Can an EMDR-m Therapy delivered by midwives have an impact on trauma

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Can an EMDR-m Therapy delivered by midwives have a positive impact on the trauma profile of pregnant women and enhance maternal self-efficacy?

  • IRAS ID

    314788

  • Contact name

    Marlene Sinclair

  • Contact email

    m.sinclair1@ulster.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    Ulster University

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    3 years, 8 months, 27 days

  • Research summary

    This research is being conducted as it is vital to measure if pregnant women who have a moderate trauma score, through the use of an intervention, can experience a sense of greater wellbeing. The intervention is cognitive and is called Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing therapy (EMDR). It is approved by NICE Guidelines and the midwives delivering the intervention in the SHSCT have been fully trained in delivering it online. EMDR enhances the action of your brain to processes painful memories and reduce the flashbacks and feelings associated with the memory being triggered.

    The intervention will be delivered online via Zoom by fully trained midwives in the antenatal period from 32+ weeks. Participants will be invited to online EMDR-m intervention with sessions lasting up to 60 minute per week for three weeks prior to birth. Once the three online intervention sessions have been completed, participants will be asked to repeat assessment tools. All women will also be asked to complete a short interview (after birth) to help us learn more and understand how you feel after the intervention. This interview will be conducted by the researcher and one other supervisor. The interview will be audio recorded (with permission). The study will last for approximately 12 months and participants will be provided with contact details and follow up support materials in relation to the therapeutic intervention. By taking part in this research, women can work on past traumatic experiences, and this may help reduce the effect that these events have on their lives. The therapy offered may help to ease anxiety and improve how they feel about their role as a mother.

  • REC name

    East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 1

  • REC reference

    23/ES/0022

  • Date of REC Opinion

    27 Jul 2023

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion