Feasibility of a self-management toolkit for PESD with MLTCs

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Self-management of multiple health conditions in people experiencing socioeconomic deprivation

  • IRAS ID

    364957

  • Contact name

    Megan Armstrong

  • Contact email

    megan.armstrong@ucl.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    University College London

  • Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier

    Z6364106/2025/10/148, Data protection

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    0 years, 8 months, 31 days

  • Research summary

    This feasibility study aims to evaluate the acceptability, usability, and preliminary effectiveness of a co-designed digital self-management toolkit to support people living with multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs) and experiencing socioeconomic deprivation (SED). The study will also explore the feasibility of including individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and the perspectives of healthcare professionals regarding implementation in primary care.

    A total of approximately 85 participants will be recruited across two main areas (London and Sheffield). This will include:

    - 20 people with MLTCs living in areas of socioeconomic deprivation (PESD);
    -15 people with MLTCs and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), identified through the Telephone Montreal Cognitive Assessment (TMoCA <20);
    -Up to 35 carers of these individuals; and
    -15 healthcare professionals (e.g., GPs, nurses, pharmacists, allied health professionals, social prescribers) working in primary care settings serving deprived populations.

    Participants with MLTCs (and their carers) will take part in an eight-week intervention period, during which they will receive access to the self-management toolkit. The toolkit includes interactive features such as:

    - A community resource map linking to local support services;
    - Information on managing clusters of common symptoms;
    = Symptom and medication tracking tools;
    - Goal-setting and wellbeing strategies; and
    - Appointment and healthcare routine management tools.

    Data will be collected at baseline and eight-week follow-up from participants using validated outcome measures (on self-efficacy, self-management, quality of life, wellbeing), alongside usage analytics and qualitative interviews with participants and carers. Quantitative data will assess changes in wellbeing, self-management, and quality of life, while qualitative interviews with patients, carers, and healthcare professionals will explore views and barriers to implementation.

    Findings will inform refinement of the toolkit and study procedures ahead of a definitive trial, contributing to improved self-management and care integration for people with MLTCs in underserved communities.

  • REC name

    North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    26/NW/0047

  • Date of REC Opinion

    23 Mar 2026

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion