SCENE (Work Package 4)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Feasibility trial of a structured intervention for expanding social networks in psychosis
IRAS ID
243201
Contact name
Stefan Priebe
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
East London NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 28 days
Research summary
Psychosis affects a large number of people (1-2% of the population), can last for decades and cause much distress to patients and carers. Although patients receive medication, practical support and sometimes talking therapies, these treatments have limited benefit and many patients remain socially isolated.
Previous studies have shown that small social networks are associated with poor quality of life. We would like to test the feasibility of an intervention to expand patients’ social networks and consequently improve their quality of life.
In this specific study we will carry out a feasibility study, further refining intervention, in order to gain more systematic practical experience of its provision within the NHS. We will ask 11 clinicians to deliver the intervention ('social contacts coaching') to a small number of patients. 48 participants with psychosis will be randomised to receive either the intervention or the information about events and social groups in their area (32:16). The intervention group will receive support from a mental health professional to try an activity of their choice, which involves meeting new people. We will then interview patients and clinicians about their experience of receiving or delivering the intervention. Patients will also be interviewed about their social contacts and activities, symptoms and quality of life before and after the intervention. The data collected will help to see whether the definitive intervention is more beneficial than normal care and to gain further and more systematic practical experience with the intervention in the NHS in preparation for a full randomised controlled trial.
The study will be carried out at different sites in order to make the intervention applicable to different (urban and rural) areas. The study sites will be East London, Luton, Bedfordshire, North East of England (York and surrounding area), Devon, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath and North East Somerset.
REC name
London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/LO/0520
Date of REC Opinion
3 May 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion