Multiple Symptoms Study 2
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Multiple Symptoms Study 2, observational study of GPs' use of the Symptoms Clinic Intervention
IRAS ID
155928
Contact name
Chris Burton
Contact email
Research summary
Medically Unexplained Symptoms (MUS) is a term used to describe persistent physical symptoms which cannot be explained by conventionally defined diseases. These symptoms are thought to result from interacting body and brain processes. MUS are common, and range from mild and short-lived symptoms to severe and limiting disability. Moderate MUS affect around 2% of adults; they result in multiple symptoms, impaired quality of life and increased healthcare use. Treatments for MUS are strongly psychological, either trying to identify and treat underlying mental distress or using specialised cognitive behavioural therapy.
This study examines an approach to managing MUS by generalist doctors. This approach uses current knowledge about the interacting body and brain processes to develop constructive explanations for symptoms with patients. It views symptoms as understandable processes in their own right rather than signs of either disease or distress. By making sense of symptoms, it allows patients to worry less about them and to learn ways to reduce the impact of them.
A previous pilot trial by the Chief Investigator (the Multiple Symptoms Study), found that employing this approach in a “Symptoms Clinic” showed potential benefit on patient outcomes which are worth investigating in a larger trial. Before planning a large trial, we need to know that other doctors can be taught and use the Symptoms Clinic Intervention developed in the Multiple Symptom Study. The current study, Multiple Symptoms Study 2) is an uncontrolled observational study; its main focus is on the doctors who have been taught the intervention rather than on the outcomes in their patients. If this study is successful, the applicants aim to plan a full trial of the Symptoms Clinic which will be able to measure its effectiveness and value.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2
REC reference
14/NS/1014
Date of REC Opinion
23 Jul 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion