Psoriasis - Walk and Talk
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Walk and Talk – connecting people with psoriasis’. A mixed-methods exploratory study to determine representativeness of recruitment, acceptability, and feasibility of a walk and talk intervention for people with psoriasis.
IRAS ID
216749
Contact name
Sandy McBride
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
The main aim of this prospective, mixed methods randomised controlled exploratory study is to determine the acceptability, representativeness and ideal format of a Walk and Talk intervention for people with psoriasis.
Secondary aims are determining relevant outcome measures (patient related outcome measures, social connectedness, physical activity, cardiovascular risk) and sample size needed to statistically evaluate a future, larger study. There have been no similar studies evaluating social interventions in people with psoriasis, so this is why an exploratory study is needed. Measures will include social connectedness (loneliness), physical activity, cardiovascular risk, psychological wellbeing, quality of life, self-stigma and psoriasis severity.Psoriasis is a systemic disease with multiple co-existent health issues. People with psoriasis are more socially isolated and inactive than the general population.
The health implications of social isolation are now recognised and thought to be equivalent to smoking. Consequently social prescribing is increasingly used for people living with long-term conditions. Specifically group walking activities are effective at increasing physical activity and improving mood. Additionally, disease specific walking groups provide peer psychosocial support.
It seems likely that a group walking intervention for people with psoriasis could promote social connectedness, increase physical activity and provide peer psychosocial support. However, as people with psoriasis avoid social contact, have low levels of physical activity and difficulty in discussing feelings, it is possible a Walk and Talk activity may not be taken up by many, or only by specific sub-groups such as young, slim, white people. Hence the need for an exploratory study before committing to a larger adequately powered study. Ultimately we want to create a format for walk and talk groups that is specifically tailored for people with psoriasis which can then be rolled out around the country.
REC name
London - Queen Square Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/LO/0815
Date of REC Opinion
14 Dec 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion