MS-FILM
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating the utility of a complex film intervention about ms delivered online
IRAS ID
259274
Contact name
Richard Nicholas
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Joint Research Compliance Office
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN00000000
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 10 months, 31 days
Research summary
There is clear evidence that early treatment with disease modifying therapies (DMTs) is beneficial over the medium term in relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) (Montalban et al., 2018) (Cerqueira et al., 2018). In response, a film intervention has been produced to convey this evidence in a comprehensible way. The proposed study to evaluate the film builds upon earlier research that we have conducted on three patient populations. The combined populations showed a high level of dissatisfaction (44%) with their treatment status and the majority of the total population had difficulty making a decision (53%). This was highest in a group of people actively searching for healthcare information attending a study day - significantly above an ‘on treatment’ group. Furthermore, in a group offered treatment as part of a study (‘ms doubt’), we discovered almost half were disengaged and unready to make a treatment decision. It is therefore essential that people are given access to information about the importance of early treatment in MS when a healthcare system is challenging to navigate and there are personal circumstances that may delay action (Wilkie, 2018). Using a non-scientific approach, the film presents consequences of delayed action. Participants are asked to review the film in its entirety and then proceed to the website supporting the film, which explains more about the components chosen to convey the message. They are also asked to answer five questions. The film is aimed at anyone with an interest in MS, but it is proposed that those who have yet to start treatment and those newly diagnosed with MS may benefit most.
REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/LO/0282
Date of REC Opinion
12 Mar 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion