The iSupport-PD study

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    A Feasibility Trial of iSupport-PD, a Digital Intervention for carers of people with Parkinson's and cognitive impairment

  • IRAS ID

    325361

  • Contact name

    Annette Hand

  • Contact email

    annette.hand2@nhs.net

  • Sponsor organisation

    Northumbria University

  • ISRCTN Number

    ISRCTN16483203

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    2 years, 5 months, 30 days

  • Research summary

    This project aims to assess the feasibility of an evidence-based digital intervention for carers carers of people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) with cognitive impairment.
    We have adapted a currently available digital intervention (iSupport) to meet the specific needs of carers of people with PD with cognitive impairment to improve the support currently available and offered. We now need to explore the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) for the adapted version (iSupport-PD) and the acceptability of the intervention to have confidence that a definitive RCT of the intervention will be successful.
    Our research team’s extensive methodological expertise and established connections with clinical and patient networks will ensure that the intervention is maximally effective and engaging for carers of people with PD with cognitive impairment and trial recruitment is successful and inclusive.
    We will employ a validated co-production methodology to adapt the available digital intervention to meet the specific needs of carers of people with PD with cognitive impairment (iSupport-PD).
    A feasibility trial will be carried out with a mixed-methods process evaluation of iSupport-PD to explore the feasibility of a RCT for iSupport-PD and the acceptability of the intervention.
    In future work, we will carry out a definitive RCT and health economic evaluation that will provide the evidence on effectiveness and cost effectiveness required to implement iSupport-PD nationally.

  • REC name

    East of England - Cambridge South Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    25/EE/0021

  • Date of REC Opinion

    20 Feb 2025

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion