Mental Health Prevention and Promotion in General Practice Settings: A Protocol for a Feasibility Study

Abstract

Background
A reactive approach is typically taken when addressing and intervening with mental health problems rather than a proactive or preventative one, yet preventative approaches can also reduce mental ill-health. This study protocol aims to evaluate the feasibility of recruiting general practice patients into a randomised feasibility study where they will receive either mental health treatment as usual or a brief psychological intervention for preventing the deterioration of mental health and promoting emotional wellbeing.

Methods
This is a two-arm RCT, where participants will be randomised to either: treatment-as-usual within GP; or treatment-as-usual within GP plus a mental health prevention and promotion intervention. Sixty patients, aged 16+ from GP surgeries, with mild to moderate mental health difficulties as indicated by the PHQ9 and GAD7 will be recruited. Data on engagement with the intervention will be summarised using descriptive statistics. Regression models will be fitted, using the 12-week post-intervention follow-up data as the outcome variable and age, gender, trial arm and the corresponding baseline data as covariates. Cost-effectiveness will be investigated in an explorative way. Descriptive statistics will be used to analyse participant's resource use and HRQoL. Qualitative data will understand factors that facilitate or challenge the successful implementation of interventions and a process evaluation will provide insight into the intervention's mechanisms of action.

Discussion
The research team will progress from a feasibility RCT to a larger definitive RCT and disseminate widely across stakeholders (clinical, academic, service users, caregivers, Integrated Care Board (ICB) colleagues), ensuring accessibility in collaboration with the PPI committee.