Integrated CBT for depression trial (INTERACT RCT)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Multi-centre randomised controlled trial of integrated therapist and online CBT for depression in primary care (INTERACT)
IRAS ID
257620
Contact name
Nicola Wiles
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bristol
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN13112900
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 31 days
Research summary
CBT is an effective treatment for depression. Investment in the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services has increased provision of brief, low intensity interventions in England. However, variation in the provision of high intensity CBT treatments remains. CBT-based computerised interventions (cCBT) were designed to make CBT available at low cost and have often been delivered as low intensity interventions with minimal or no practitioner support. However, patient engagement with cCBT is poor and, in the absence of support, effects are modest and short-term. Innovative use of technology and integration of online materials into therapy could increase efficiency, reduce costs, and widen access to therapy, whilst maintaining the long-term effectiveness of CBT delivered by high intensity therapists.
We have developed a new intervention that blends high intensity therapy with innovative technology to maintain effectiveness of face-to-face CBT. Our pilot (Phase 2) study explored the views of service users, therapists and their clinical supervisor regarding the online platform. This enabled us to ensure that the platform and CBT materials are acceptable, and allowed us to make improvements before a large-scale evaluation.
This next phase of the INTERACT programme is a multi-centre randomised controlled trial to evaluate the clinical and cost effectiveness of this integrated online therapy platform in reducing depressive symptoms (compared with usual care).
The study will be based in primary care in three trial centres: University of Bristol (co-ordinating centre), University College London, and Universities of Hull/York. Patients will be recruited from GP practices set in the surrounding areas of Bristol, London and Hull/York. GP practices will be Participant Identification Centres (PICs).
Participants will be recruited through their GP practices and, if eligible, will be randomised to receive either the integrated CBT intervention or usual care. Participants will be followed-up by researchers at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months.REC name
South West - Frenchay Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/SW/0038
Date of REC Opinion
20 Mar 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion