Developing information for clients about psychological therapies
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Developing information to improve clients’ expectations of and engagement with adult psychological therapies services
IRAS ID
181798
Contact name
Joanna Brooks
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Huddersfield
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 26 days
Research summary
Drop out is common amongst those undergoing psychological therapy, and there is, additionally, growing recognition of the need to acknowledge and reduce potential adverse effects of psychological therapies. A good therapeutic alliance and client-therapist agreement on the tasks and goals of therapy are two key factors associated with improved outcomes in psychological therapies.
Holding realistic treatment expectations prior to treatment onset is known to reduce anxiety about a range of healthcare procedures, and it is possible this may also apply to psychological therapy. Prior information on realistic expectations may contribute to the formation of a strong therapeutic alliance at an early stage in therapy.
The Adult Psychological Therapies Service provided by the South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust at Calderdale Royal has begun looking at providing information to clients prior to therapy commencing. The purpose would be to better prepare the client for what to expect, in terms of session numbers, length and the therapy process. This includes the possibility of feeling worse, which may make it easier to talk about adverse effects during therapy.
This study will use in-depth interviews to consult with service users recently discharged from psychological therapies, exploring with service users what information they feel would have been helpful prior to therapy. Data will be analysed using Template Analysis, a qualitative analysis technique which allows for the succinct production of key points from rich qualitative data. A summary of findings will then be discussed with a focus group made up of service user participants and their feedback used to inform the design of information materials for use by the Adult Psychological Therapies Service.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
15/NS/0063
Date of REC Opinion
25 Aug 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion