A feasibility study of the usefulness and acceptability of MI
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A feasibility study of the usefulness and acceptability of Motivational Interviewing in a Clozapine Clinic REC Name: London- Surrey Borders REC No.: 14/LO/0860 Date: 11 June 2014
IRAS ID
155654
Contact name
Ndabezinhle Bhebhe
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Surrey
Research summary
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a counselling method that helps change chosen behaviours. The study aim is to investigate the feasibility of incorporating MI in a Clozapine Clinic to help clients change dietary and physical activity patterns. The Clozapine Clinic supports clients taking Clozapine antipsychotic medication for Schizophrenia. The study will investigate whether participants find MI useful in changing their lifestyle and whether clients and Clinic staff find MI acceptable to be offered within the Clinic.
Individuals suffering from Schizophrenia suffer from physical illnesses that reduce their life expectancy compared to the general population. Some of these illnesses have been associated with unhealthy lifestyles and medications for treating Schizophrenia. It is crucial to help clients taking Clozapine address their diet and physical activity because Clozapine is associated with weight gain and other health problems. It is likely that participants will benefit directly from the changes they make to their lifestyles.
Participants will be recruited from a single Clozapine Clinic supporting 112 clients. Eligible participants will be aged between 18 to 65 years and attending the Clinic monthly. Additionally, only overweight participants with Body Mass Index above 25kg/m² will be eligible. Thirty participants will be recruited and randomly divided into two groups. The first group will receive current Usual Care from the clinic nurse and will complete a diet questionnaire and a physical activity questionnaire at the beginning and end of the study. The second group will receive six one-to-one MI sessions monthly in addition to usual care from the researcher. Sessions will last up to 45 minutes and participants will complete diet and physical activity questionnaires at the beginning and end plus a Feedback questionnaire. Interviews lasting up to 90 minutes will be held individually with three clinic staff at the end of the study. The study will last 28 weeks.REC name
London - Surrey Borders Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/0860
Date of REC Opinion
22 Aug 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion