Patient Research
Sign in
All studies
RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Assessing NHS ImplemeNTation of an onlinE Resilience Training Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Programme to Prevent Job Loss in Multiple Sclerosis

This study is looking at an online programme called 'READY for MS' that helps people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) manage their job and reduce the risk of leaving work early. Many people with MS find it harder to stay in work due to things like stress or feeling unable to cope effectively with challenges. The READY for MS programme uses a type of therapy called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help people develop skills like coping better with difficult thoughts and feelings, and feeling more confident in their abilities. Researchers want to see if training NHS healthcare staff to support people using this programme works well, and how it helps both staff and people with MS in the long run. They will test it in different NHS settings to make sure it's effective.

At a glance

Status
Recruiting
Phase
NA
Sponsor
The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Enrolment target
300
Start
14 Jun 2024
Estimated completion
01 Jul 2027
Multiple Sclerosis

What is this study about?

Many people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) find themselves leaving their jobs earlier than they planned. This can be due to various reasons, including the challenges of living with MS. Sometimes, difficulties coping with thoughts, feelings, or stress can make it harder to manage work life. This study is exploring an online programme, developed with people who have MS, called 'READY for MS'. This programme is designed to help people with MS build skills to manage these challenges, stay in their jobs, and feel more confident and hopeful about their ability to continue working.

The 'READY for MS' programme is based on a method called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). This approach helps individuals learn how to effectively handle difficult inner experiences, like unwanted thoughts or feelings, and focus on what's important to them. The programme is delivered online, which means you can access it on a computer or phone without needing to travel to appointments. This study wants to understand how well this programme works in real NHS settings and if it helps people with MS to stay in their jobs.

Researchers will be training NHS healthcare professionals to support people using the 'READY for MS' programme. They want to see how this training works, how well the programme is delivered, and what the long-term benefits are for both the healthcare staff and the people with MS they are supporting. The main goal is to check if the programme helps reduce the risk of people with MS losing their jobs. They will do this by asking participants to fill out online surveys and some might be asked for interviews.

Key takeaways

  • This study aims to help people with MS stay in their jobs longer.
  • It tests an online programme called 'READY for MS' based on a therapy called ACT.
  • The programme teaches skills for coping with challenges and building confidence.
  • NHS staff will be trained to support people using the programme.
  • Participation involves online questionnaires over six months.
  • The goal is to see if 'READY for MS' can reduce the risk of job loss due to MS.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for two main groups of people to take part. One group is healthcare professionals who work with people with MS, and the other group is people living with MS.

If you have MS, you might be able to take part if you are 18 years or older, are currently working for pay, and plan to stay in your job for at least the next six months. It's important that you also have access to a device like a laptop or smartphone with internet access for the whole study period. The study will also be looking for people whose MS makes them feel like their job might be at risk, as shown by a specific score on a questionnaire.

You cannot take part if you are under 18, don't plan to stay in your job for the next six months, or if you don't have internet access for the study. Also, if you are unable to give full permission to take part, you wouldn't be able to join the study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

  1. Are you 18 years old or older?
  2. Do you currently have a paid job?
  3. Do you plan to stay in your job for at least the next 6 months?
  4. Do you have a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis?
  5. Do you have access to a laptop or smartphone with internet?
  6. Do you feel your MS might be a risk to your job?
Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in this study, you will be asked to use the 'READY for MS' online programme. You will complete online questionnaires at three different times: when you first start, after you've used the programme, and again six months later. These questionnaires will ask about your work situation and how you're feeling. Some participants will also be invited for a short, informal chat or interview to share their experiences in more detail. There are no visits required as everything is online, and you wouldn't be taking any new medication as part of this study. The total duration of your active involvement with questionnaires and potential interviews would be around six months.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially help you learn new ways to cope with the challenges of MS while working, and hopefully reduce your risk of losing your job. The online programme is designed to be supportive. As with any study, there's always a small chance you might find some questions or discussions challenging, or that the programme isn't as helpful as hoped. All information you share will be kept private. Remember, you can choose to stop taking part at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care or relationship with your healthcare team.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.
  • Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
    Verified postcode
    Leeds, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)?

ACT is a type of therapy that helps you to effectively manage difficult thoughts and feelings, so you can do more of what truly matters to you in your life.

Do I need to pay for the 'READY for MS' programme?

No, if you are accepted into the study, the programme is provided as part of the research and there will be no cost to you.

How long will I be in the study?

You will be asked to provide information over about six months, from when you start the programme until your final follow-up questionnaire.

Will I have to take time off work to participate?

No, the 'READY for MS' programme is online, so you can access it at times that suit you without needing to leave work or travel to appointments.

What if I don't have good internet access?

To take part, you will need to have reliable access to a device like a computer or smartphone with internet for the whole study.

How to find out more

Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.

Interested in taking part?

Register your interest

Share your details and the research team for "Assessing NHS ImplemeNTation of an onlinE Resilience Trainin…" will contact you if you may be eligible. Always speak to your GP before agreeing to take part.

Discussion

Community discussion

Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.