SHAPER-PND
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Community singing interventions for postnatal depression: a hybrid type II effectiveness-implementation trial
IRAS ID
278445
Contact name
Carmine Pariante
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Kings College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
2020-001555-41, EudraCT
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 31 days
Research summary
Postnatal depression (PND) affect over 13% of new mothers but there is still not an ideal treatment for all cases. Pharmaceutical drugs and psychotherapy have offered solutions but there are challenges in treatment uptake, adherence and long waiting-lists for psychotherapy. Many mothers attend group activities with their babies, some including music and singing. Community group singing has shown improvements in mental health of participants and singing to babies has shown improvements in mother-infant interaction and reduced infant distress.
In this realm, Melodies for Mums (M4M) is a programme based in Lambeth and Southwark providing 10-week singing and music sessions for mothers with PND and their babies in Community or Children’s Centres. A previous study has demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing symptoms of PND faster than usual care or social groups, and preliminary process evaluations have suggested its suitability. It has also been identified as a strong way of engaging mothers from minority backgrounds who are less likely to seek professional support for their mental health. However, the programme is reliant on short-term grants and has not been implemented in clinical care.
We aim to conduct M4M in a clinical trial aimed at women experiencing symptoms of PND in South London. We will collect data on the wellbeing of the women through a series of interviews and questionnaires and we will also collect biological samples and implementation science data. In addition, we will collect further evidence of the clinical, implementation and economic effectiveness of the intervention.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, if needed, these sessions and assessments will be conducted online and we will strictly adhere to government guideline. The intervention will be adapted to the changing government guidelines on social distancing to guarantee safety of all involved.
REC name
London - West London & GTAC Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/PR/0813
Date of REC Opinion
27 Jan 2021
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion