CompletedInterventional

Feasibility randomised controlled trial of Spring PGD, a digital guided therapy for prolonged grief disorder

This study is looking into a new online therapy called Spring PGD for people who are struggling with long-lasting grief after losing someone. This condition, called Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD), means someone feels very distressed and can't stop focusing on their loss for at least six months. Traditional therapy for PGD can be hard to access. Spring PGD is a digital programme based on a type of therapy that's known to help, with some guidance from a health professional. We want to see if this online tool is a good way to help people. Participants will be randomly placed into two groups: one starts Spring PGD right away, and the other starts after 11 weeks. We'll ask participants to complete questionnaires and some might be interviewed about their experiences. Your involvement could help improve future support for people with prolonged grief.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

Cardiff University

Enrolment target

Start

10 Jan 2025

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2025

Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD)

What is this study about?

This research is looking at a new way to help people who are finding it very difficult to cope after someone they love has died. When someone has strong, distressing feelings about a loss that continue for a long time – at least six months – it's called Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD). This can make it hard to live your daily life. Every year, many people in places like Wales experience this, but it can be really tough to find the right support.

We know that a type of talking therapy, focused on grief, can be helpful. However, there aren't enough trained therapists, and getting appointments can take a long time. This is why we've developed Spring PGD, an online guided therapy programme. We created it with help from people who have experienced grief themselves, and it's designed to be used at home with regular guidance from a therapist. The idea is that using an app or website could make this kind of support more accessible and save time and money.

We're now conducting a study to see how well Spring PGD works and how easy it is for people to use. If it proves to be effective, it could offer a valuable new option for people struggling with prolonged grief, helping them to find healthier ways to cope and move forward. Your participation would be very important in helping us understand if this digital tool can make a real difference.

Key takeaways

Tests a new online therapy (Spring PGD) for prolonged grief.
Compares immediate access to therapy with an 11-week wait.
All participation is remote, using phone or video calls.
Your input could help improve future grief support.
You may experience an improvement in your own symptoms.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be 16 years old or older and have been diagnosed with Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD). This means that very strong, distressing feelings about the loss of a loved one have continued for at least six months, and this grief is your main concern right now. You also need to have regular access to the internet to use the online programme and be able to understand what the study involves and follow its requirements.

There are a few reasons why someone might not be able to join. For example, if you can’t understand spoken or written English, or if you can’t give informed consent for yourself. Also, if you’re currently having other psychological therapy, or if there have been recent changes to your mental health medication (in the last 4 weeks), you wouldn't be able to take part. If you have certain other conditions like psychosis, substance dependence, or are at risk of harming yourself, the study might not be suitable for you.

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 16 years old or older?
Do you have feelings of very strong, lasting grief after a loss (for at least 6 months)?
Is this grief your main concern right now?
Do you have regular internet access at home?
Can you understand spoken and written English?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, a researcher will first talk you through all the details and answer any questions you have. If you're happy to go ahead, you'll give your consent over the phone or video call, and you'll get a copy of the consent form and information to keep.

If Spring PGD is a good fit for you, you'll be randomly placed into one of two groups. One group will start the Spring PGD programme straight away, and the other group will start it after an 11-week waiting period. You'll be asked to fill out some questionnaires about your symptoms at the start, at 11 weeks, and again at 22 weeks after joining. These help us understand how you're feeling.

When you start Spring PGD, you'll have an appointment with a therapist who will explain the programme. You'll then use the online programme on your own, at home, with regular check-ins and guidance from your therapist. They'll help you with your progress and any issues you face. Some participants might also be asked to take part in interviews (about 30-60 minutes each) to share their thoughts and experiences about Spring PGD. All meetings and discussions will happen remotely, over the phone or video call. You'll receive a £10 shopping voucher or bank transfer for completing the symptom assessments, and £25 for each interview you complete.

Potential risks and benefits

By taking part, your experiences will directly help us improve Spring PGD, which could benefit many others with prolonged grief in the future. It's also hoped that you might experience an improvement in your own grief symptoms if the programme is helpful. We understand that talking about mental health and grief can be difficult or upsetting, so additional support will be provided if the study causes you any distress. Remember, you can choose to stop participating in the study at any time, for any reason, without needing to explain why.

Locations (2)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
City only
Cardiff, Wales
Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Local Health Board
City only
Llantrisant, Wales

Common questions

What is Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD)?

PGD is when someone feels very distressed and can't stop focusing on the death of a loved one for at least six months, making it hard to carry on with daily life.

What is Spring PGD?

Spring PGD is an online therapy programme, guided by a therapist, designed to help people cope with prolonged grief.

Will I have to travel for this study?

No, all meetings and participation for this study are done remotely, usually over the phone or video call.

Will I get paid for taking part?

You'll receive a £10 voucher or bank transfer for completing symptom assessments, and an additional £25 for each interview you complete about your experiences.

What if I get upset during the study?

The researchers understand that talking about grief can be difficult, and they will provide extra support if you become distressed.

How to find out more

Catrin Lewis

LewisCE7@Cardiff.ac.uk +44 (0)2920688357 Official trial record

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