NEAD patient experiences of using an online group intervention
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A qualitative exploration of patient experiences of an online group intervention focused on living well with Non-Epileptic Attack Disorder (NEAD).
IRAS ID
350685
Contact name
Jessica Fish
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Glasgow
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 1 days
Research summary
Non-Epileptic Attack Disorder (NEAD) involves seizures that resemble epileptic seizures but lack the same brain activity. These episodes are often linked to stress or trauma. While treatments like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) aim to reduce seizure frequency and intensity, there's growing interest in therapies that focus on helping patients accept and manage their condition to improve quality of life. However, little research has explored patients' perspectives and treatment preferences.
This study seeks to understand patients' experiences with an NHS online group intervention designed to help individuals live well with NEAD. This is hoped to shape a shared understanding of how patients engage with this intervention and, how best to promote accessibility and choice in treatment.
Participants will be recruited from the Institute of Neurological Services (INS) at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH), NHSGGC. The service holds a record of patients who have participated in the NEAD group and provided consent to be contacted regarding research. Patients who have indicated consent to be contacted who have participated in the NEAD group will be invited to participate in the current research.
Our main aim of recruitment is to make it as easy as possible for people to participate in this research by offering various choices throughout the process. Interviews will be conducted over Microsoft Teams and will be recorded. The interviews will last between 60 to 90 minutes. Participants will be offered the choice of attending focus groups online via Microsoft Teams but also the option to conduct individual interviews over the telephone using an external recording device. This is to increase inclusion and accessibility by enabling participant choice in the research as to reduce any barriers for participants sharing their experiences. Informed consent will be obtained, and participation is entirely voluntary, with no impact on their current or future care.
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/SW/0013
Date of REC Opinion
27 Feb 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion