Now that we have received the green light to start our study, we wanted to share exactly what the MTX study will involve!
The MTX Study is an NIHR-funded research project exploring the experiences of children and young people (aged 6-15) with rheumatic conditions who take methotrexate, and the experiences of the parents and carers who support them. Our goal is to co-develop resources that help children better understand their treatment, manage side effects, and feel more involved in decisions about their healthcare.
The project is being delivered in partnership with Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (Royal Manchester Children's Hospital) and Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust.
The Three Stages of The MTX Study:
Stage 1: Understanding experiences We're speaking with children, young people, parents and carers about their experiences of taking methotrexate, including the challenges they face, the information they wish they had, and what helps them manage treatment successfully. Children and young people can choose from a range of creative methods, including interviews, photo or video diaries, and activity booklets.
Stage 2: Co-designing resources Using what we learn in Stage 1, we'll work together with children, young people, parents, carers and stakeholders through workshops to design resources that are useful, engaging and relevant to families.
Stage 3: Testing and refining We'll then ask children, young people and families to review the resources and tell us how understandable, useful and acceptable they are, helping us make final improvements.
You can learn more about these stages and keep an eye on our progress on our study roadmap.
One of the things we're most proud of is that this project has been shaped by a truly multidisciplinary team, bringing together expertise from psychology, nursing, paediatric rheumatology, pharmacy, behavioural science, qualitative research, and lived experience. Alongside the research team, parent partners and young people have played a central role in developing the study from the very beginning.
Thank you to everyone who has made this study possible: Dr Daniela Ghio, Professor Lucy Bray, Alana Ledwith, Emily Earle, Dr Hanna Lythgoe, Dr Clare Pain, Tavi Aragon Cuevas, Sarah Aitken, Esnath Magola-Makina, Angharad Bridges, Marie Morrisroe, Jenny Humphreys, Leone Buckle and Naomi Hornby. Of course, we also can’t forget to mention our study mascot... M-Trex!