often overlooking patient priorities. Common issues include pain, mobility problems, and reduced social contact, contributing to loneliness and poorer mental health. People with MLTC-M consistently express a desire for care that focuses on wellbeing.Design and Methods
People with lived experience will guide the programme and we are running community events to involve people with MLTC-M. We are analysing evidence, health data, and costs to identify those with the highest unplanned hospital admissions (covered by separate ethics approvals). PPIE representatives are reviewing summaries of this data and evidence to help co-create the CO-ACTION intervention (non-NHS ethics approval in place for this). Workshops include MLTC-M patients and carers, stakeholders (health, social care, voluntary sector) to develop the intervention. PPIE groups are providing feedback on design, recruitment, outcome measures, and delivery.We are now applying for ethics approval for upcoming programme components. First, a short feasibility project will test recruitment (NHS and non-NHS) and intervention elements. This will be followed by a main trial with 556 people with MLTC-M and carers. Half will receive the intervention; half will receive usual care. Recruitment (with PPIE support) will be in Manchester/Leeds, Plymouth, and Southampton.
The intervention is likely to include: a personalised needs check, identifying main problems, a single point of contact, and tailored support using health, social, and voluntary resources. Delivery will be face-to-face or remote, based on preference. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 6, and 12 months. Finally, we will also test adoption in six (NHS and no-NHS) case study sites.
Patient and Public Involvement
PPIE contributors will guide all phases, including materials design, feedback, and identifying challenges.Dissemination
We will share findings with MLTC-M groups, stakeholders, publish papers, and hold community events.REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/NW/0319
Date of REC Opinion
12 Nov 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion