Title

How can we help health care professionals to support patients with long term neurological conditions in the self-management of their conditions? A realist synthesis.

Principal / Lead investigator

• Pror Kate Brain, Cardiff University

Co-investigators / research team

• Dr Freya Davies, Cardiff University
• Prof Adrian Edwards, Cardiff University
• Prof Fiona Wood, Cardiff University
• Prof Carolyn Wallace, University of South Wales
• Prof Alison Bullock, Cardiff University

Type of study

Realist synthesis

Summary

This project aims improve our understanding of how interventions targeted at health professionals can enhance the self-management support provided to people with progressive neurological conditions (PNCs) such as Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s Disease.  

Although many other long-term conditions have been the subject of intense research efforts related to self-management, PNCs have been relatively neglected.  This is in spite of the significant physical, psychological and social burdens of these conditions which patients often manage largely independently of the health care system for many years.  

Working to promote self-management in this group of patients may be extremely challenging because of the common co-existing co-morbidities in this group including mental health problems, cognitive decline and communication difficulties. Despite these challenges professionals who work with these patients often do not receive specific training on self-management support.  

This project aims to undertake a realist synthesis of the existing evidence related to self-management support interventions targeted at professionals working in this context.

Who is the study sponsor?

Cardiff University

Funder

RCGP – Scientific Foundation Board

Total grant value

£4,000

Start date

01/01/2016

End date

31/12/2017

How could this research potentially benefit patients?

The realist methodology will allow us to uncover which interventions are successful, at enhancing the self-management support provided to people with progressive neurological conditions (PNCs) such as Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s Disease. In addition, it will allow us to identify what the mechanisms are by which they have their effects and for which professional groups they work, in which settings. We hope this will inform future intervention design.

Further information (e.g. related web link)

To follow

Outputs generated (Reports / Publications / Impact)

Davies F, Wood F, Bullock A, Wallace C, Edwards A. Interventions to improve the self-management support health professionals provide for people with progressive neurological conditions: protocol for a realist synthesis. BMJ Open 2017;7:e014575. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-014575