JITAI Trial
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Feasibility Trial of a Just in Time Adaptive Intervention (JITAI) to prevent self-harm events in an inpatient care setting
IRAS ID
324004
Contact name
Jaime Delgadillo
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Rotherham and Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 30 days
Research summary
Summary of Research
This study has been developed as a response to the worldwide health concern of Suicide affecting individuals across all demographics. A quantitative stepped wedge trial design will be employed to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of a just in time adaptive intervention (JITAI) for the prevention of self-harm in NHS psychiatric inpatient settings. This intervention involves patients completing an automated questionnaire, inpatient staff will monitor this and intervene in high-risk of self-harm cases. Feasibility outcomes and clinical outcomes data will be collected. Descriptive statistics will be used to evaluate the feasibility of implementing this method. Clinical outcomes data will be analysed using multi-level modelling to generate preliminary data to inform a future phase II cluster, stepped wedge, randomised controlled trial.
Summary of results
A growing literature base implicates interpersonal risk factors in self-harm behaviours.
Joiner’s Interpersonal Psychological Theory of Suicide (IPTS) is a widely recognised theory in the sphere of suicide prevention and by extension, self-harm prevention. By understanding the associations between the interpersonal risk factors outlined in the IPTS and self-harm behaviours, we can begin to develop just-in-time adaptive interventions (JITAI). To inform preventative interventions for self-harm in psychiatric inpatient care in the National Health Service (NHS).
A mixed method feasibility trial of a novel JITAI for the prevention of self-harm in psychiatric inpatient services was employed in two NHS Trusts. The intervention is based on daily routine outcome monitoring of interpersonal risk factors to provide responsive interventions to prevent self-harm. Feasibility recruitment targets are not met, indicating the intervention is not feasible in its current form. A qualitative exploration of staff views on feasibility provides insights to key barriers, enablers and ideas for future developments of the intervention. Ideas for development of the intervention include changes to the format and delivery, accounting for limited resources within the NHS.REC name
West of Scotland REC 3
REC reference
23/WS/0087
Date of REC Opinion
15 Aug 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion