NeRO Work Package 3

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Development and Refinement of an Online, Group-Based, Clinical Neuropsychology Rehabilitation Programme to Improve Psychological Well-Being and Quality of Life after Acquired Brain Injury.

• IRAS ID

  316145

• Contact name

  Kate Radford

• Contact email

  kate.radford@nottingham.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  University of Nottingham

• ISRCTN Number

  ISRCTN13391549

• Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier

  000, 000

• Duration of Study in the UK

  1 years, 2 months, 27 days

• Research summary

  Context: Acquired brain injury (ABI) is caused by medical conditions (e.g., stroke) or injuries (e.g., traffic accidents). In the UK, 1.4 million people live with the consequences of ABI, which can be life-long, costing the economy £15 billion annually (10% NHS annual budget). Approximately 20% of ABI survivors experience emotional and/or thinking skills problems. These can impact return to hobbies and work, increasing risk of isolation and resulting in distress and reduced quality of life.

  Problem: Neuropsychological rehabilitation (NPR; a psychological therapy) is useful in treating such problems but is typically delivered face-to-face. However, due to a lack of NHS resources, not all ABI survivors get the help they need. Furthermore, limited clinic space and other restrictions mean group sessions cannot always be provided safely, if at all.

  Our solution: Online group-based NPR may provide an alternative, that can fit around busy lives (e.g., if working), group people according to shared experiences (e.g., young survivors), or overcome issues of physical contact (e.g., mobility problems). Despite advantages, such ABI specific NPR has not been developed or evaluated.
  
  Aim: To test whether people with acquired brain injury find a newly developed online, group-based NPR programme useful and acceptable.

  Methods To test the intervention we will aim to recruit up to 12 people with acquired brain injury (ABI), who report emotional difficulties. These participants will be allocated to one of two intervention groups. There will be between 4 - 6 people with ABI in each group, and the each participant will receive the following in an online setting:
  1. Baseline measures
  2. Individual formulation and adaptations session with a Clinical Neuropsychologist
  3. 8 weekly online group sessions
  4. Outcome measures, including change and feedback interview

  Outcome: The outcome of the testing will be to understand the initial acceptability and fidelity of the intervention.

• REC name

  London - Harrow Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  23/LO/0149

• Date of REC Opinion

  1 Mar 2023

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion