SCI-FACT: The effectiveness of Focused ACT for SCI patients
Research type
Research Study
Full title
SCI-FACT: The acceptability and effectiveness of delivering a Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Intervention in inpatient Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Settings
IRAS ID
357720
Contact name
Dave Dawson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Lincoln
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 10 months, 12 days
Research summary
Research has found that patients with a Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) suffer with longstanding mental health difficulties, likely due to the impact of the lifelong physical and health problems that come with their injury. Therefore, it is important to make sure that there is effective psychological support available to them. Unfortunately, research shows that the most commonly used therapy approach, CBT, has very inconsistent evidence regarding its effectiveness for SCI patients. It has also been found that providing support shortly after the injury can be helpful for patients in the long term. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate whether an alternative therapy approach, called Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (FACT), can be effectively delivered to SCI patients shortly after their injury, whilst they are recovering in hospital.
To answer this question, a single case experimental design (SCED) series will be used in which participants will regularly complete a number of questionnaires asking about: symptoms relating to their mental health; quality of life; how they are adjusting to their injury; and how they approach coping with difficulties they face, before receiving FACT and for a period of time afterwards. This will provide quantitative information regarding the effect of the intervention. At a one month follow up, these questionnaires will be repeated, and participants will be interviewed about their experiences of the intervention to understand whether there are any issues that need to be considered when using this therapy for SCI patients in hospitals. Using a SCED series design will require us to recruit at least 3 participants.
The information will be analysed to conclude whether it is feasible to use this therapy in this way, and whether it is effective at improving the mental health and quality of life of SCI patients.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - South Yorkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/YH/0150
Date of REC Opinion
7 Aug 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion