PEGASUS feasibility study with people with SMI and metabolic syndrome
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A peer-led group programme for people with severe mental illness to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease (PEGASUS): A feasibility evaluation study
IRAS ID
326517
Contact name
Jacqueline Sin
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
City St George's, University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 29 days
Research summary
People with a severe mental illness (SMI) such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder can die 15-20 years younger than the general population. Cardiovascular disease (CVD), including heart disease, is the biggest cause of early death in people with SMI. People with SMI can experience weight gain from anti-psychotic medication, social isolation and poor integration between mental and physical health services. People from Black and minority ethnic communities can be affected by increased rates of both SMI and CVD. We aim to reduce risk of CVD in all people with SMI.
In this study we feasibility test a trained peer-led group clinic intervention for people with severe mental illness (SMI) who have metabolic syndrome, i.e. a risk-indicator of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Building upon research evidence of effective multi-goal interventions, the PEGASUS research programme is co-producing a group clinic co-facilitated by clinicians and peer workers. The intervention will offer personalised, goal-oriented exercise and diet advice and supported to work towards their own health goals. Participants with SMI and metabolic syndrome will receive personalised, goal-oriented exercise and diet advice from the group clinic, and also receive one-to-one peer support. Psychiatric medication will be monitored and reviewed. Peer workers will facilitate group and individual peer support.
The feasibility study aims to establish the feasibility of recruitment and retention strategies, and of collecting outcome data using psychometric and cardio-metabolic measures for the future full trial. We will explore the acceptability of the intervention through focus groups or interviews with the participants. We will also collect data from peer workers and professionals for their perception on running the intervention, to find out how things worked and what might be improved before producing a final version of the intervention.
REC name
Wales REC 7
REC reference
24/WA/0289
Date of REC Opinion
15 Oct 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion