Implementation of Web-Based Psychosocial Interventions for Adults With Acquired Brain Injury and Their Caregivers: Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

More than 135 million people worldwide live with acquired brain injury (ABI) and its many psychosocial sequelae. This growing global burden necessitates scalable rehabilitation services. Despite demonstrated potential to increase the accessibility and scalability of psychosocial supports, digital health interventions are challenging to implement and sustain. The Nonadoption, Abandonment, Scale-Up, Spread, and Sustainability (NASSS) framework can offer developers and researchers a comprehensive overview of considerations to implement, scale, and sustain digital health interventions.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review identified published, peer-reviewed primary evidence of implementation outcomes, strategies, and factors for web-based psychosocial interventions targeting either adults with ABI or their formal or informal caregivers; evaluated and summarized this evidence; synthesized qualitative and quantitative implementation data according to the NASSS framework; and provided recommendations for future implementation. Results were compared with 3 hypotheses which state that complexity (dynamic, unpredictable, and poorly characterized factors) in most or all NASSS domains increases likelihood of implementation failure; success is achievable, but difficult with many complicated domains (containing multiple interacting factors); and simplicity (straightforward, predictable, and few factors) in most or all domains increases the likelihood of success.

METHODS

From a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus, speechBITE, and neuroBITE, we reviewed primary implementation evidence from January 2008 to June 2020. For web-based psychosocial interventions delivered via standard desktop computer, mobile phone, tablet, television, and virtual reality devices to adults with ABI or their formal or informal caregivers, we extracted intervention characteristics, stakeholder involvement, implementation scope and outcomes, study design and quality, and implementation data. Implementation data were both narratively synthesized and descriptively quantified across all 7 domains (condition, technology, value proposition, adopters, organization, wider system, and their interaction over time) and all subdomains of the NASSS framework. Study quality and risk of bias were assessed using the 2018 Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.

RESULTS

We identified 60 peer-reviewed studies from 12 countries, including 5723 adults with ABI, 1920 carers, and 50 health care staff. The findings aligned with all 3 hypotheses.

CONCLUSIONS

Although studies were of low methodological quality and insufficient number to statistically test relationships, the results appeared consistent with recommendations to reduce complexity as much as possible to facilitate implementation. Although studies excluded individuals with a range of comorbidities and sociocultural challenges, such simplification of NASSS domain 1 may have been necessary to advance intervention value propositions (domain 3). However, to create equitable digital health solutions that can be successfully implemented in real-world settings, it is recommended that developers involve people with ABI, their close others, and health care staff in addressing complexities in domains 2 to 7 from the earliest intervention design stages.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42020186387; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020186387.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

RR2-10.1177/20552076211035988.

Effectiveness of distance-based suicide interventions: multi-level meta-analysis and systematic review

BACKGROUND

The use of distance-based interventions (DBIs) to reduce suicidal ideation and behaviours are an increasingly relevant form of intervention. DBIs are more affordable, scalable and available than traditional face-to-face interventions, helping to narrow the gap between needed and provided care.

AIMS

To evaluate the overall effectiveness of DBIs against suicidal ideation and behaviours.

METHOD

We systematically searched Web of Science, Scopus and PubMed for all DBIs primarily aimed at reducing suicidal ideation and behaviours. Data were analysed with a robust variance estimation corrected, multi-level meta-analysis.

RESULTS

We found 38 studies, reporting 110 outcomes. Effectiveness in reducing suicidal ideation was low (standardised mean difference -0.174, 95% CI -0.238 to -0.110). DBIs were significantly less effective against suicidal behaviours than against suicidal ideation, although still effective (standardised mean difference -0.059, 95% CI -0.087 to -0.032). Human involvement had no significant effect on effectiveness.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite low effectiveness, DBIs might play a role in large-scale prevention efforts against suicidal ideation within a stepped care approach. Further, DBIs may be helpful in expanding mental health services in low- and middle-income countries with otherwise limited access to mental healthcare. Although the evidence for DBIs efficacy is well grounded, the technical and scientific evaluation of DBIs regarding their set up, functionality and components needs to be addressed in future studies.

Psychosocial markers of age at onset in bipolar disorder: a machine learning approach

BACKGROUND

Bipolar disorder is a chronic and severe mental health disorder. Early stratification of individuals into subgroups based on age at onset (AAO) has the potential to inform diagnosis and early intervention. Yet, the psychosocial predictors associated with AAO are unknown.

AIMS

We aim to identify psychosocial factors associated with bipolar disorder AAO.

METHOD

Using data from the Bipolar Disorder Research Network UK, we employed least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression to identify psychosocial factors associated with bipolar disorder AAO. Twenty-eight factors were entered into our model, with AAO as our outcome measure.

RESULTS

We included 1022 participants with bipolar disorder (μ = 23.0, s.d. ± 9.86) in our model. Six variables predicted an earlier AAO: childhood abuse (β = -0.2855), regular cannabis use in the year before onset (β = -0.2765), death of a close family friend or relative in the 6 months before onset (β = -0.2435), family history of suicide (β = -0.1385), schizotypal personality traits (β = -0.1055) and irritable temperament (β = -0.0685). Five predicted a later AAO: the average number of alcohol units consumed per week in the year before onset (β = 0.1385); birth of a child in the 6 months before onset (β = 0.2755); death of parent, partner, child or sibling in the 6 months before onset (β = 0.3125); seeking work without success for 1 month or more in the 6 months before onset (β = 0.3505) and a major financial crisis in the 6 months before onset (β = 0.4575).

CONCLUSIONS

The identified predictor variables have the potential to help stratify high-risk individuals into likely AAO groups, to inform treatment provision and early intervention.

Interventions for children of parents with cancer: an overview

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this overview is to analyze existing reviews on psychosocial interventions for children of parents with cancer and synthesize implications for further practice, interventions, and research in this field. The aim of this overview is therefore to generate systematic knowledge about what can be classed as evidence-based knowledge in this field.

RECENT FINDINGS

The literature search in MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, PSYNDEX, and PsycARTICLES resulted in three systematic reviews, which were evaluated by the AMSTAR-2-tool for quality assessment and the PRISMA-checklist for reporting. Results were analyzed through narrative synthesis due to the heterogeneity of the studies. The three systematic reviews were evaluated by the AMSTAR-2-tool for quality assessment and the PRISMA-checklist for reporting. AMSTAR-2 revealed critically low quality for all three reviews but taking into account the study situation of this scientific context, a more optimistic quality assessment can be suggested. The PRISMA checklist revealed good results. Positive evidence was found for the effect of psychosocial interventions concerning depressive symptoms, children's behavior, communication within the family, and quality of life. A comparison of the interventions is not possible due to the high degree of heterogeneity of the studies.

SUMMARY

Following the principles of evidence-based medicine, this overview, together with clinical-practical expertise and the needs of those affected, could contribute to evidence-based care and stimulate future guidelines in this important field. The valuable engagement with questions around evidence-based practice invites professionals and researchers to enter into a common discourse to ultimately contribute to an improvement of the life situation of children of parents with cancer.

Italian Dementia-Friendly Hospital Trial (IDENTITÀ): efficacy of a dementia care intervention for hospital staff

This study investigated the short-term impact and the retention of a dementia care intervention for healthcare staff working in an Italian acute hospital setting. Additionally, we identified the predictors of improvement across the intervention. Sixty-two healthcare staff from an Italian public hospital participated in a dementia care intervention consisting of 5 modules delivered in a 5-hour training program focusing on dementia management, knowledge, and care. A pre-test/post-test and six-months follow-up design was used to evaluate participants' changes in knowledge, attitudes, and confidence in dementia. The intervention significantly improved healthcare staff's dementia knowledge and confidence immediately after the end of the intervention. No significant changes were observed from post-test to follow-up, indicating retention of these outcomes over six months. Regarding attitude to dementia, we found an immediate improvement only in the Recognition of Personhood scale. Looking at the predictors of improvement, healthcare staff with lower levels of knowledge, attitudes, and confidence in dementia at pre-test were those who improved more following the intervention. These findings provide further evidence that dementia care interventions are suitable initiatives to promote knowledge and skills required to manage the needs of people with dementia in an acute hospital setting.

Unblinded and Blinded N-of-1 Trials Versus Usual Care: A Randomized Controlled Trial to Increase Statin Uptake in Primary Care

BACKGROUND

The aim was to assess whether an intervention incorporating a practicable open-label n-of-1 trial would lead to greater uptake of statin than usual care and comparable uptake to a closed-label gold-standard n-of-1 trial.

METHODS

We enrolled patients who had stopped or declined statins into a 3-arm trial (usual care, unblinded, and blinded n-of-1 intervention arms). Physicians advised participants randomized to usual care to take statin therapy to prevent cardiovascular disease. In both intervention arms, physicians delivered a theoretically informed informed intervention endorsing the value of experimenting with medication in n-of-1 trials to assess whether it caused side-effects. In these trials, participants alternated between 4 weeks of medication and no medication (unblinded arm) or randomly sorted active and placebo (blinded arm) and recorded symptoms and symptom attributions for 6 months. Thereafter, physicians discussed participants' symptom reports during active/inactive treatment periods and asked participants to resume statins if appropriate.

RESULTS

Seventy-three were randomized to the intervention arms and 20 to the control group. Fifty-six of 73 (77%) attempted the n-of-1 experiment; 28/36 (78%) in the unblinded arm; and 28/37 (76%) in the blinded arm. Forty-three of 56 (77%) completed the 6-month experiment and received feedback from the physician; 20/28 (71%) in the unblinded arm and 23/28 (82%) in the blinded arm. Thirty-three of 76 (45%) people restarted statins in the n-of-1 arms compared with 4/20 (20%) in the control arm, difference 24% (95% CI, 5%-43%; P=0.041). There was no evidence this differed between blinded and unblinded arms, difference 2% (95% CI, -20% to 24%; P=0.86). Adverse events occurred at a similar rate on and off statin.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients refusing or intolerant of statin, supporting experimentation with n-of-1 trials increases medication uptake compared with usual care. Alternating on-off medication in unblinded n-of-1 experiments appears as effective as a blinded experiment.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN11142694; Unique identifier: ISRCTN11142694.

Psychosocial treatment outcomes of common mental disorders vary widely in persons in low- and middle-income countries affected by humanitarian crises and refugees in high-income countries

This commentary discusses methodological and contextual factors that might account for variations in psychosocial treatment outcomes found in persons in low- and middle-income countries affected by humanitarian crises and refugees. Factors discussed are related to cultural adaptations, content and intensity of treatment, population characteristics and factors related to research design.

A Systematic Review of Training Interventions for Emergency Department Providers and Psychosocial Interventions delivered by Emergency Department Providers for Patients who self-harm

OBJECTIVES

People who self-harm frequently present to the emergency department (ED) and are treated by generalist healthcare staff with no specialist mental health training. We systematically reviewed (i) training interventions for generalist ED providers and (ii) psychosocial interventions delivered predominantly by generalist ED providers for people who self-harm.

METHOD

Five databases were searched for studies reporting on training interventions for generalist ED staff (at least 50% of the sample needed to be generalist ED staff) or psychosocial interventions for people who self-harm delivered predominantly by generalist ED staff. No limitations were placed regarding study design/country. Narrative synthesis was conducted.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies from high-income countries were included. Nine studies of moderate methodological quality evaluated training for generalist ED providers (n = 1587). Six studies of good methodological quality evaluated psychosocial interventions for adults who self-harm (n = 3133). Only one randomized controlled trial was identified. Training was linked with pre-post improvements in staff knowledge, and less consistently with improvement in skills, attitudes, and confidence. Evidence on patient outcomes was lacking. Patient-level interventions involving common suicide prevention strategies-safety planning and follow-up contact-were consistently linked to pre-post reductions in suicide attempts. Effects on treatment engagement and psychiatric admissions were unclear.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a clear need for further RCTs to improve the evidence base for ED generalist providers managing patients with self-harm. Evidence supports potential benefits of training for improving staff knowledge, attitudes, and skills, and of safety planning and follow-up contact for reducing repeat suicide attempts. HIGHLIGHTSMore RCTs are needed to improve the evidence base for ED providers managing self-harmSafety planning and follow up contacts are linked to reductions in repeat suicide attemptsFuture research should investigate the impact of staff training on patient outcomes.

Crisis-focused psychosocial interventions for borderline personality disorder: systematic review and narrative synthesis

BACKGROUND

Mental health crisis presentations are common in those who have a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder (BPD), and psychosocial interventions should be provided. However, there is limited evidence outlining what a crisis-focused psychosocial intervention for this population should include.

AIMS

To conduct a systematic review and narrative synthesis of crisis-focused psychosocial interventions for people diagnosed with BPD.

METHOD

Three databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo) were searched for eligible studies. Studies were included if they were quantitative studies comparing a crisis-focused intervention with any control group and they included adults (18+ years of age) who were diagnosed with BPD (or with equivalent experiences). A narrative synthesis was undertaken to analyse results.

RESULTS

A total of 3711 papers were initially identified, 95 full texts were screened and 5 studies were included in the review. Two of five studies reported on the same trial, so four individual trials were included. Overall moderate risk of bias across studies was identified. The review tentatively demonstrated that crisis-focused psychosocial interventions are feasible and acceptable to people with BPD and that they have potential impacts on outcomes such as self-harm and number of days spent in hospital. There is limited consensus on what outcome measures should be used to assess the impact of interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

There is presently insufficient data to recommend any specific psychosocial crisis intervention for people with BPD. Given the relationship between BPD and the high frequency of crises experienced by this group, further large-scale trials examining crisis-focused psychosocial interventions are required.

STATEMENT ON LANGUAGE

We acknowledge that the term personality disorder can be controversial and stigmatising. As the term borderline personality disorder has been retained in DSM-5 and is used in the research evidence base we have decided to use this term throughout this review. However, we recognise that this term may not be acceptable to all.

Providing music therapy for people with dementia in an acute mental health setting

As global figures for dementia are set to rise significantly, there has been a shift towards using non-pharmacological interventions such as music therapy to enhance the quality of life for people with the condition. Research into music therapy interventions for this patient group in acute mental health inpatient settings, however, is limited. This article describes a service evaluation that explored whether group music therapy was effective for people with dementia in such settings. Open group music therapy sessions were hosted weekly in two acute wards and the researchers examined the social and behavioural outcomes of participants pre and post-intervention. The results indicated that music therapy significantly improved patient outcomes following participation. The outcome measure developed for this service evaluation was found to be a reliable tool for measuring the effectiveness of music therapy on patient outcomes.

International clinician perspectives on pandemic-associated stress in supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities

BACKGROUND

People living with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have suffered disproportionately in health outcomes and general well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is emerging evidence of increased psychological distress. Increased strain has also fallen on clinicians managing the psychological needs of people with IDD, in the context of learning new technologies, staff shortages, reduced services and paused training opportunities.

AIMS

To examine clinicians' experiences of patient care, clinical management and the impact of care delivery.

METHOD

A mixed fixed-response and free-text survey comprising 28 questions covering four areas (responder demographics, clinical practice, changes to local services and clinician experiences) was developed, using the STROBE guidance. It was disseminated through an exponential snowballing technique to clinicians in seven high-income countries. Quantitative data were analysed and presented with Microsoft Excel. Qualitative data were coded and thematically analysed, and presented with in-text quotations.

RESULTS

There were 139 respondents, mostly senior physicians (71%). Two-thirds reported over 10 years working in the field. Quantitative findings include increased clinician stress (77%), referrals (53%), patient distress presentations (>70%), patient isolation (73%) and carer burden (89%), and reduced patient participation in daily activities (86%). A third reported increased psychotropic prescribing. Qualitative analysis outlined changes to clinical practice, particularly the emergence and impact of telehealth.

CONCLUSIONS

In the countries surveyed, the pandemic has not only had a significant impact on people with IDD, but also their carers and clinicians. A proactive, holistic international response is needed in preparedness for future public health emergencies.

Evaluation of Recruitment Strategies for Home-Living Vulnerable Older Adults With Depression: Findings From a Randomized Controlled Psychotherapy Trial

OBJECTIVE

Vulnerable older adults, such as physically impaired or care-dependent individuals, are vastly underrepresented in psychotherapy research. Improving their inclusion in randomized controlled trials is necessary to determine the effectiveness of psychotherapy in this population. This study is the first to systematically evaluate strategies to recruit home-living vulnerable older adults with clinically significant depression into a large randomized controlled psychotherapy trial. Potential participants were approached directly (self-referral) or via cooperation with gatekeepers (gatekeeper-referral).

METHODS

Successful recruitment strategies and the person initiating the first contact with the study team were recorded. Recruitment strategies were compared with respect to the number of inquiries and inclusion rates, study personnel's time investment, and participant characteristics (sociodemographics, functional and cognitive status, depression and anxiety scores).

RESULTS

Most of the N = 197 participants were included via gatekeeper-referral (80.5%, 95% confidence interval = [74.9, 86.1]), but time investment for gatekeeper-referrals was five times higher than for self-referral by media reports. Clinical psychologists and medical practitioners referred the largest proportion of participants (32.3% each) and referral by medical practitioners led to highest inclusion rates (55.6%; χ²(3) = 8.964, p <0.05). Most participants were referred from a hospital setting (50.3%), whereas referral numbers by medical practices were low (15.9%). Participants who initiated the first contact themselves had higher inclusion rates and were less functionally impaired.

CONCLUSION

Including home-living vulnerable older adults into psychotherapy trials requires simultaneous implementation of diverse recruitment strategies. Medical practitioners and psychologists, especially in hospitals, are the most effective recruitment strategy, but self-referral via media is most cost-efficient in terms of time investment.

Specialist teams as constituted are unsatisfactory for treating people with personality disorders

It is now becoming standard practice in most advanced economies to provide specialist services for those with personality disorder. Such services, almost exclusively, provide complex well-structured psychological interventions lasting many months for a small number of those with borderline personality disorder pathology. The evidence suggests that these treatments are effective but they can only be provided for a small number of people. However, in every area the numbers of patients with significant personality disorder far exceeds those that are treated, and most of these have other personality disorders. It is argued that the current service system is not working efficiently and should be replaced by one that provides resources and expertise within community teams with some external advice from specialists but no transfer of responsibility to a designated team.

A Single-Case Design Investigation for Measuring the Efficacy of Gestalt Therapy to Treat Depression in Older Adults with Dementia in Italy and in Mexico: A Research Protocol

Psychotherapy is one of the evidence-based clinical interventions for the treatment of depression in older adults with dementia. Randomised controlled trials are often the first methodological choice to gain evidence, yet they are not applicable to a wide range of humanistic psychotherapies. Amongst all, the efficacy of the Gestalt therapy (GT) is under-investigated. The purpose of this paper is to present a research protocol, aiming to assess the effects of a GT-based intervention on people with dementia (PWD) and indirect influence on their family carers. The study implements the single-case experimental design with time series analysis that will be carried out in Italy and Mexico. Six people in each country, who received a diagnosis of dementia and present depressive symptoms, will be recruited. Eight or more GT sessions will be provided, whose fidelity will be assessed by the GT fidelity scale. Quantitative outcome measures are foreseen for monitoring participants' depression, anxiety, quality of life, loneliness, carers' burden, and the caregiving dyad mutuality at baseline and follow-up. The advantages and limitations of the research design are considered. If GT will effectively result in the treatment of depression in PWD, it could enrich the range of evidence-based interventions provided by healthcare services.

A rapid review of emergency department interventions for children and young people presenting with suicidal ideation

BACKGROUND

Suicidal ideation is an increasingly common presentation to the paediatric emergency department. The presence of suicidal ideation is linked to acute psychiatric hospital admission and increased risk of suicide. The paediatric emergency department plays a critical role in reducing risk of suicide, strengthening protective factors and encouraging patient engagement with ongoing care.

AIMS

This rapid review aims to synthesise evidence on interventions that can be implemented in the paediatric emergency department for children and adolescents presenting with suicidal ideation.

METHOD

Six electronic databases were searched for studies published since January 2010: PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Cochrane. Outcomes of interest included suicidal ideation, engagement with out-patient services, incidence of depressive symptoms, hopelessness, family empowerment, hospital admission and feasibility of interventions. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to evaluate the quality of studies.

RESULTS

Six studies of paediatric emergency department-initiated family-based (n = 4) and motivational interviewing interventions (n = 2) were narratively reviewed. The studies were mainly small and of varying quality. The evidence synthesis suggests that both types of intervention, when initiated by the paediatric emergency department, reduce suicidal ideation and improve patient engagement with out-patient services. Family-based interventions also showed a reduction in suicidality and improvement in family empowerment, hopelessness and depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Paediatric emergency department-initiated interventions are crucial to reduce suicidal ideation and risk of suicide, and to enhance ongoing engagement with out-patient services. Further research is needed; however, family-based and motivational interviewing interventions could be feasibly and effectively implemented in the paediatric emergency department setting.

Clinical and cost-effectiveness of social recovery therapy for the prevention and treatment of long-term social disability among young people with emerging severe mental illness (PRODIGY): randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Young people with social disability and severe and complex mental health problems have poor outcomes, frequently struggling with treatment access and engagement. Outcomes may be improved by enhancing care and providing targeted psychological or psychosocial intervention.

AIMS

We aimed to test the hypothesis that adding social recovery therapy (SRT) to enhanced standard care (ESC) would improve social recovery compared with ESC alone.

METHOD

A pragmatic, assessor-masked, randomised controlled trial (PRODIGY: ISRCTN47998710) was conducted in three UK centres. Participants (n = 270) were aged 16-25 years, with persistent social disability, defined as under 30 hours of structured activity per week, social impairment for at least 6 months and severe and complex mental health problems. Participants were randomised to ESC alone or SRT plus ESC. SRT was an individual psychosocial therapy delivered over 9 months. The primary outcome was time spent in structured activity 15 months post-randomisation.

RESULTS

We randomised 132 participants to SRT plus ESC and 138 to ESC alone. Mean weekly hours in structured activity at 15 months increased by 11.1 h for SRT plus ESC (mean 22.4, s.d. = 21.4) and 16.6 h for ESC alone (mean 27.7, s.d. = 26.5). There was no significant difference between arms; treatment effect was -4.44 (95% CI -10.19 to 1.31, P = 0.13). Missingness was consistently greater in the ESC alone arm.

CONCLUSIONS

We found no evidence for the superiority of SRT as an adjunct to ESC. Participants in both arms made large, clinically significant improvements on all outcomes. When providing comprehensive evidence-based standard care, there are no additional gains by providing specialised SRT. Optimising standard care to ensure targeted delivery of existing interventions may further improve outcomes.

Discerning critical stressors and resources in the lives of cancer patients: A multivariate analysis of targets of intervention for enhancing cancer care and quality of life

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the relationship between a broad variety of stressors, resources, and outcomes to identify targets of intervention to enhance the quality of life of cancer patients and contribute to a comprehensive model of cancer care.

METHODS

Five hundred and sixty persons with a diagnosis of cancer completed measures of stressors (past negative life events, current problems, current symptoms, comorbidities), resources (coping self-efficacy, social support, satisfaction with care) and outcomes (emotional and functional well-being).

RESULTS

Multivariate canonical correlations between pairs of canonical variates (stressors-outcomes, R_c  = 0.56; stressors-resources, R_c  = 0.42, resources-outcomes R_c  = 0.66) were significant (all ps < 0.0001), which confirmed the relationship between those components and supported proceeding to more granular levels of analysis. More refined analyses revealed that the most critical variables in relation to outcomes (i.e., emotional and functional well-being), were current problems and symptoms among the stressors and coping self-efficacy, social support and patient satisfaction among the resources.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provided an approach to the discernment of the most critical aspects of interventions that may improve supportive care and quality of life outcomes. Thus, efforts to address current problems (e.g., financial, home life, work), as well as effective management of symptoms (e.g., pain, fatigue, sleep), using the coordinated integration of medical care, support services and psycho-social interventions would provide the greatest impact on quality-of-life outcomes. Interventions that focus on problem solving and reinforce patient agency and activation may be most effective in sustaining quality of life outcomes into survivorship.

The effectiveness of physical exercise interventions in the management of neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia patients: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

The management of neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in patients with dementia is a major challenge. Since no effective therapy has been found to date and drug treatments are associatedwith significant side effects, there seems to be a pressing need for alternative non-pharmacological interventions.

OBJECTIVES

The current study aims to investigate and compare the effect of different types of physical exercise on the NPS.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. Five databases (SCOPUS, PubMed, SPORT Discus, Web of science and ScienceDirect) were searched using the appropriate algorithm. What was sought out was randomized control trials (RCTs) that applied physical activity interventions with specific characteristics (type, frequency, intensity, and duration) in patients with dementia or mild cognitive impairment, studied the effect of exercise on their NPS and compared this effect with a control group that did not follow an exercise program.

RESULTS

From 512 articles, 13 studies were included in this review, involving a total of 1,925 patients. The results were analyzed and synthesized according to the type of exercise applied - aerobic exercise, multidimensional interventions and muscular strength training programs. In particular, the results showed that repetitive aerobic exercise three to five times a week had a positive effect on NPS, whereas multidimensional interventions combining different types of exercise did not appear to be as effective. Strength training programs have been found to significantly reduce depression symptoms and behavioral problems in demented patients with mobility problems.

CONCLUSIONS

There is clear evidence that physical activity and especially aerobic exercise may be effective in the management of NPS. However, it is necessary to apply specific practical recommendations and specially designed programs to incorporate physical exercise into the daily routine of these patients.

Dropout Rates in Psychosocial Interventions for People With Both Severe Mental Illness and Substance Misuse: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Over the years, many psychosocial interventions for individual having both a psychotic spectrum disorder and a substance use disorder diagnoses have been developed and studied. However, there is a high dropout rate among this clinical population.

OBJECTIVES

This meta-analysis aims to replicate a previous meta-analysis on the effects of psychosocial treatment for dual disorders, while including and determining the dropout rates in those type of interventions.

METHOD

Based on a Cochrane systematic review conducted in 2019, we conducted a meta-analysis including 40 randomized clinical trials on psychosocial treatment among persons suffering from schizophrenia spectrum disorder and substance use disorder.

RESULTS

A dropout rate of 27,2% was obtained. Stimulants use significantly affected dropout rates. Age, gender, diagnosis, alcohol and cannabis abuse, and duration of treatment did not affect dropout rates.

CONCLUSION

The 27,2% rate of dropout from psychosocial treatment highlights the need to engage participants having a dual diagnosis from the start by focusing on therapeutic alliance and motivation for treatment.

Headspace for parents: qualitative report investigating the use of a mindfulness-based app for managing parents' stress during COVID-19

BACKGROUND

Stress can compromise parental well-being and may contribute to harsh and critical parenting styles, which are in turn associated with children's conduct problems. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related restrictions are likely to have exacerbated parental stress as, for many, UK-based family life was altered considerably. Mindfulness has been demonstrated to improve stress management and emotion regulation when delivered to parents in person, however, more accessible online interventions are under-researched.

AIMS

To provide preliminary data on family well-being and parent-child relationships as well as the acceptability and usability of the Headspace app - a self-delivered mindfulness-based intervention - for parents in low-risk families during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHOD

We provided 12 parents with access to Headspace, and collected qualitative data (semi-structured interviews and 5 minute speech samples) immediately following the initial COVID-19 lockdown in the UK. The resulting transcripts were thematically analysed.

RESULTS

Most parents reported Headspace to be acceptable and useful - improvements in parents' own sleep were particularly noted - and there was high adherence to the intervention. However, difficulties related to family well-being and parent-child relationships following the lockdown were also reported.

CONCLUSIONS

As a result of the confounding impact of COVID-19 restrictions, and varied access to app content, we were unable to determine any outcomes to be a result of practising mindfulness specifically. However, COVID-19 has had a profound impact on many UK-based families, including those previously at low risk, and our results demonstrate that Headspace may have beneficial effects for parents. There is a need to more rigorously test this tool with a broader range of families.

Evidence base review of couple- and family-based psychosocial interventions to promote infant and early childhood mental health, 2010-2019

Infant and early childhood mental health (IECMH) has been defined as the capacity of infants and young children to regulate their emotions, form secure relationships, and explore their environments. For this special issue, we conducted a review of IECMH outcomes from evaluations of couple- and family-based psychosocial interventions not explicitly designed for trauma exposure published from 2010 through 2019, following Evidence Base Update criteria and the current convention of classifying general categories of intervention approaches rather than the former practice of evaluating specific brand-name packaged programs. Full-text review of 695 articles resulted in 39 articles eligible for categorization into intervention approaches, taking into consideration the theoretical orientation of the treatment, the population served, the intervention participants, the target outcomes, the treatment theory of change, and the degree to which the intervention was standardized across participants. Four intervention approaches were identified in this review as Probably Efficacious: Behavioral Interventions to Support Parents of Toddlers, Interventions to Support Adolescent Mothers, Tiered Interventions to Provide Support Based on Assessed Risk, and Home Visiting Interventions to Provide Individualized Support to Parents. Other intervention approaches were classified as Possibly Efficacious, Experimental, or did not have sufficient evidence in this time period to classify under these criteria. Further research could explore how to ensure that all families who need support can receive it, such as by increasing the reach of effective programs and by decreasing the number of families needing additional support.

Factors influencing the outcome of integrated therapy approach in schizophrenia: A narrative review of the literature

The integration of pharmacotherapy with psychosocial interventions has an important role to play in the improvement of functional outcome of subjects with schizophrenia (SCZ), in all stages of the disorder. It is essential for the adequate management of unmet therapeutic needs, such as negative symptoms and cognitive dysfunctions which account for most of the functional impairment of subjects with SCZ and do not respond to available antipsychotics. Enhancing the knowledge on factors involved in the effectiveness of integrated treatment plans is an important step forward for SCZ care. This review aims to identify factors that might influence the impact of integrated treatments on functional outcome. Most studies on the impact of psychosocial treatments on functional outcome of subjects with SCZ did not control for the effect of prescribed antipsychotics or concomitant medications. However, several factors relevant to ongoing pharmacological treatment might influence the outcome of integrated therapy, with an impact on the adherence to treatment (e.g., therapeutic alliance and polypharmacotherapy) or on illness-related factors addressed by the psychosocial interventions (e.g., cognitive dysfunctions or motivational deficits). Indirect evidence suggests that treatment integration should consider the possible detrimental effects of different antipsychotics or concomitant medications on cognitive functions, as well as on secondary negative symptoms. Cognitive dysfunctions can interfere with participation to an integrated treatment plan and can be worsened by extrapyramidal or metabolic side effects of antipsychotics, or concomitant treatment with anticholinergics or benzodiazepines. Secondary negative symptoms, due to positive symptoms, sedation, extrapyramidal side effects or untreated depression, might cause early drop-out and poor adherence to treatment. Researchers and clinicians should examine all the above-mentioned factors and implement appropriate and personalized integrated treatments to improve the outcome of SCZ.

Emotional intelligence intervention in older adults to improve adaptation and reduce negative mood

OBJECTIVES

Emotional intelligence (EI) is a strong predictor of negative mood. Applying emotional skills correctly can help to increase positive emotional states and reduce negative ones. This study aims to implement EI intervention designed to improve clarity, repair EI dimensions and coping strategies, and reduce negative mood in older adults.

DESIGN

Participants were randomly assigned to the treatment or control group.

SETTING

Participants were evaluated individually before and after the intervention.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants included 111 healthy older adults; 51 in the treatment group and 60 in the control group.

INTERVENTION

An EI program was implemented. The program was administered over 10 sessions lasting 90 min each.

MEASUREMENTS

EI dimension (attention, clarity, and repair), coping strategies, hopelessness, and mood were assessed.

RESULTS

Analysis of variance for repeated measures was applied. In the treatment group, scores on clarity and emotional repair increased and attention to emotions decreased; problem-focused coping (problem-solving, positive reappraisal, and seeking social support) showed significant increases, whereas emotion-focused coping (negative self-focused and overt emotional expression) obtained significant decreases; scores on negative mood measures declined significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

An intervention based on EI is effective in older adults. After the EI intervention, the participants showed significant increases in their levels of clarity and emotional repair and intermediate levels of attention. In addition, the intervention was found to influence adaptation results, increasing the use of adaptive coping strategies and decreasing the use of maladaptive strategies, as well as reducing hopelessness and depressive symptoms.

Communication training programmes for informal caregivers of people living with dementia: A systematic review

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Current research suggests that communication training programmes for caregivers of people living with dementia can benefit both parties by improving communication, quality of life and stress. Previous reviews in this area focus on mixed samples of formal and informal caregivers. This review aimed to evaluate current research for trainings specifically for informal caregivers, including the research quality and the key training components.

DESIGN AND METHODS

The review followed the PRISMA research reporting checklist. The electronic databases CINAHL, Embase, Medline and Psychinfo and reference lists of included literature were searched for studies relevant to the aims. Of the 45 identified studies, 36 were excluded based on pre-specified criteria. Nine studies were included in the final review and subject to quality appraisal using the Qualsyst tool.

RESULTS

The included studies' programmes averaged 5 to 6 hours in length over four to five sessions, were mostly face to face in both group and individual settings and were developed using various communication and psychological theories. Studies demonstrated variable quality and outcomes, making it difficult to identify optimal components. However, careful consideration of different factors enabled some suggestions for training dose, delivery method, content and outcomes to measure.

CONCLUSIONS

Communication training programmes can benefit people living with dementia and their informal caregivers in outcomes such as communication skills and quality of life. Suggestions are made on the training components that optimise these benefits.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Given the clear benefits on outcomes such as quality of life, there is a need for communication trainings to be offered in clinical contexts. However, given the limited pool of variable quality research and lack of accessible manuals, it is unlikely that this is the case. Consolidating and widening the evidence through further research is essential in making these trainings more widely available.