Long-term Cognitive and Psychosocial Outcomes Following Anti-NMDARE
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Long-term Cognitive and Psychosocial Outcomes Following Anti-NMDAR Encephalitis
IRAS ID
318317
Contact name
Colin Wilson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Belfast HSC Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 29 days
Research summary
This study aims to expand upon the growing evidence base examining the long-term cognitive and psychosocial effects of Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis (anti-NMDARE). To date, research into this area has been limited, with no clinical consensus on the impact or prognosis on patient's neurocognitive functioning following recovery from the disease (Noelle & Moses, 2018). Moreover, there is insufficient research which explores the long-term impact on psychological wellbeing, quality of life (QOL) and everyday functioning following a diagnosis (Blum et al., 2020; Noelle & Moses, 2018). Through conducting a case series design, using a mixed methods approach, individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of anti-NMDARE, who have previously received treatment in the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, up to ten years ago, will complete a comprehensive battery of validated neuropsychological tests, alongside relevant psychosocial and QOL outcome measures. Additionally, relevant demographic (e.g. age, gender, ethnicity) and clinical variables (e.g. time since symptom onset, acute medical treatment given) will be retrospectively collected from participant’s medical records. Furthermore, participants will be asked to complete a 10-minute semi-structured interview, with the aim of exploring the challenges they have encountered since their diagnosis and the supports that they have required during this time period. This testing session will last approximately 2hours 30minutes per participant. Participants will be recruited based on specific inclusion/exclusion criteria. They will be sent a recruitment pack inviting them to take part, and the study will be conducted on Belfast Trust premises in the Royal Victoria or Musgrave Park Hospital. It is hoped this research project will expand upon the growing evidence base in helping to improve clinicians understanding of the condition; particularly surrounding the impact that anti-NMDARE may have on long-term functioning and morbidity.
REC name
London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/PR/0151
Date of REC Opinion
9 Mar 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion