MIA-MS: The effectiveness of an online mindfulness based cognitive therapy intervention programme in improving well-being in people with multiple sclerosis

Plain English summary of protocol

Background and study aims
Due the nature of the illness, people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can be prone to psychological problems such as stress, anxiety and depression. This can also result in exacerbation of physical symptoms. It is therefore important for people with MS to take care of their psychological health as well as their physical symptoms. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has been proven to improve well-being in people with MS. Recent research has taken a slightly different approach to traditional face-to-face CBT by delivering such interventions to people with MS over the telephone and have obtained promising results. It is suggested in the literature that mindfulness based interventions that incorporate elements of CBT may also be a way to positively influence health outcomes in people with MS through awareness and acceptance of their illness. Mindfulness based interventions such as the one in this study have been found to be effective in people with other health problems. This study aims to see if it can also work well for people with MS. This study aims to deliver a 4 week online Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) programme to people with MS with aim of improving well-being.

Who can participate?
This study aims to recruit between 50 and 100 people with a self reported probable or definite diagnosis of MS based on medical opinion. Participants will be over 18. Participants will be recruited on online MS support forums.

What does the study involve?
Adverts will be placed on online MS forums inviting people to take part. People who wish to find out more will be directed to an information sheet. People who are interested in taking part will then consent to taking part and answer a questionnaire including questions about their MS status, views about their illness, mindfulness, and well-being. Half of the eligible participants will be randomly allocated to take part in the programme straight away and the other half will be placed on an 4 month waiting list before taking part in the programme. The programme will be delivered online and consists of 12 sessions accessed 3 times a week over a 4 week period. Each session consists of a video presentation of a given topic. At the end of the presentation participants will take part in a meditation session alongside an audio presentation. Participants are encouraged to continue to use the exercises outside of the sessions. Once the programme is completed, participants will complete the same questionnaire again to see if improvements in well-being have occurred since beginning the programme. Those in the waiting list will also complete the same questionnaire and these results will be compared to those who took part in the programme. There will then be a 4 week follow-up period before completing the questionnaire again. This is to see if the effects of the programme are lasting. After the follow-up, those in the waiting list group will be invited to take part in the programme. A year after completing the programme participants will be invited back once more to complete the questionnaire to see if the participants are still using the exercises and if they have been helpful long term.

What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
The aim of the study is to improve well being in people with MS. It is hoped that this programme will do so. Participants will learn skills that they can continue using in their daily life even after taking part in the study.
Questions are asked about participants’ well being which may cause some distress. If participants feel uncomfortable answering such questions they may withdraw from the study and seek further help. Advice is given of where to seek such help. The meditation exercises are fairly passive relaxation exercises that do not require much movement and so are suitable for people who may have physical disabilities. Participants are made aware that if they do feel discomfort beyond what is normally acceptable as a result of doing such exercises then they should stop. Participants are able to withdraw at any time and are made fully aware of this.

Where is the study run from?
National University of Ireland, Galway, Republic of Ireland.

When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
It is anticipated that the advert will go out on the online forums beginning of February 2013. The advert will be available for approximately 8 weeks. The initial study will take approximately 16 weeks, followed by a 1 year follow up.

Who is funding the study?
National University of Ireland, Galway, Republic of Ireland.

Who is the main contact?
Dr Brian McGuire
brian.mcguire@nuigalway.ie

Contact information

Study information

Eligibility

Locations

Countries of recruitment

• United Kingdom
• Australia
• Canada
• Ireland
• United States of America

Study participating centre

Results and Publications

Study outputs

Editorial Notes

20/01/2017: No publications found in PubMed, verifying study status with principal investigator.