A Feasibility Study of the Family Connections programme
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Family Connections: A feasibility study
IRAS ID
191869
Contact name
Janet Feigenbaum
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
UCL
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Z6364106/2015/11/24 , data protection registration number
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 7 months, 15 days
Research summary
This is a feasibility study of a group programme for family members of individuals with a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). The programme is formally know as the ‘Family Connections’ and was developed in the USA but has not been evaluated within the UK. Family members of individuals with BPD are often present during periods of chaos and crisis associated with this diagnosis and as a result will often assume multiple roles, for which they may be unprepared. Family members may witness an array of behaviours including self-harm or suicide attempts as well as verbal and physical abuse. Unfortunately, carers often face difficulties accessing suitable services and report receiving very little information on BPD from health care professionals. The impact of being a family member of an individual with a diagnosis of BPD appears to be a heavy burden, with several research studies indicating a risk of family members developing their own mental health difficulties as a result of their caring role. Importantly though, research has found the involvement of families to be highly important in BPD treatment outcomes. Family interventions for BPD have become popular and interventions of this kind are accumulating empirical support. However, the research to date is based on individuals engaged in the programme in America, where the health system is very different to the NHS. This study is therefore investigating the feasibility of running Family Connections within the UK. We will be investigating whether the 12-week programme is an acceptable intervention for Family members of individuals with BPD. We will also explore the use of measures, as well as recruitment to, and retention in the programme. It is also hoped that preliminary evidence of possible effectiveness of the programme, measured through series of measures will also be obtained.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/NW/0168
Date of REC Opinion
18 Mar 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion