SCI-FACT: The feasibility of focused ACT for SCI patients
Research type
Research Study
Full title
SCI-FACT: The feasibility of delivering a Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Intervention in inpatient Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Settings
IRAS ID
349866
Contact name
Dave Dawson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Lincoln
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 1 months, 22 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.
In order to answer this question, the study will involve 24 participants in total, with 12 receiving their usual care, and 12 receiving FACT alongside what would usually be offered to them. All 24 participants will complete questionnaires that ask 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. These questionnaires will be completed before any intervention, after the intervention and at a 3-month follow up. Some of the participants from each group will also be invited to complete an interview where they will be asked about their experiences of completing the intervention and taking part in the study to determine whether there are any issues that need to be considered when using this therapy for SCI patients in hospitals.
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
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/NW/0059
Date of REC Opinion
6 Mar 2025
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion