HEADS: UP Online Psychological Self-management Intervention: Feasibility 2

HEADS: UP (Helping Ease Anxiety and Depression Following Stroke) Online Psychological Self-management Intervention: Feasibility Trial

To test feasibility of online version of HEADS: UP

Study aim(s): to conduct feasibility testing of online HEADS: UP, a tailored adaptation of an existing psychological intervention (MBSR) to help people affected by stroke self-manage symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Objectives: 1) Assess feasibility and acceptability of delivering the HEADS: UP intervention online and identify any additional adaptations to the HEADS: UP manual and supporting materials. 2) Assess feasibility and acceptability of online research processes, including recruitment, screening, and obtaining informed consent, and data collection processes.

Research question: What elements of intervention design, delivery, and study processes require to be optimised ahead of a 3-arm RCT?

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged ≥18 years
• Have had ≥1 stroke at least 3 months previously
• Interested in learning skills to help cope with self-reported anxiety and/or depression
• Able to speak and understand conversational English
• Score ≥ 4 on either sub-scale Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)
• Desirable: Able to identify a family member/peer who would: like to take part, can speak and understand conversational English; not participating in another trial.

Potential participants who do not identify someone else to take part with them will not be excluded.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Prior MBSR attendance in the last three years (as this may confound results)
• Current participant in another trial
• Cannot follow a 2-stage command