RecruitingInterventional

Therapist-assisted internet-based cognitive therapy for prolonged grief (iCT-PG): a feasibility randomised controlled trial

This study is testing a new online therapy, called Internet-based Cognitive Therapy for Prolonged Grief (iCT-PG), for adults experiencing prolonged grief disorder. This is when intense grief lasts for a long time and really affects daily life. The main goals are to find out if this digital therapy is easy to use, well-liked by patients, and if it can help reduce grief symptoms. The therapy offers interactive online sessions and support from a trained therapist to help people deal with difficult memories, change negative thoughts, and cope better. Participants will either start the online therapy straight away or join a waiting list. The study hopes to offer a flexible, expert-supported way to help those with prolonged grief.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Oxford

Enrolment target

Start

01 Mar 2025

Estimated completion

31 Jan 2028

Prolonged grief disorder

What is this study about?

This study is investigating a new way to help people who are finding it very difficult to move on after a significant loss. This condition is called Prolonged Grief Disorder, and it's when someone's grief is so strong and long-lasting that it significantly impacts their daily life. The new approach being tested is an online therapy called Internet-based Cognitive Therapy for Prolonged Grief, or iCT-PG for short.

The main idea behind this study is to see if offering therapy online, with support from a therapist, can be a practical and helpful way to treat prolonged grief. The researchers want to understand if people find it easy to use, if they like it, and if it genuinely helps reduce their symptoms. The therapy itself is designed to give people tools and strategies to manage tough memories, challenge unhelpful thoughts, and find better ways to cope with their feelings, which can also help them feel less alone.

Ultimately, this research aims to provide more flexible and accessible treatment options for people struggling with prolonged grief. It could mean that individuals can get expert support from the comfort of their own homes, at times that suit them, making it easier to get the help they need.

Key takeaways

Tests a new online therapy (iCT-PG) for prolonged grief.
Offers weekly support from a trained therapist.
Convenient digital access from home via computer or smartphone.
Aims to understand if this therapy is effective and well-liked.
Participation involves questionnaires and interviews.
You might start therapy straight away or after a wait.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to take part if you are 18 years old or older and are currently experiencing prolonged grief disorder, where your grief is the main health concern. It's important that you can read and write in English.

You'll also need regular and private access to the internet and an internet-connected device, like a computer or tablet. You should be comfortable using digital tools and be able to spend about 20 minutes a day, 3-4 days a week, working on the online program. If you're already taking medication for your mood or anxiety, you'll need to have been on a steady dose for at least a month and agree not to change it during the study. If you're currently having other psychological therapy, that must have finished before you can join.

The study welcomes people who are referred by their GP, NHS Talking Therapies services, or who find the study themselves online.

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?
Do you feel your grief after a loss is very long-lasting and seriously affecting your daily life?
Can you read and write in English?
Do you have regular, private internet access and feel comfortable using digital devices?
Can you spend about 20 minutes a day, 3-4 days a week, working on an online program?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join the study, you'll be randomly placed into one of two groups. One group will start the online therapy right away, and the other will be on a waiting list for 14 weeks before they begin. The online therapy involves 12 sessions over 14 weeks, and you'll have a weekly phone call with a trained therapist to support you. You'll use interactive online modules and a smartphone app that helps you in real-time.

Throughout the study, you'll complete weekly questionnaires to track your grief, anxiety, mood, and how you're managing daily life. After the weekly treatment finishes, you'll fill out more questionnaires monthly for three months, and then a final one around week 39. An independent expert, who won't know which group you're in, will also interview you to assess your symptoms.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study offers the chance to try a new digital therapy that could help ease the pain of prolonged grief, with expert therapist support in a flexible online setting from your home. The study will closely monitor your progress. However, as this is a new treatment, we don't yet know if it's more or less effective than traditional face-to-face therapy. You should also be aware that recalling difficult memories of your loss during therapy might temporarily increase distress, though this usually doesn't last long. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time.

Locations (2)

University of Oxford
Approximate
Oxford, England
Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Oxford, England

Common questions

What is 'prolonged grief disorder'?

It's when intense grief after a loss lasts for a very long time and significantly affects a person's everyday life, making it hard to cope.

What kind of therapy is 'iCT-PG'?

It's an online therapy based on cognitive therapy principles. It uses interactive modules and a smartphone app with weekly support calls from a therapist to help manage grief.

Will I have to pay to take part?

No, participation in the study and the therapy provided are free of charge.

How long will the study last for me?

The online therapy itself lasts 14 weeks, but you will be asked to complete questionnaires and follow-up assessments until around week 39 (about 9 months from starting treatment).

Who is running and paying for this study?

The study is managed by the University of Oxford and is funded by the Medical Research Council, Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre, and the Wellcome Trust.

How to find out more

Danai Athanasoula

grief@psy.ox.ac.uk - Official trial record

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