E-learning for African Caribbean Families affected by schizophrenia
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Co-production and evaluation of an e-learning resource to improve African Caribbean families’ knowledge about schizophrenia and engagement with services
IRAS ID
151327
Contact name
Dawn Edge
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Research summary
Background
Inequality of access to appropriate, evidence-based interventions for schizophrenia among African Caribbeans in the UK has persisted despite decades of national and local policy and practice initiatives. In comparison to other ethnic groups, African Caribbean people access care later in their illness; presenting with more severe symptoms. Community-level misinformation and negative, stigmatising attitudes to mental illness are powerful barriers to help-seeking. Untreated illness exacerbates family tensions and worsens perceptions of the burden of care. Escalating family hostility, often resulting in police involvement, increases patients' risk of estrangement from their families, relapse and social isolation. Improving family attitudes and knowledge about schizophrenia positively affects carers perceptions and family tension. However, current UK evidence relates only to White families. There is little evidence about family educational interventions in ethnic minorities in the UK.Proposed Research
To co-produce with African Caribbean community members a culturally appropriate e-learning resource to improve attitudes and knowledge about schizophrenia and engagement with services in this high-risk group. We shall test attitudes and knowledge before and after the intervention and 6 months later. We shall also test feasibility, acceptability and accessibility of the resource, along with methods for collecting requisite monitoring data on 20 families' use of the resource (plus 20 people in the control arm of the pilot RCT). We shall collect key patient, family, carer-centred and cost data for a future exploratory Randomised Controlled Trial. We anticipate that within 24 months we will be able to disseminate the research.There are 3 main research questions:
1. Can an e-learning resource (co-produced with African Caribbean community members) improve attitudes and knowledge in families of African Caribbeans with Schizophrenia?
2. Can this e-learning resource positively impact engagement and perceived experiences of schizophrenia services?
3. Will the resource be acceptable to the families of African Caribbean people with Schizophrenia?REC name
London - City & East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/0986
Date of REC Opinion
3 Jun 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion