The OPAL feasibility study: Online parenting intervention for mothers
The OPAL study is exploring a new way to support mothers in Greater Manchester during and after pregnancy who are experiencing mental health difficulties. Many mothers struggle during this time, and while some specialist help is available, parenting programs to boost confidence aren't usually offered. This study uses an online, self-paced parenting course called 'online-BabyTP'. We want to find out if it's possible to sign up mothers for this course, how much they use it, and what makes it easier or harder for them to take part. The goal is to see if this online support could eventually help more mothers and to gather information for a larger study in the future.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Many mothers find new motherhood, or pregnancy, a challenging time, and it's common for them to experience mental health difficulties. While there's specialist support available, these services don't always offer parenting programmes that can help mothers feel more confident and capable. This study is testing an online parenting programme called 'online-BabyTP', which you can do at your own pace from home.
The main goal of the OPAL study is to see if this online course is a good idea and if it could help mothers who are already getting support from Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH)'s specialist mental health services. We want to understand if it's easy to get mothers to join the study, how they get on with the online course, and what helps or stops them from completing it. This is a first step, and the information we gather will help us decide if a bigger study is needed.
We also want to hear from mothers directly to understand their thoughts on the online course. This will help us learn what works well and what could be improved. All the information we collect is important because it could lead to better support for mothers with mental health difficulties in the future.
Key takeaways
- Targets mothers in Greater Manchester during pregnancy or with babies up to 12 months.
- Investigates an online parenting programme for mental health support.
- Aims to understand if online support is practical and helpful.
- Involves questionnaires, an online course, and optional interviews.
- Information gathered will help plan future, larger studies.
- You can stop participating at any time.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for mothers who are receiving care from Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH)'s Specialist Perinatal Community Mental Health Service. You might be pregnant (in your last three months) or have a baby up to 12 months old. You need to be 18 years old or over.
It's important that you can understand and speak English well enough to use the online course, fill in questionnaires, and potentially take part in an interview. You also need to have access to a smartphone, laptop, computer, or tablet to access the online materials.
If you are currently staying in hospital, unfortunately, you won't be able to join this study. The study also wants to speak to healthcare professionals working in these services, but they need to have been in their role for at least six months.
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.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Are you pregnant (in your third trimester) or do you have a baby under 12 months old?
- Are you receiving care from GMMH's Specialist Perinatal Community Mental Health Service?
- Do you have a smartphone, laptop, computer, or tablet to access online materials?
- Can you understand and speak English well enough for the course and questionnaires?
- Are you currently not staying in hospital?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll first be asked to fill out some questionnaires. These questions will be about your mental health, how confident you feel about parenting, and your connection with your baby. You'll complete these questionnaires when you start the study and again 12 weeks later.
Up to 100 mothers will then get access to the 'online-BabyTP' course. This course has 7 sessions that you can complete at your own pace over 10 weeks. To help you stay on track, the research team will send you encouraging text messages and make four phone calls to check in with you.
As part of the study, 10-20 mothers will also be asked to take part in an interview to share their experiences and thoughts about the online course. This interview will help us understand what works well and what could be better. The total time you'll be involved in the study is around 12 weeks, plus the follow-up questionnaire.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- -Approximate-, England
Common questions
What kind of mental health difficulties are included?
The study is open to mothers with any mental health diagnosis, as long as they are getting care from the GMMH Specialist Perinatal Community Mental Health Service.
How long do I have to complete the online course?
You will have 10 weeks to complete the 7 sessions of the 'online-BabyTP' course at your own pace.
Will I have support during the online course?
Yes, the study team will send you encouraging text messages and make four phone calls to support your engagement with the course.
Do I need special equipment to participate?
You will need access to a smartphone, laptop, computer, or tablet to view the online course materials.
Who is paying for this study?
The study is funded by the UKRI Impact Accelerator Account (IAA) with support from the Wellcome Translational Partnership Award (TPA) and the NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC).
How to find out more
Anja Wittkowski
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.