DIAMONDS CO-DESIGN
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Developing and evaluating a diabetes self-management intervention for people with severe mental illness: The DIAMONDS programme (Diabetes and Mental Illness, Improving Outcomes and Self-management): DIAMONDS CO-DESIGN
IRAS ID
264126
Contact name
Michael Barber
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of York
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 31 days
Research summary
People with severe mental illness (SMI) such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder have poorer physical health and a shorter life expectancy by around 20 years compared to the general population. Higher rates and poorer management of physical long-term conditions (LTCs) such as diabetes and heart disease are partly to blame. There may be several reasons for this, including the individual’s mental illness and treatment, challenges to engaging in healthy behaviours (e.g. exercise, healthy eating), and wider barriers to accessing healthcare and support (e.g. financial, social).
Self-management (which includes taking medications, monitoring symptoms [e.g. blood sugar], preventing complications [e.g. damage to kidneys], and leading a healthier lifestyle) is central to LTC management. There are self-management programmes which can help people with LTCs; however, they tend not to address the additional challenges faced when also managing SMI. To understand what prevents or enables people with SMI to manage a co-existing LTC, we have conducted two parallel studies; a systematic review of existing research, and qualitative interviews with people living with comorbid SMI and LTCs, family carers and healthcare staff (IRAS 249062).
We would now like to develop, test and refine two LTC self-management interventions, one for people with SMI and diabetes, and one for people with SMI and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), working in partnership with service users, family members/ friends who provide support, and clinicians who support people living with these conditions.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/NW/0356
Date of REC Opinion
22 Jul 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion