REACT – Recovery enhancement from TBI using ACT. A feasibility study

O'Meara, Niamh (2015) REACT – Recovery enhancement from TBI using ACT. A feasibility study. D Clin Psy thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

Objective: There is a growing body of research which demonstrates positive effects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on a diverse range of psychological disorders (e.g. chronic pain, depression, psychosis). Several reviews suggest that ACT may benefit people struggling to adjust to life following a Traumatic Brain Injury; however there are no published treatment trials using ACT with this group.
The present study examined the feasibility of an intervention trial of ACT for people with severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) treated in an inpatient rehabilitation centre. The findings informed recommendations made for the design and conduct of a larger study.
Method: Mixed quantitative and qualitative methods were used including Focus Groups and questionnaire measures. Data were collected from patients and unit staff at multiple time points across three research sites. Focus Group data were analysed using thematic analysis in accord with best practice guidelines. Questionnaires and forms completed by the staff in order to establish application of inclusion/exclusion criteria and participant flow were analysed descriptively to get an indication of the acceptability of features of the study protocol.
Results; Focus group findings indicated that due to cognitive deficits exhibited by participants, they perceived the ACT intervention as being too complex, and a number of amendments were suggested to support participants with cognitive deficits in future trials such as increasing repetition of key processes during intervention. Further suggestions were made in relation to future conduct of the study protocol such as revising the inclusion/exclusion criteria, family involvement in data collection, and provision of easy read materials to clients. Results indicated that participants had no issue with the randomisation design, there were no adverse events associated with the study protocol or intervention.
Conclusions: Further piloting of the amended intervention protocol in line with recommendations made in this study is recommended prior to drawing any conclusion with regard the suitability and acceptable of ACT with people with a severe TBI in an inpatient facility. Further research should consider the amendments to the study protocol as recommended in this study.

• Item Type: Thesis (D Clin Psy)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Keywords: ACT, Traumatic Brain Injury, feasibility study
• Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology; H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
• Colleges/Schools: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Supervisor's Name: McLeod, Dr. Hamish
• Date of Award: 2015
• Depositing User: Miss Niamh O'Meara
• Unique ID: glathesis:2015-6688
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 24 Sep 2015 13:02
• Last Modified: 25 Apr 2018 14:30
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/6688