Enhancing psychological telephone interventions (EQUITy)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Enhancing the quality of psychological interventions delivered by telephone (EQUITy)
IRAS ID
242318
Contact name
Penny Bee
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Summary of Research
Depression and anxiety are common. The NHS has a world-leading psychological therapy service, called ‘IAPT’, to help.Many IAPT sessions are by telephone. Delivery by telephone is effective, and can help people who cannot travel because of illness, transport or feelings of stigma. Psychological therapy by telephone is recommended by the NICE.
However, data suggests that many people are not starting or finishing telephone treatment. Part of the problem is that the professionals who deliver telephone treatments do not receive enough training. Sharing information with the therapist is also harder on the telephone.
We want to improve the way that psychological interventions are delivered over the telephone in IAPT.
In Workstream 1, we will do 4 studies.
In study 1, we will talk to patients and professionals to find out what helps telephone.
In study 2, we will record telephone sessions and analyse them to understand why some sessions go well, and some do not.
In study 3, we will talk to managers in IAPT, to understand why they use telephone treatment
In study 4, we will use routine IAPT data to find out which patients are offered telephone treatments, and who does well in such treatments
In Workstream 2, we will bring together our learning to develop an intervention. We will create a first draft of intervention and hold 3 ‘consensus meetings’ for patients, staff and managers
We will also work with patients, carers and professionals to develop a smartphone app (Workstream 3) to help patients and therapists exchange information. We will talk to them to find out what they want in the app (Workstream 3 Study 5).
We will then ask patients using IAPT to try the app during treatment and see if they liked it (Workstream 3 Study 6). We will redesign it and test it further.
Summary of Results
This summary provides an overview of the work that was carried out in the first phase of the EQUITy Programme. We explored the challenges and experiences surrounding the delivery of telephone therapy, examining the experiences and views of policy makers, services, practitioners and patients with the aim to develop an intervention to enhance the delivery of telephone psychological therapies.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/NW/0372
Date of REC Opinion
11 Jun 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion