i-Minds: A digital intervention to improve mental health and interpersonal resilience for young people who have experienced online sexual abuse - a non-randomised feasibility study with a mixed-methods design

There is no evidence-based support offered to young people who have experienced online sexual abuse (YP-OSA). NICE (2017) has recognised as a research priority the identification of effective interventions for improving the wellbeing of YP-OSA and preventing further harm. Interventions aimed at improving mentalisation (the ability to understand the mental states of oneself and others) are increasingly applied to treat young people with varied clinical issues.

YP-OSA are reluctant to seek in-person support and are generally comfortable receiving support online. A digital intervention aimed at improving mentalisation in YP-OSA may reduce risk for re-victimisation and future harm and make young people more resilient and able to manage distress that might result from OSA experiences.

AIMS

There are three objectives: 1) develop a mentalisation-based digital intervention that is co-produced with YP-OSA; 2) determine the feasibility, acceptability and usability of the digital intervention; and 3) determine how to best integrate the digital intervention into routine care pathways. METHODS

Two workstreams will be delivered over 27 months across 2 sites (Manchester/Edinburgh). In workstream 1 (Months 1-12) we will develop the content and structure of the intervention with input from YP-OSA and stakeholders. Content will be adapted from a mentalisation intervention shown to be acceptable to young people supported by Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in our previous research.

We will design, develop and test the digital platform using participatory design principles and agile development framework. We will conduct interviews with 20 professional stakeholders to explore views about maximising intervention uptake. In workstream 2 (Months 13-27), we will conduct a mixed-methods non-randomised study to determine the feasibility, acceptability and usability of the intervention.

We will conduct interviews with YP-OSA who use the digital platform to assess their impressions of the intervention and identify areas for improvement. Informed by NPT, we will examine barriers and enablers relevant to the future integration of the intervention into existing care pathways, including traditional clinic-based NHS services and NHS e-therapy providers.

PPI

We will build on our existing partnerships with YP-OSA, parents/caregivers and relevant agencies. Regular consultations with YP-OSA and other stakeholders will ensure our work is relevant and meaningful. Project workstreams will be informed by bespoke advisory groups comprising YP-OSA, their parents/caregivers, and practitioners/professionals from a range of statutory and third sector organisations.

Our PPI consultations have already indicated that a digital intervention for YP-OSA is welcomed and needed. ANTICIPATED IMPACT AND DISSEMINATION

We will develop an evidence-based intervention that can be embedded in existing services to support YP-OSA. We will ensure digital outputs can be scaled-up to provide an accessible intervention. Our confirmed stakeholder partnerships, including law enforcement (NCA-CEOP), industry (Facebook), third sector (Marie Collins Foundation), NHS CAMHS services, and e-therapy providers (Kooth) will ensure outputs meet the intended beneficiaries.

Our wide-reaching dissemination strategy, supported by our partners and track-record of world-leading research, will ensure maximum impact, longevity, and integration of outputs into existing infrastructure.