Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Medically Unexplained Symptoms
Research type
Research Study
Full title
What is the patient journey for post traumatic stress disorder and medically unexplained physical symptoms?
IRAS ID
222610
Contact name
Tony Downes
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cardiff University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
This study is designed to answer one of three research questions that comprise a Medical Doctorate (MD). The qualitative study aims to increase the understanding of the relationship between two common health conditions: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms (MUPS) such as fibromyalgia. The study also aims to understand the patient's experience of care when they have both conditions together and to identify any factors that might make people susceptible to developing both conditions such as childhood abuse and domestic violence: Although the two conditions occur together frequently, the separation of physical health problems from mental health problems in modern health services, together with increased specialisation and the absence of a care pathway for both PTSD and MUPS, could have an adverse impact on the patient journey through the various healthcare services and the quality of care provided. The study will include adults aged 18 years and older selected from the PTSD Registry at Cardiff University. The study will take place for up to 12 months in Wales only and will be conducted at GP Practices, other NHS sites such as community hospitals and academic centres such as the National Centre for Mental Health. A single two to three hour interview will take place at a venue as close to the participants home as possible.
REC name
Wales REC 6
REC reference
17/WA/0075
Date of REC Opinion
11 Apr 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion