The feasibility of conducting non-pharmacological research studies in participants with mania: a grounded theory qualitative analysis of the Ottawa Sunglasses at Night study

Feasibility concerns around non-pharmacological interventions can be a barrier against clinical research in individuals with mania. As part of a randomized controlled trial using blue-blocking vs lightly-tinted glasses, we interviewed participants who were hospitalized with mania and clinicians to gather insight on feasibility of recruitment and acceptability and implementation of tinted glasses according to the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance) framework using a grounded theory approach. Semi-structured interviews with 24 participants and 10 clinicians were conducted. The central theory of "research readiness for a dark therapy trial" was developed from six main themes identified from participant interviews: motivation, patient-centred approach, benefits of participating, research understanding, efficacy of intervention and challenges. The central theory of "supportive of blue-blocking glasses" was developed from five themes identified from clinician interviews: importance and benefits of clinical research, clinician-patient interactions, acceptability of research for participants, documentation and challenges. This study identified themes from the experiences of participants and clinicians of the clinical trial that contribute to the feasibility and acceptability of blue-blocking glasses as an intervention for mania. The results of this qualitative study will inform implementation practices for clinical trials investigating non-pharmacological interventions for hospitalized individuals with mania and related acute psychiatric conditions which affect judgement.