PROSPER Pilot trial
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Feasibility study and pilot trial of an evidence-based low intensity psychosocial intervention delivered by lay therapists for asylum seekers and refugees (PROSPER): Part 2: Pilot Trial
IRAS ID
264366
Contact name
Christopher Dowrick
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Liverpool Health Partners
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, 31 days
Research summary
Asylum seekers and refugees usually come from countries where there is abuse of human rights, war and conflict. Many suffer from mental health problems due to their experiences in their home countries, multiple dangers while travelling, and the difficulties they face when they arrive. In the UK, they often do not receive the help they need to address their mental health problems. The main support they can access is from people in voluntary organisations who, although highly motivated, may not be skilled in helping people with high levels of distress.
Problem Management Plus (PM+) is a new psychological intervention, recommended by the World Health Organization for distressed adults living in adversity. Delivered by lay workers, it offers people the skills they need to improve their management of practical and common mental health problems.
The study is taking place over two years, in Liverpool City Region. We have reviewed literature and interviewed experts by experience, service providers and policy makers, to help us adapt PM+ to meet the needs of asylum seekers and refugees experiencing emotional and practical difficulties.
Now we plan test PM+ with distressed asylum seekers and refugees in contact with local voluntary organisations. The pilot trial will involve either individuals or small groups, and a comparison with a control group who will receive usual support from voluntary organisations. There will be about 35 people in each of these three groups. Participants will be asked about symptoms of anxiety and depression, and about problems with daily living, r wellbeing, post-traumatic stress or depressive disorders, and services recently used. This will be done again at three and six months after first contact.
We will use the results to decide if it is possible to run a full trial of PM+.
REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/NW/0345
Date of REC Opinion
23 Jul 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion