MyMS-Ally: Feasibility and acceptability study of MS intervention
Research type
Research Study
Full title
MyMS-Ally Group Psychological Intervention: a feasibility and acceptability study of a novel group psychological intervention for people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
IRAS ID
310410
Contact name
Evangelia Fragkiadaki
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of the West of England
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is characterised by significant symptom diversity and complexity. The unpredictability of the symptoms and the emotional and cognitive facets of the disease have a significant impact on the patients’ quality of life, relationships and other significant areas of living. Psychological interventions and their efficacy have been the focus of MS literature over the past years and have been found to have moderate effects on quality of life, depression and stress reduction, improvement of wellbeing, anxiety, fatigue and sleep disturbances and emotion regulation. The present research project follows from an exploratory mixed method study on the effects of various forms of psychosocial interventions on the experience and management of MS (Fragkiadaki et al., 2021). The results of that study generated themes that led to the development of a novel, patient – led psychological intervention named MyMS-Ally. Most interventions so far are based on generic models of therapy which cannot cover the complexity and unpredictability of MS. It is aspired that this patient-led model of intervention will meet the needs and preferences of people with MS. The current study aims to explore the feasibility and acceptability of MyMS-Ally intervention and also obtain preliminary data on the effects on quality of life, emotion regulation, depression and anxiety through the application of a mixed methods design. People with MS will be recruited at the Bristol and Avon Multiple Sclerosis centre. They will participate in MyMS-Ally group intervention for 8 weeks. They will complete quantitative measures before and at the end of the intervention as well as at one and three – months follow – up. Individual semi – structured qualitative interviews will also be conducted before and at the end of the intervention and at 3 – months follow-up. The aim is to explore the relevance, sustainability and adherence to the intervention and study processes (feasibility) as well as the appropriateness of the intervention based on the emotional and cognitive responses, satisfaction and perceived effectiveness (acceptability). The secondary aim of the study is to obtain preliminary data on change processes and outcomes. The study is funded by the Vice – Chancellor’s Early Career Researcher Award, University of the West of England.
REC name
East Midlands - Leicester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/EM/0100
Date of REC Opinion
14 Jun 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion