EMDR in the MTRS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Early Intervention Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing in the Major Trauma Rehabilitation Service using the Recent Traumatic Events Protocol
IRAS ID
263082
Contact name
Lisa Robinson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 0 days
Research summary
Evidence is emerging to suggest that a brief trauma-focused psychological intervention immediately following a traumatic experience may reduce the development of subsequent trauma symptoms, (Rothbaum et al 2012). NICE, (2018) recommend that therapy can begin within a month following trauma if the person is experiencing acute stress disorder or clinically important symptoms of PTSD. Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is one of the therapies recommended by NICE (2005; 2013; 2018) as a treatment for PTSD. Shapiro and Laub (2014) developed an EMDR early intervention protocol: Recent Traumatic Event Protocol (R-TEP). Although relatively new, there is encouraging evidence emerging to support the effectiveness of this protocol, (Gill-Jardine et al 2018). This project proposes to use the R-TEP with individuals who are inpatients of a major trauma centre following a major traumatic accident and who are experiencing some level of current distress in relation to this. This is with the aim of determining whether this intervention is feasible and acceptable in this setting. The study will use a case-series design. Participants will be randomly allocated a treatment start time which will be between 2-4 days following their traumatic injury. The intervention is estimated to last between 2- 4 x 90 minute sessions and will be conducted on consecutive days where possible. Outcome measures will be taken pre-treatment, post-treatment and at 3 follow –up time points of 1, 3 and 12 months. These include; IES-R, PCL- 5 and a brief resilience scale. In addition, participants will be asked to rate their levels of distress twice daily throughout the intervention and will also be asked to complete a semi-structured questionnaire at 1 and 6 month follow up time points. Data will be analysed by plotting a time series graph for each individual as well as statistical analyses on outcome measures.
REC name
South East Scotland REC 02
REC reference
19/SS/0096
Date of REC Opinion
17 Sep 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion