WeWaitWell Feasibility Study: Digital Mental Health Waiting Support
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A single-site feasibility and acceptability study of WeWaitWell, a digital intervention to support patients during mental health waiting in a Decisions Unit
IRAS ID
373600
Contact name
Raihan Talukdar
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
This study is looking at whether a simple digital tool called WeWaitWell can help support people while they are waiting for mental health care.
Waiting for a mental health assessment, particularly in crisis or urgent care settings, can be stressful and difficult. People may feel anxious, distressed or unsure what to do while waiting. At present, there is very little support available during these waiting periods, even though they can affect how people experience their care.
WeWaitWell is a simple mobile-based tool designed to provide support during waiting. It offers optional activities such as short walking prompts, calming or grounding exercises, reminders about when to return for appointments, and small tasks to build confidence using a mobile phone. The aim is to help people feel calmer, stay engaged, and be more prepared for their assessment.
This study will take place in a mental health Decisions Unit, a hospital-based service where patients awaiting urgent mental health assessment are supported for short periods. Initial co-design workshops with people with lived experience have already been undertaken to inform the development of the intervention, and this study will build on that work through real-world testing of the intervention. A small number of patients (around 20–30) will then be asked to use WeWaitWell during their waiting time.
We will collect feedback on how easy the tool is to use, whether people find it helpful, and any barriers to using it. Some participants and staff will also be invited to take part in interviews.
This is a feasibility study, meaning the aim is to improve the tool and understand how it could be tested in a larger study in the future.
REC name
London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/LO/0526
Date of REC Opinion
10 Jul 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion