Meridian feasibility study

Meridian was evaluated in an initial feasibility study for carers with a young relative receiving treatment for depression or anxiety. We considered that this population of carers provided a useful basis for a feasibility trial that would inform our work with other carer populations, including early psychosis because: (a) they share similar demographic features including stage of family life; (b) they are faced with navigating access to mental health care for the first time; (c) they have had little previous exposure to psychoeducation or family support; and (d) they present with significant stress related to uncertainty regarding the day-to-day management of the young person's behavior.

Content specific to psychosis was not included but the study provided an important opportunity to assess feasibility and acceptability of the platform for carers. For the purposes of the study carers were recruited from a headspace center in the western suburbs of Melbourne.

The design comprised a single group study with a baseline assessment followed by a 3-month intervention phase, when carers had access 24 h per day to Meridian via any internet enabled device, and follow up assessments. The study was approved by the Human Research and Ethics Committee at The University of Melbourne.

Inclusion criteria for the study were: (a) a first degree relative, or legal guardian, of a current headspace consumer with a diagnosis of a mood or anxiety disorder in accordance with DSM-IV-TR (APA., 2000), or second degree relative residing with the consumer; (b) aged ≥ 16 years; (c) able to read and converse in English; and (d) a minimum of weekly contact with the identified consumer. Prospective participants were identified by headspace clinicians who requested permission from the carer to forward their contact details to the study research assistant. The study research assistant made contact in cases where this permission was provided to introduce the details of the study and to attain informed consent.