EngageFND: Enhancing Community OT and Self-Management for FND
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Developing interventions to enhance engagement in community-based Occupational Therapy and self-management for people with Functional Neurological Disorder. (Student Study)
IRAS ID
358540
Contact name
Fabiana Lorencatto
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London (UCL)
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Z6364106/2026/03/193, UCL Data Protection Registration Number
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 10 days
Research summary
Background
Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a common condition that causes symptoms such as weakness, tremor, and seizure-like episodes. These symptoms can make everyday life difficult and affect independence, work, and wellbeing. Many people with FND benefit from rehabilitation, which helps them manage symptoms and take part in daily activities. However, specialist FND services are limited, waiting lists are long, and hospital-based rehabilitation is expensive for the NHS. Community-based support, such as Occupational Therapy (OT) provided at home or locally, could help more people but is currently underused.
Occupational Therapists play an important role in rehabilitation for people with FND. They support people to manage symptoms, build confidence, and engage in meaningful daily activities. People with FND report that community occupational therapy can be helpful, but that therapists may not always fully understand FND or their specific needs. Community occupational therapists also say they want to support people with FND but often feel uncertain about the best way to do this in everyday practice.
Aims
This research aims to better understand:
• What helps or prevents people with FND from engaging with community-based occupational therapy
• What supports or makes it harder for people with FND to manage their symptoms in everyday life.
• What helps or hinders occupational therapists to deliver occupational therapy to people with FND in community settings.
Methods
This research will involve:
• Interviews with adults with FND and carers to explore their experiences of community occupational therapy and symptom management.
• Workshops with people with FND, carers, occupational therapists, service managers and the research team to identify and develop practical strategies to enhance engagement with community occupational therapy, support effective delivery, and patient self-management.
The research will use behaviour change frameworks. These frameworks help us understand what supports or makes it harder for people to change behaviours, such as engaging in therapy, independently managing symptoms, and adapting professional practice.REC name
South West - Central Bristol Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/SW/0074
Date of REC Opinion
19 Jun 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion