Information for the Public
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Why do we think this research is important?
People with multiple physical health conditions are more likely to experience depression.
When these problems co-exist, they can lead to poorer health outcomes, reduced quality of life and increased healthcare costs.
Research has shown that how we approach care for people with multiple health conditions is important. The MODS programme of research aims to evaluate the clinical and cost effectiveness of an intervention designed to help improve mood and physical functioning for people with multiple health conditions.
What are we doing?
MODS aims to develop, refine, and test an intervention designed to help support older adults (65+ years) who have two or more long term physical health conditions (such as diabetes, asthma, heart problems) and depression or low mood. We want to look at how helpful this new form of support is compared with the usual care people already receive.
The intervention is based on a form of support called Behavioural Activation (BA) and will be delivered within a framework of Collaborative Care.
What is Behavioural Activation?
Behavioural Activation is a type of talking therapy which aims to help people maintain or introduce activities which are important to them. Such activities may benefit their physical and emotional well-being, by helping them to stay connected with the world and remain active. During the BA support, a support worker will help the participant to use and work through a self-help booklet (the ‘MODS booklet’) which guides them through Behavioural Activation in manageable steps to support their physical and emotional well-being.
What is Collaborative Care?
Collaborative Care is a way of managing care for individuals with chronic conditions so that treatment is delivered in the most effective, patient-centred way. In MODS, a support worker will work with the participant to try and ensure that everyone involved in their care is working together to make sure they are getting the care they need.
MODS Support Workers
The support we have developed for use in the MODS programme involves people working through a self-help booklet ('MODS booklet’) over a number of sessions supported by a trained MODS Support Worker.
The MODS Support Worker will also liaise where necessary, with health professionals in the participant’s care team, such as their GP or Practice nurse, to help them to get the care they need.
Who can take part in MODS?
The MODS programme of research is aimed at people aged 65+ years who have long-term health conditions.
How can I get involved in the MODS trial?
Currently you can only take part in the MODS programme if your GP practice is taking part in MODS. Your GP will contact you if they are involved with MODS and identify you as someone who may be suitable to take part.
Who are we?
We are a team of researchers, clinicians and stakeholders. The research is led by the NHS (Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, TEWV) and the University of York. Our partners include the Universities of Leeds, Keele and Manchester and Age UK.
Who has funded this research?
The MODS programme of research is funded by the National Institute for Health Research Programme Grants for Applied Research.
Reference number: RP-PG-0217-20006.
other collaborations
The NIHR MODS programme aligns with the NIHR Yorkshire and Humber Applied Research Collaboration (ARC), where Professors Simon Gilbody and Andy Clegg lead programmes of research into physical health and mental health, particularly among older people and those with frailty.
To find out more about the NIHR Yorkshire and Humber Applied Research Collaboration please click on the below link:
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is depression important?
The risk of depression is increased by around 2-3 times in older adults with long-term health conditions.
What is Behavioural Activation?
Behavioural Activation is a type of talking therapy which aims to help people maintain or introduce activities which are important to them. Such activities may benefit their physical and emotional wellbeing, by helping them to stay connected with the world and remain active.
Who is funding the MODS Programme of research?
The MODS programme is funded by the National Institute for Health Research Programme Grants for Applied Research. Reference number: RP-PG-0217-20006.
Who can take part in the MODS programme?
The MODS programme of research is aimed at people aged 65+ years who long-term health conditions.
How can I get involved in the MODS Programme?
Currently you can only take part in the MODS programme if your GP practice is taking part. Your GP will contact you if they are involved with MODS and identify you as someone who may be suitable to take part.
I am interested in keeping up to date, where can I find out information about MODS?
This website will be kept up to date, however you can also keep up to date by following our twitter page.