Group Traumatic Episode Protocol for birth-related trauma
A Study to Explore the Feasibility and Efficacy of Group Traumatic Episode Protocol (GTEP) for Reducing Trauma Symptoms Following a Traumatic Birthing Experience
This program will try online Group Traumatic Episode Protocol (GTEP) to reduce trauma symptoms and improve wellbeing and parent-infant bonding for people who experienced a traumatic birth in the past 18 months.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | University of Birmingham Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Wolverhampton) |
| Trial ID | NCT07246356 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Group Traumatic Episode Protocol (GTEP) is a group form of EMDR adapted for online delivery to people reporting trauma after childbirth. Participants under the Black Country Perinatal Mental Health Service will join online GTEP groups and complete pre- and post-intervention outcome measures including the PCL-5 and City BiTS for trauma symptoms, plus CORE-10 for wellbeing and PBQ for parent-infant bonding. Feasibility and acceptability will be measured with structured questionnaires and open-ended qualitative feedback from participants and facilitators. The study will provide initial efficacy data and practical information on delivering GTEP in a perinatal context.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people aged 18–65 under the Black Country Perinatal Mental Health Service who report trauma symptoms related to a birth within the past 18 months, can consent, speak English, and have access to a private space, childcare, and the technology needed for online groups.
Not a fit: People with severe and enduring mental illness (e.g., bipolar disorder, psychosis or schizophrenia), those whose baby is no longer in their care, individuals with significant sensory impairment, or people without internet/private childcare are unlikely to benefit from this online group intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, GTEP could reduce birth-related PTSD symptoms and improve parental wellbeing and bonding after a traumatic childbirth.
How similar studies have performed: GTEP has shown reductions in trauma symptoms in refugee populations, adult cancer patients, and healthcare workers, but it has not previously been tested for birth-related trauma.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged between 18-65 years. * Currently under the Black Country Perinatal Mental Health Service * Experiencing self-reported trauma symptoms related to a birthing experience within the last 18 months (this includes the birth itself, the postnatal hospital stay, and/or any neonatal admissions). * Access to technology (e.g., laptop, internet connection) to be able to access the online group. * Access to a confidential space within their home, and childcare for their baby/any other existing children. * Proficient levels of English Language to engage with the group. * Ability to engage in group therapy based on clinical presentation. * Capacity to consent to engage in the GTEP group and research study. Exclusion Criteria: * Women/birthing people whose baby is no longer under their care. * Severe and enduring mental health presentations (i.e., diagnosis of bipolar, psychosis and/or schizophrenia. * Significant sensory impairment (e.g., needing a British Sign Language interpreter).
Where this trial is running
Wolverhampton
- Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust — Wolverhampton, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Rachel Strachan, Study Principal Investigator — Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
- Study coordinator: Grace E Rodgers, Study Chief Investigator
- Email: gxr327@student.bham.ac.uk
- Phone: +44 7817937825
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.