Experiences of Informal Caregivers of people with MND/ALS

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    The Experiences of Informal Caregivers of people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)/motor neuron disease (MND)

  • IRAS ID

    313806

  • Contact name

    Haris Stavroulakis Stavroulakis

  • Contact email

    t.stavroulakis@sheffield.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    University of Sheffield

  • Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier

    JPND-2013-1, Co-funder's reference number

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    1 years, 3 months, 31 days

  • Research summary

    Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neuron disease (MND) is a rapidly progressive neurological disease that has no known cure. People living with ALS/MND lose the ability to move, speak, swallow, and eventually breathe on their own. Therefore, people living with ALS/MND require a high level of care, and family members often become carers.

    Previous research has shown that there are practical, social, economic, and emotional impacts on ALS/MND carers. However, not everyone is affected in the same ways, and a previous study showed there are some differences between countries. Therefore, we want to understand more about the complex experiences of caring so that better support can be provided.

    To do this, ALS/MND carers will be invited to attend focus groups or interviews. In these sessions, participants will be asked questions about their experiences of caring for someone living with ALS/MND. Afterward, the conversations will be analysed qualitatively to identify themes.

    The results of this study will be shared to inform future research and clinical practice, to ensure ALS/MND carers are able to access the support they need.

  • REC name

    Yorkshire & The Humber - Bradford Leeds Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    22/YH/0287

  • Date of REC Opinion

    16 Dec 2022

  • REC opinion

    Favourable Opinion