The Behavioural Activation in Social IsoLation (BASIL C-19) study aims to test whether a brief remotely-delivered psychological intervention (Behavioural Activation, BA) is effective at preventing or mitigating depression and loneliness in older people with long-term conditions who are socially isolated in relation to Covid-19.
How will participants be recruited?
Potential participants will be identified via searches of GP practice patient lists. Eligible patients will be sent a study information pack via the GP practice. Interested patients can chose to consent online or to contact the study team directly. In addition, eligible patients will be contacted by extended practice teams (e.g. GP practice staff, CRN delivery staff) to discuss the study and gain permission for the study team to make contact.
What will participants be expected to do?
Interested patients will complete a telephone-based interview with a study researcher to determine study eligibility. Eligible participants will then complete a baseline questionnaire over the telephone before being randomised to either the intervention group (Behavioural Activation) (n=295) or the usual care group (to include signposting to reputable sources of self-help and information on maintaining physical and mental wellbeing) (n=295). All participants will complete a follow-up questionnaire at 1, 3 and 12 months post-randomisation. Participants will also be offered the opportunity to take part in an interview with the study team to discuss their experiences of the study and the intervention.
