The Qualitative Study is being led by collaborating researchers at Keele University.
Qualitative, Nested Study: What is a nested study?
A nested study is a study which takes place within a larger trial. This nested study works with participants already taking part in the ASCEnD Trial.
While the overall trial will assess different treatment options in people with bipolar, the nested study will be taking place to:
Evaluate the experience of people taking part in ASCEnD.
Understand how we can improve the experience.
We are doing this to give our participants a voice and a chance to feedback their thoughts and opinions while the trial is still open so that we can improve our processes for future participants.
ASCEnD qualitative study explanation by Isobel, research associate at Keele University.
How Will We Do This?
We will conduct interviews with both participants and staff, which should not last longer than 45 minutes.
During the interviews, we will ask several questions to evaluate and understand participant experience and explore perspectives on the diagnosis and management of bipolar disorder.
The findings from the nested study will help strengthen the results from the clinical trial by providing a deeper understanding of the participants’ lived experience.
Specifically, we will interview trial participants to:
Understand why some participants withdrew from ASCEnD.
Understand why some participants completed ASCEnD.
We will also explore perspectives on:
The diagnosis and management of bipolar disorder.
The medications prescribed to people with bipolar disorder.
FAQs
Who will have access to my data/interviews?
Personal data will only be accessible to the researcher during the interviews.
Will the interviews be recorded?
Yes, all interviews will be recorded and deleted at a later date.
Can I change my mind about participating if I have already said yes?
You are free to withdraw from the study for any reason, at any time.
Will my answers be anonymous?
Yes, all interviews will be anonymous and all identifying information will be omitted.
What types of questions will you ask?
We will ask questions that explore your personal experience. For example, “how has living with bipolar disorder affected you?” and “can you tell me how you came to be involved in the trial (ASCEnD)?”.
Who is conducting the Nested Study?
Carolyn Chew Graham (OBE) and Isobel Hoppe from Keele University are carrying out this part of the research. Click here to meet the whole trial team.
