A remote self-directed psychological intervention for the public: The PAUSE programme protocol

Owen Stafford,Eddie Murphy,Louise Mchugh,Katie Barrett,Anna Berry,Tom Burke,Cian Prendergast,Emmet Godfrey,Mark Shevlin,Laura K Taylor,Alan Carr,Diane Gillan,Niall Breslin

doi:10.12688/hrbopenres.13363.1

Abstract

Background: This protocol outlines procedures for the development and evaluation of a remotely accessible intervention tool known as the ‘Psychology And yoU: Self-Enhancement programme’ (i.e., PAUSE programme). The PAUSE programme aims to support and promote psychological well-being using positive psychological concepts and principles. The programme has been developed in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, where effective and evidence-based remote interventions are needed. The PAUSE programme will provide users with valuable tools and skills that they may choose to implement in their daily lives, in order to foster and support positive mental well-being. The programme includes six modules: Well-being and Happiness; Healthy Body and Mind; Being Grateful and Savouring Life; Thought and Action; Strengthening Relationships; and Overcoming Challenges. Methods: Participants will be recruited using media outlets, social media, and professional networking websites in Ireland. Those who choose to participate in this study will be asked to complete a set of measures at baseline, immediate follow-up, and six weeks post-intervention. This will allow for changes in subjective well-being scores to be analysed and interpreted over time. This study adopts a Groups x Time design, with participants being randomly assigned to either an intervention or wait-list control group. Ethical approval is currently under review at the host institution. Dissemination: The dissemination strategy will follow the Evidence-based model for the Transfer and Exchange of Research Knowledge (EMTReK) and study findings will be prepared in line with various formats (e.g. study newsletters, conferences/meetings) in order to meet the needs of different audiences. Targeted and timely dissemination activities are anticipated, and the team intends to disseminate research in an ongoing manner, throughout the lifetime of the project. Registration: This RCT protocol is pre-results and has been registered with an international database resulting in an International Standard Randomised Controlled Trials Number (ISRCTN14772616)

Highlights

The uncertainty of a developing global pandemic, resulting from the spread of a novel coronavirus known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), elicits psychological responses which may present as greater psychological distress (Marazziti, 2020)
The PAUSE programme is not developed to alleviate COVID-19 related stressors, but rather it is designed within the context of a pandemic and in acknowledgment of the need for a remotely accessible psychological support in times where access to in-person treatments is reduced
If effective, the programme itself has many future potential applications for members of the public, or those on waiting-lists for support who may benefit from accessing evidence-informed psychological supports remotely, at their own pace, and at a time which is convenient to them and their context

Summary

Introduction

The uncertainty of a developing global pandemic, resulting from the spread of a novel coronavirus known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), elicits psychological responses which may present as greater psychological distress (Marazziti, 2020) Individual factors such as perceived vulnerability and/or anxiety proneness, either independent or accompanied by the implementation of public health measures such as containment strategies like lockdowns or quarantine, pose an acute threat to mental health (Asmundson & Taylor, 2020; Reynolds et al, 2008; Smith et al, 2020). Developed health and intervention-based services should consider targeting vulnerable populations, but must be inclusive of the general public, with an ultimate goal being to support as many individuals as possible, in line with stepped models of care (Hao et al, 2020; Xiong et al, 2020) This protocol outlines procedures for the development and evaluation of a remotely accessible intervention tool known as the ‘Psychology And yoU: Self-Enhancement programme’ (i.e., PAUSE programme). This will allow for changes in subjective well-being scores

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Conclusion