ADAPT - FSMP
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Adapting the Fibromyalgia self-management programme to develop an online support package, optimising engagement and uptake of the intervention.
IRAS ID
329389
Contact name
Jennifer Pearson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of the West
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a long-term condition that causes pain and fatigue. The condition is common, and estimates suggest it affects approximately 5% of the population. FM is more common in females and is associated with various health conditions. Unfortunately, the cause of FM is poorly understood, so diagnosing and treating the condition can be challenging. The treatment of FM includes both medicines and other non-medicine-based interventions, and current guidelines suggest that exercise and self-management strategies should be used in the first instance. The Fibromyalgia Self-Management Programme (FSMP) is a clinically developed exercise and education group intervention. The programme aims to provide FM-specific education and exercise advice and support the skills to self-manage. Currently, the FSMP is delivered by a team of specialist Rheumatology Occupational Therapists (OTs) and Physiotherapists (PTs) in Bath and a Community Therapy team in Southampton. Traditionally, the FSMP has been delivered face-to-face, but since the COVID-19 pandemic, the clinical teams have adapted the FSMP to enable virtual delivery and now offer both a virtual and face-to-face programme. However, the supporting information has not been adapted for online use. The study aims to develop an online resource to support the FSMP in the NHS so it can be delivered virtually, face-to-face or independently. There are three work packages in the study. Work package one will explore what adults with FM would like from an online resource. Work package two will ask people living with FM to use the online FSMP resource to see what works well and what needs improvement. Finally, the online FSMP resource will be tested in work package three. This research will mean clinicians can offer adults living with FM an online resource to support the delivery of the FSMP in the NHS. Findings from the research will help design a future study testing effectiveness.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 3
REC reference
23/WS/0131
Date of REC Opinion
10 Aug 2023
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion