A £1.6 million research initiative, led by the University of Sheffield and funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and the Office for Life Sciences (OLS), aims to enhance mental health treatment for conditions such as anxiety and depression. This funding will support studies evaluating the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of digital and talking therapies, with a focus on identifying which treatments work best for different individuals and whether they provide good value for money.
The Need for the Research:
Each year, around 1.8 million people in England turn to NHS Talking Therapies services, which offer various treatments, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), both in traditional face-to-face formats and through digital programs. While these services have proven effective, there is still a need for further research to understand how different treatment approaches compare in terms of their effectiveness and cost-efficiency.
Key Objectives of the Research:
The Target Trials in Mental Health programme, which this research is part of, uses the Target Trial framework to simulate real-world trial conditions and produce faster, more cost-effective evidence. The program will analyze data from NHS Talking Therapies, hospitals, mental health services, and pharmacies to assess treatment outcomes across a broad and diverse population. The overarching goal is to inform healthcare professionals on which therapies work best and help shape NHS policies based on evidence from real-world data.
The Two Major Projects Funded:
SilverCloud Target Trials (£1.1 million): This project compares the effectiveness of internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) to low-intensity CBT delivered individually or in groups for anxiety and depression. The SilverCloud iCBT programs, which are used in about 72% of NHS Talking Therapies services, will be a central focus of the study.
Target Therapies Project (£500,000): This study examines various digital and talking therapies for anxiety and depression, focusing specifically on conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The goal is to determine which interventions provide the most benefit and are also cost-effective.
Collaborative Effort:
The research involves collaboration among several prestigious institutions and organizations, including the University of Sheffield, University College London, McPin Foundation, and NHS trusts. Additionally, the SilverCloud Target Trials will involve Northumbria University and SilverCloud by Amwell, among other partners.
Impact on Future Mental Health Care:
The findings from these studies will help healthcare providers deliver more personalized treatments for mental health conditions, improving patient outcomes. They will also provide valuable insights into the cost-effectiveness of different therapies, which could influence future NHS resource allocation and policy-making.
Statements from Key Contributors:
Dr. Matthew Franklin, Chief Investigator from the University of Sheffield, expressed excitement about the research, noting the potential for the studies to create real, meaningful improvements in mental health care by using NHS data. Dr. Rob Saunders from University College London emphasized the growing need for effective therapies for common mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Public involvement was also highlighted by George Clarke from the McPin Foundation, who underscored the importance of ensuring the research is relevant to those using these services.
With mental health issues such as depression and anxiety on the rise, the Target Trials in Mental Health programme is a critical step towards ensuring that all individuals receive the most effective, personalized treatment available, ultimately improving mental health care across the UK.
