Memflex: A Digital Innovation to Enhance Stepped Mental Health Care

Collaborators: C. Hitchcock, R. Khanna

Funder: University of Melbourne: MDHS Mid-Career Seeding Ideas Grants

Overview

We are researching whether we can give people a self-guided program to help support their mental health after traumatic experiences. The program, MemFlex, is a simple intervention that improves access to positive memories, to reduce memory biases commonly seen in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. Prior research shows that MemFlex reduces symptoms of PTSD and depression. Here we are evaluating a digital version of MemFlex.

What does participation look like?

If you choose to participate in this study, you will be asked to complete a short 30-45 minute online survey now, and the same survey in four weeks’ time, and finally in eight weeks’ time. The survey involves a memory task as well as some questions that ask you to reflect on your memory of a traumatic experience. Additionally, you will be randomly assigned to either the MemFlex group or the waitlist group. You will not be able to choose which group you are assigned to. If you are assigned to the MemFlex group you will complete the MemFlex program right away. If you are assigned to the waitlist group, you will complete the MemFlex program after you complete the first two surveys (four weeks). Those assigned to the waitlist group will also be asked to complete a third survey after you complete the MemFlex program. You can continue with any other treatments, medication, or mental health support that you are currently receiving, while you participate in this research.

MemFlex aims to train the ability to retrieve positive memories, using simple memory exercises. The MemFlex program involves an initial 45 minute Zoom or phone call with a support worker who will explain how the program will work. This session may be audio-recorded so that we can check the quality of the intervention that you receive. After this, you will complete two online, self-guided sessions each week for four weeks. Each session takes approximately 15 minutes to complete, for a total 120 minutes over the four weeks. The MemFlex program is online and can be completed in in your own time, and at home.