SloMo2: implementation, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
SloMo2: A process evaluation, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness study of a digitally supported therapy for psychosis in routine care
IRAS ID
338439
Contact name
Amy Hardy
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Worries about harm from others (or paranoia) are common, and at their severest, are characteristic of psychosis. Thinking fast or going on gut feelings is natural but can fuel these worries. For some, this can have a devastating impact on life. Cognitive-behaviour therapy for psychosis (CBTp) is the recommended talking therapy. However, only a minority of people can access CBTp due to limited resources. Even when available, therapy can be difficult to do and use in daily life.
SloMo is a digitally supported therapy that aims to overcome these barriers, and was developed by people with psychosis, designers and psychologists. It supports people to notice worries and fast thinking habits. During therapy sessions, people learn to slow down and feel safer. Personalised spinning thought bubbles are slowed down using SloMo tips. An app supports learning between sessions.
We previously tested SlowMoR1 in a randomised trial of 361 people attending mental health services. People in the SlowMoR1 group had lower paranoia, and better confidence and wellbeing, over 6 months compared to people who just received their usual care. People found SlowMoR1 enjoyable and easy to use. An improved version, SloMoR2, has now been co-produced based on feedback.
The SloMo2 study will evaluate if SloMoR2 can be safely and effectively delivered by therapists working in NHS services. We will train 60 therapists in 3 trusts to deliver SloMo to 150 people who fear harm from others. Safety, technical performance, uptake, engagement and acceptability data, alongside interviews with patients, therapists, and managers, will investigate how SloMo is used. Paranoia severity and wellbeing will be measured by questionnaires pre and post therapy to find out if SloMo helps. Service use data will evaluate costs and savings. If SloMo works in routine care, the therapy will be made more widely available in the NHS.
REC name
London - Dulwich Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/LO/0440
Date of REC Opinion
20 Jun 2024
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion