Pilot evaluation of low-intensity CBT in NI Version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Pilot evaluation of low-intensity cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for mild-moderate mental health problems in primary care: a Northern Ireland based study
IRAS ID
181559
Contact name
Karen Kirby
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Ulster University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
16/LO/0343, London Camden and Kings Cross
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 4 months, 2 days
Research summary
Since 2007, there has been increased Government investment in England to help individuals in the general public with common mental health problems (such as anxiety and depression) receive effective therapy. This initiative is called ‘Improving Access to Psychological Therapies’ or IAPT and promotes the use of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)- (Low Intensity) to help with mental health problems. CBT is a talking therapy that can help individuals manage their mental health problems by changing the way they think and behave. Research suggests that individuals with mild-moderate psychological difficulties can feel better following a short course of low-intensity CBT. The term ‘low-intensity’ means that the individual receives some support from a trained professional to work through their difficulties either by face-to-face meetings in a GP surgery or over the telephone. Presently in Northern Ireland, there is a lack of services and trained professionals to conduct this type of therapy. In September 2014, Ulster University (UU) commenced a Master’s-level course to train individuals to deliver low-intensity CBT to adults across the region in primary care settings (including NHS Trust, GP practices and community organisations). As a first step, it is important to evaluate the effectiveness of low-intensity CBT for mild-moderate mental health problems in Northern Ireland. The study has two main aims: (1) To evaluate whether a short course of low-intensity CBT is effective in reducing adults’ mild-moderate anxiety and depression; (2) To examine what individual-level characteristics are predictive of treatment outcome? Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy being delivered by Ulster University trainee therapists across Northern Ireland.
REC name
London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/0343
Date of REC Opinion
17 Feb 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion