151
|
Li Y, Guo Y, Hong YA, Zeng Y, Monroe-Wise A, Zeng C, Zhu M, Zhang H, Qiao J, Xu Z, Cai W, Li L, Liu C. Dose-Response Effects of Patient Engagement on Health Outcomes in an mHealth Intervention: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2022; 10:e25586. [PMID: 34982724 PMCID: PMC8767469 DOI: 10.2196/25586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The dose–response relationship between patient engagement and long-term intervention effects in mobile health (mHealth) interventions are understudied. Studies exploring long-term and potentially changing relationships between patient engagement and health outcomes in mHealth interventions are needed. Objective This study aims to examine dose–response relationships between patient engagement and 3 psychosocial outcomes in an mHealth intervention, Run4Love, using repeated measurements of outcomes at baseline and 3, 6, and 9 months. Methods This study is a secondary analysis using longitudinal data from the Run4Love trial, a randomized controlled trial with 300 people living with HIV and elevated depressive symptoms to examine the effects of a 3-month mHealth intervention on reducing depressive symptoms and improving quality of life (QOL). We examined the relationships between patient engagement and depressive symptoms, QOL, and perceived stress in the intervention group (N=150) using 4–time-point outcome measurements. Patient engagement was assessed using the completion rate of course assignments and frequency of items completed. Cluster analysis was used to categorize patients into high- and low-engagement groups. Generalized linear mixed effects models were conducted to investigate the dose–response relationships between patient engagement and outcomes. Results The cluster analysis identified 2 clusters that were distinctively different from each other. The first cluster comprised 72 participants with good compliance to the intervention, completing an average of 74% (53/72) of intervention items (IQR 0.22). The second cluster comprised 78 participants with low compliance to the intervention, completing an average of 15% (11/72) of intervention items (IQR 0.23). Results of the generalized linear mixed effects models showed that, compared with the low-engagement group, the high-engagement group had a significant reduction in more depressive symptoms (β=−1.93; P=.008) and perceived stress (β=−1.72; P<.001) and an improved QOL (β=2.41; P=.01) over 9 months. From baseline to 3, 6, and 9 months, the differences in depressive symptoms between the 2 engagement groups were 0.8, 1.6, 2.3, and 3.7 points, respectively, indicating widening between-group differences over time. Similarly, between-group differences in QOL and perceived stress increased over time (group differences in QOL: 0.9, 1.9, 4.7, and 5.1 points, respectively; group differences in the Perceived Stress Scale: 0.9, 1.4, 2.3, and 3.0 points, respectively). Conclusions This study revealed a positive long-term dose–response relationship between patient engagement and 3 psychosocial outcomes among people living with HIV and elevated depressive symptoms in an mHealth intervention over 9 months using 4 time-point repeat measurement data. The high- and low-engagement groups showed significant and widening differences in depressive symptoms, QOL, and perceived stress at the 3-, 6-, and 9-month follow-ups. Future mHealth interventions should improve patient engagement to achieve long-term and sustained intervention effects. Trial Registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR-IPR-17012606; https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=21019
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Li
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Guo
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangzhou, China.,Sun Yat-sen Center for Global Health, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Y Alicia Hong
- Department of Health Administration and Policy, College of Health and Human Services, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, United States
| | - Yu Zeng
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Aliza Monroe-Wise
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Chengbo Zeng
- South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States.,Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Mengting Zhu
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Hanxi Zhang
- National Center of AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaying Qiao
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhimeng Xu
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiping Cai
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Linghua Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cong Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
152
|
Dahlhausen F, Zinner M, Bieske L, Ehlers JP, Boehme P, Fehring L. There's an app for that, but nobody's using it: Insights on improving patient access and adherence to digital therapeutics in Germany. Digit Health 2022; 8:20552076221104672. [PMID: 35811758 PMCID: PMC9260569 DOI: 10.1177/20552076221104672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mobile health applications and their subset digital therapeutics—defined as
evidence-based software interventions to prevent, manage, or treat a medical
condition—offer great potential to improve patient care. However, such
solutions often struggle to reach widespread adoption. Objective This study seeks to explore healthcare stakeholders’ roles and potential for
fostering patient access and adherence to evidence-based digital
therapeutics and thereby improve health outcomes from the perspective of
digital therapeutics developers and distributors. Methods Semi-structured qualitative and semiquantitative interviews were conducted
with 19 experts from developers and distributors of digital therapeutics in
Germany to discuss their perceived relevance of different healthcare
stakeholders and strategies in promoting patient access and adherence to
digital therapeutics. Results Healthcare professionals were found to have the greatest potential to promote
both access and patient adherence to digital therapeutics, followed by
health insurers, pharmaceutical companies, and patients themselves. In terms
of patient access, healthcare professionals have potential due to their
ability to prescribe digital therapeutics. Other stakeholders’ potential
stems from their capacity to influence healthcare professionals prescription
decision. In terms of patient adherence, only healthcare professionals are
of high relevance by onboarding patients and monitoring digital therapeutics
use. Most healthcare stakeholders currently do not fully leverage their
potential. Further educating healthcare professionals and simplifying
processes for them, empowering patients to seek treatment with digital
therapeutics, and designing digital therapeutics’ product features for
better adherence can help improve patient access and adherence. Conclusions Established healthcare stakeholders and digital therapeutics developers both
need to take action to improve patient access and adherence to digital
therapeutics. Several macro-level changes can support these efforts,
including broader information dissemination, improved financial incentives,
simplified prescription and activation processes, and a wider adoption of
blended care and pay-for-performance payment models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Linn Bieske
- Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Jan P Ehlers
- Didactics and Educational Research in Healthcare, Medical Department, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Philip Boehme
- Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Leonard Fehring
- Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
- Helios University Hospital Wuppertal, Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology and Diabetology, Heusnerstr. 40, 42283 Wuppertal, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
153
|
Al-Durra M, Nolan RP, Seto E, Cafazzo JA. Prospective trial registration and publication rates of randomized clinical trials in digital health: A cross-sectional analysis of global trial registries. Digit Health 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/20552076221090034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives We sought to examine the prevalence of prospective registration and publication rates in digital health trials. Materials and Methods We included 417 trials that enrolled participants in 2012 and were registered in any of the 17 WHO data provider registries. The evaluation of the prospective trial registration was based on the actual difference between the registration and enrollment dates. We identified existing publications through an automated PubMed search by every trial registration number as well as a pragmatic search in PubMed and Google based on extracted metadata from the trial registries. Results The prospective registration and publication rates were at (38.4%) and (65.5%), respectively. We identified a statistically significant ( p < 0.001) “Selective Registration Bias” with 95.7% of trials published within a year after registration, were registered retrospectively. We reported a statistically significant relationship ( p = 0.003) between prospective registration and funding sources, with industry-funded trials having the lowest compliance with prospective registration at (14.3%). The lowest non-publication rates were in the Middle East (26.7%) and Europe (28%), and the highest were in Asia (56.5%) and the U.S. (42.5%). We found statistically significant differences ( p < 0.001) between trial location and funding sources with the highest percentage of industry-funded trials in Asia (17.4%) and the U.S. (3.3%). Conclusion The adherence of investigators to the best practices of trial registration and result dissemination is still evolving in digital health trials. Further research is required to identify contributing factors and mitigation strategies to low compliance rate with trial publication and prospective registration in digital health trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Al-Durra
- Centre for Global eHealth Innovation, Techna Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Robert P Nolan
- Cardiac eHealth and Behavioural Cardiology Research Unit, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Emily Seto
- Centre for Global eHealth Innovation, Techna Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Joseph A Cafazzo
- Centre for Global eHealth Innovation, Techna Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
154
|
Shi N, Wong AKC, Wong FKY, Zhang N, Lai X, Gan L. A Nurse-Led mHealth Self-Management Program (mChemotherapy) for Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: Study Protocol of a Randomized Controlled Pilot Study. Cancer Control 2022; 29:10732748221115469. [PMID: 35921175 PMCID: PMC9358201 DOI: 10.1177/10732748221115469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The global pandemic has caused breast cancer (BC) patients who are receiving chemotherapy to face more challenges in taking care of themselves than usual. A novel nurse-led mHealth program (mChemotherapy) is designed to foster self-management for this population. The aim of the pilot study is to determine the feasibility, usability, and acceptability of an mChemotherapy program for breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The objective also is to evaluate the preliminary effects of this program on adherence to app usage, self-efficacy, quality of life, symptom burden, and healthcare utilization among this group of patients. Methods This is a single-blinded randomized controlled pilot study that includes one intervention group (mChemotherapy group) and one control group (routine care group). Ninety-four breast cancer patients who commence chemotherapy in a university-affiliated hospital will be recruited. Based on the Individual and Family Self-management Theory, this 6-week mChemotherapy program, which includes a combination of self-regulation activities and nurse-led support, will be provided. Data collection will be conducted at baseline, week 3 (T1), and week 6 (T2). A general linear model will be utilized for identifying the between-group, within-group, and interaction effects. Qualitative content analysis will be adopted to analyze, extract, and categorize the interview transcripts. Discussions Breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy are a population that often experiences a heavy symptom burden. During the pandemic, they have had difficulties in self-managing the side effects of chemotherapy due to the lack of face-to-face professional support. An mChemotherapy program will be adopted through a self-regulation process and with the provision of nurse-led real-time professional support for these patients. If proven effective, BC patients who engage in this program will be more likely to take an active role in managing their symptoms, take responsibility for their own health, and subsequently improve their self-efficacy and adherence to the use of the app.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nuo Shi
- School of Nursing, 36674Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Arkers K C Wong
- School of Nursing, 26680The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Frances K Y Wong
- School of Nursing, 26680The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Ruijin Hospital, 66281Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaobin Lai
- School of Nursing, 12478Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Gan
- Ruijin Hospital, 66281Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
155
|
Gan DZQ, McGillivray L, Larsen ME, Christensen H, Torok M. Technology-supported strategies for promoting user engagement with digital mental health interventions: A systematic review. Digit Health 2022; 8:20552076221098268. [PMID: 35677785 PMCID: PMC9168921 DOI: 10.1177/20552076221098268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) offer a potential
solution for increasing access to mental health treatment, their integration
into real-world settings has been slow. A key reason for this is poor user
engagement. A growing number of studies evaluating strategies for promoting
engagement with DMHIs means that a review of the literature is now
warranted. This systematic review is the first to synthesise evidence on
technology-supported strategies for promoting engagement with DMHIs. Methods MEDLINE, EmbASE, PsycINFO and PubMed databases were searched from 1 January
1995 to 1 October 2021. Experimental or quasi-experimental studies examining
the effect of technology-supported engagement strategies deployed alongside
DMHIs were included, as were secondary analyses of such studies. Title and
abstract screening, full-text coding and quality assessment were performed
independently by two authors. Narrative synthesis was used to summarise
findings from the included studies. Results 24 studies (10,266 participants) were included. Engagement strategies ranged
from reminders, coaching, personalised information and peer support. Most
strategies were disseminated once a week, usually via email or telephone.
There was some empirical support for the efficacy of technology-based
strategies towards promoting engagement. However, findings were mixed
regardless of strategy type or study aim. Conclusions Technology-supported strategies appear to increase engagement with DMHIs;
however, their efficacy varies widely by strategy type. Future research
should involve end-users in the development and evaluation of these
strategies to develop a more cohesive set of strategies that are acceptable
and effective for target audiences, and explore the mechanism(s) through
which such strategies promote engagement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Z Q Gan
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Mark E Larsen
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Michelle Torok
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
156
|
Musiat P, Johnson C, Atkinson M, Wilksch S, Wade T. Impact of guidance on intervention adherence in computerised interventions for mental health problems: a meta-analysis. Psychol Med 2022; 52:229-240. [PMID: 34802474 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291721004621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Web-based interventions are increasingly used for the prevention, treatment and aftercare of mental disorders. A crucial factor to the efficacy of such online programmes is adherence to the intervention content and procedure. It has been frequently suggested that adherence in web-based interventions is low and little is known about which factors influence adherence. To increase intervention uptake and completion, studies increasingly include interventions with some form of guidance. Guided interventions have been shown to have higher efficacy, however, evidence for the impact on adherence is limited and mixed. This meta-analysis explored the impact of human guidance on intervention completion in web-based mental health interventions. A total of 22 studies were included with interventions primarily targeting symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders. Results showed that guidance significantly increases the average amount of intervention completion [g = 0.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.18-0.40] and the proportion of intervention completers [log odds ratio (OR) = 0.50, 95% CI 0.34-0.66] with small effects. On average, full completion rates were 12% higher in guided intervention groups. This meta-analysis demonstrated that guidance in web-based mental health interventions does increase adherence, but more research is required to better understand the specific mechanisms between guidance, adherence and outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Musiat
- College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Catherine Johnson
- College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | | | - Simon Wilksch
- College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Tracey Wade
- College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
157
|
Boucher EM, Harake NR, Ward HE, Stoeckl SE, Vargas J, Minkel J, Parks AC, Zilca R. Artificially intelligent chatbots in digital mental health interventions: a review. Expert Rev Med Devices 2021; 18:37-49. [PMID: 34872429 DOI: 10.1080/17434440.2021.2013200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Increasing demand for mental health services and the expanding capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) in recent years has driven the development of digital mental health interventions (DMHIs). To date, AI-based chatbots have been integrated into DMHIs to support diagnostics and screening, symptom management and behavior change, and content delivery. AREAS COVERED We summarize the current landscape of DMHIs, with a focus on AI-based chatbots. Happify Health's AI chatbot, Anna, serves as a case study for discussion of potential challenges and how these might be addressed, and demonstrates the promise of chatbots as effective, usable, and adoptable within DMHIs. Finally, we discuss ways in which future research can advance the field, addressing topics including perceptions of AI, the impact of individual differences, and implications for privacy and ethics. EXPERT OPINION Our discussion concludes with a speculative viewpoint on the future of AI in DMHIs, including the use of chatbots, the evolution of AI, dynamic mental health systems, hyper-personalization, and human-like intervention delivery.
Collapse
|
158
|
Nelson LA, Spieker AJ, Mayberry LS, McNaughton C, Greevy RA. Estimating the impact of engagement with digital health interventions on patient outcomes in randomized trials. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2021; 29:128-136. [PMID: 34963143 PMCID: PMC8714267 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocab254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Guidance is needed on studying engagement and treatment effects in digital health interventions, including levels required for benefit. We evaluated multiple analytic approaches for understanding the association between engagement and clinical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS We defined engagement as intervention participants' response rate to interactive text messages, and considered moderation, standard regression, mediation, and a modified instrumental variable (IV) analysis to investigate the relationship between engagement and clinical outcomes. We applied each approach to two randomized controlled trials featuring text message content in the intervention: REACH (Rapid Encouragement/Education and Communications for Health), which targeted diabetes, and VERB (Vanderbilt Emergency Room Bundle), which targeted hypertension. RESULTS In REACH, the treatment effect on hemoglobin A1c was estimated to be -0.73% (95% CI: [-1.29, -0.21]; P = 0.008), and in VERB, the treatment effect on systolic blood pressure was estimated to be -10.1 mmHg (95% CI: [-17.7, -2.8]; P = 0.007). Only the IV analyses suggested an effect of engagement on outcomes; the difference in treatment effects between engagers and non-engagers was -0.29% to -0.51% in the REACH study and -1.08 to -3.25 mmHg in the VERB study. DISCUSSION Standard regression and mediation have less power than a modified IV analysis, but the IV approach requires specification of assumptions. This is the first review of the strengths and limitations of various approaches to evaluating the impact of engagement on outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Understanding the role of engagement in digital health interventions can help reveal when and how these interventions achieve desired outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lyndsay A Nelson
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Center for Health Behavior and Health Education, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Andrew J Spieker
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Lindsay S Mayberry
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Center for Health Behavior and Health Education, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Center for Diabetes Translation Research, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Candace McNaughton
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Geriatric Research Education Clinical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System VA Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Robert A Greevy
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| |
Collapse
|
159
|
Coley N, Andre L, Hoevenaar-Blom M, Ngandu T, Beishuizen C, Barbera M, van Wanrooij L, Kivipelto M, Soininen H, van Gool WA, Brayne C, Moll van Charante E, Richard E, Andrieu S. Factors predicting engagement of older adults with a coach-supported eHealth intervention promoting lifestyle change, and associations between engagement and changes in cardiovascular and dementia risk: secondary analysis of an 18-month multinational randomized controlled trial. J Med Internet Res 2021; 24:e32006. [PMID: 35385395 PMCID: PMC9127655 DOI: 10.2196/32006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Digital health interventions could help to prevent age-related diseases, but little is known about how older adults engage with such interventions, especially in the long term, or whether engagement is associated with changes in clinical, behavioral, or biological outcomes in this population. Disparities in engagement levels with digital health interventions may exist among older people and be associated with health inequalities. Objective This study aimed to describe older adults’ engagement with an eHealth intervention, identify factors associated with engagement, and examine associations between engagement and changes in cardiovascular and dementia risk factors (blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI, physical activity, diet, and cardiovascular and dementia risk scores). Methods This was a secondary analysis of the 18-month randomized controlled Healthy Ageing Through Internet Counselling in the Elderly trial of a tailored internet-based intervention encouraging behavior changes, with remote support from a lifestyle coach, to reduce cardiovascular and cognitive decline risk in 2724 individuals aged ≥65 years, recruited offline in the Netherlands, Finland, and France. Engagement was assessed via log-in frequency, number of lifestyle goals set, measurements entered and messages sent to coaches, and percentage of education materials read. Clinical and biological data were collected during in-person visits at baseline and 18 months. Lifestyle data were self-reported on a web-based platform. Results Of the 1389 intervention group participants, 1194 (85.96%) sent at least one message. They logged in a median of 29 times, and set a median of 1 goal. Higher engagement was associated with significantly greater improvement in biological and behavioral risk factors, with evidence of a dose-response effect. Compared with the control group, the adjusted mean difference (95% CI) in 18-month change in the primary outcome, a composite z-score comprising blood pressure, BMI, and cholesterol, was −0.08 (−0.12 to −0.03), −0.04 (−0.08 to 0.00), and 0.00 (−0.08 to 0.08) in the high, moderate, and low engagement groups, respectively. Low engagers showed no improvement in any outcome measures compared with the control group. Participants not using a computer regularly before the study engaged much less with the intervention than those using a computer up to 7 (adjusted odds ratio 5.39, 95% CI 2.66-10.95) or ≥7 hours per week (adjusted odds ratio 6.58, 95% CI 3.21-13.49). Those already working on or with short-term plans for lifestyle improvement at baseline, and with better cognition, engaged more. Conclusions Greater engagement with an eHealth lifestyle intervention was associated with greater improvement in risk factors in older adults. However, those with limited computer experience, who tended to have a lower level of education, or who had poorer cognition engaged less. Additional support or forms of intervention delivery for such individuals could help minimize potential health inequalities associated with the use of digital health interventions in older people.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Coley
- Center for Epidemiology and Research in Population health (CERPOP), University of Toulouse UPS, INSERM UMR1295, 37 allées Jules Guesde, Toulouse, FR.,Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, FR
| | - Laurine Andre
- Center for Epidemiology and Research in Population health (CERPOP), University of Toulouse UPS, INSERM UMR1295, 37 allées Jules Guesde, Toulouse, FR
| | - Marieke Hoevenaar-Blom
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, NL.,Department of Neurology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, NL.,Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, NL
| | - Tiia Ngandu
- Population Health Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, FI.,Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Care Sciences and Society (NVS), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, SE
| | - Cathrien Beishuizen
- Department of General Practice, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, NL
| | - Mariagnese Barbera
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Department of Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, FI.,Ageing Epidemiology Research Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, GB
| | - Lennard van Wanrooij
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, NL
| | - Miia Kivipelto
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Care Sciences and Society (NVS), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, SE.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Department of Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, FI.,Ageing Epidemiology Research Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, GB.,Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, FI
| | - Hilkka Soininen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Department of Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, FI.,Neurocenter, Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, FI
| | - Willem A van Gool
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, NL
| | - Carol Brayne
- Cambridge Public Health, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, GB
| | - Eric Moll van Charante
- Department of General Practice, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, NL.,Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, NL
| | - Edo Richard
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, NL.,Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, NL
| | - Sandrine Andrieu
- Center for Epidemiology and Research in Population health (CERPOP), University of Toulouse UPS, INSERM UMR1295, 37 allées Jules Guesde, Toulouse, FR.,Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, FR
| |
Collapse
|
160
|
Boucher EM, Ward HE, Mounts AC, Parks AC. Engagement in Digital Mental Health Interventions: Can Monetary Incentives Help? Front Psychol 2021; 12:746324. [PMID: 34867629 PMCID: PMC8638360 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.746324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Digital mental health interventions (DMHI) are scalable and cost-effective strategies for increasing access to mental health care; however, dropout rates associated with digital interventions are high, particularly for open-access digital interventions. While some studies have focused on predictors of dropout from digital mental health programs, few studies have focused on engagement features that might improve engagement. In this perspective article, we discuss whether monetary incentives (MI) are one avenue to increasing user engagement in DMHI. We begin by reviewing the literature on the effects of MI for behavior change in health domains (e.g., dietary behaviors, substance use, and medication adherence). Then, drawing on a pilot study we conducted to test the effects of different levels of MI on usage and improvement in subjective well-being among users of a DMHI (Happify), we discuss the potential applications of MI for DMHI, the potential drawbacks of financial incentives in this context, and open questions for future research.
Collapse
|
161
|
Newton AS, March S, Gehring ND, Rowe AK, Radomski AD. Establishing a Working Definition of User Experience for eHealth Interventions of Self-reported User Experience Measures With eHealth Researchers and Adolescents: Scoping Review. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e25012. [PMID: 34860671 PMCID: PMC8686463 DOI: 10.2196/25012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Across eHealth intervention studies involving children, adolescents, and their parents, researchers have measured user experience to assist with intervention development, refinement, and evaluation. To date, no widely accepted definitions or measures of user experience exist to support a standardized approach for evaluation and comparison within or across interventions. OBJECTIVE We conduct a scoping review with subsequent Delphi consultation to identify how user experience is defined and measured in eHealth research studies, characterize the measurement tools used, and establish working definitions for domains of user experience that could be used in future eHealth evaluations. METHODS We systematically searched electronic databases for published and gray literature available from January 1, 2005, to April 11, 2019. We included studies assessing an eHealth intervention that targeted any health condition and was designed for use by children, adolescents, and their parents. eHealth interventions needed to be web-, computer-, or mobile-based, mediated by the internet with some degree of interactivity. We required studies to report the measurement of user experience as first-person experiences, involving cognitive and behavioral factors reported by intervention users. We appraised the quality of user experience measures in included studies using published criteria: well-established, approaching well-established, promising, or not yet established. We conducted a descriptive analysis of how user experience was defined and measured in each study. Review findings subsequently informed the survey questions used in the Delphi consultations with eHealth researchers and adolescent users for how user experience should be defined and measured. RESULTS Of the 8634 articles screened for eligibility, 129 articles and 1 erratum were included in the review. A total of 30 eHealth researchers and 27 adolescents participated in the Delphi consultations. On the basis of the literature and consultations, we proposed working definitions for 6 main user experience domains: acceptability, satisfaction, credibility, usability, user-reported adherence, and perceived impact. Although most studies incorporated a study-specific measure, we identified 10 well-established measures to quantify 5 of the 6 domains of user experience (all except for self-reported adherence). Our adolescent and researcher participants ranked perceived impact as one of the most important domains of user experience and usability as one of the least important domains. Rankings between adolescents and researchers diverged for other domains. CONCLUSIONS Findings highlight the various ways in which user experience has been defined and measured across studies and what aspects are most valued by researchers and adolescent users. We propose incorporating the working definitions and available measures of user experience to support consistent evaluation and reporting of outcomes across studies. Future studies can refine the definitions and measurement of user experience, explore how user experience relates to other eHealth outcomes, and inform the design and use of human-centered eHealth interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda S Newton
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Sonja March
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield Central, Australia
| | - Nicole D Gehring
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Arlen K Rowe
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield Central, Australia
| | - Ashley D Radomski
- Knowledge Institute for Child and Youth Mental Health and Addictions, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,CHEO (Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario) Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
162
|
Steele Gray C, Chau E, Tahsin F, Harvey S, Loganathan M, McKinstry B, Mercer SW, Nie JX, Palen TE, Ramsay T, Thavorn K, Upshur R, Wodchis WP. Assessing the Implementation and Effectiveness of the Electronic Patient-Reported Outcome Tool for Older Adults With Complex Care Needs: Mixed Methods Study. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e29071. [PMID: 34860675 PMCID: PMC8726765 DOI: 10.2196/29071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Goal-oriented care is being adopted to deliver person-centered primary care to older adults with multimorbidity and complex care needs. Although this model holds promise, its implementation remains a challenge. Digital health solutions may enable processes to improve adoption; however, they require evaluation to determine feasibility and impact. Objective This study aims to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of the electronic Patient-Reported Outcome (ePRO) mobile app and portal system, designed to enable goal-oriented care delivery in interprofessional primary care practices. The research questions driving this study are as follows: Does ePRO improve quality of life and self-management in older adults with complex needs? What mechanisms are likely driving observed outcomes? Methods A multimethod, pragmatic randomized controlled trial using a stepped-wedge design and ethnographic case studies was conducted over a 15-month period in 6 comprehensive primary care practices across Ontario with a target enrollment of 176 patients. The 6 practices were randomized into either early (3-month control period; 12-month intervention) or late (6-month control period; 9-month intervention) groups. The primary outcome measure of interest was the Assessment of Quality of Life-4D (AQoL-4D). Data were collected at baseline and at 3 monthly intervals for the duration of the trial. Ethnographic data included observations and interviews with patients and providers at the midpoint and end of the intervention. Outcome data were analyzed using linear models conducted at the individual level, accounting for cluster effects at the practice level, and ethnographic data were analyzed using qualitative description and framework analysis methods. Results Recruitment challenges resulted in fewer sites and participants than expected; of the 176 target, only 142 (80.6%) patients were identified as eligible to participate because of lower-than-expected provider participation and fewer-than-expected patients willing to participate or perceived as ready to engage in goal-setting. Of the 142 patients approached, 45 (32%) participated. Patients set a variety of goals related to self-management, mental health, social health, and overall well-being. Owing to underpowering, the impact of ePRO on quality of life could not be definitively assessed; however, the intervention group, ePRO plus usual care (mean 15.28, SD 18.60) demonstrated a nonsignificant decrease in quality of life (t24=−1.20; P=.24) when compared with usual care only (mean 21.76, SD 2.17). The ethnographic data reveal a complex implementation process in which the meaningfulness (or coherence) of the technology to individuals’ lives and work acted as a key driver of adoption and tool appraisal. Conclusions This trial experienced many unexpected and significant implementation challenges related to recruitment and engagement. Future studies could be improved through better alignment of the research methods and intervention to the complex and diverse clinical settings, dynamic goal-oriented care process, and readiness of provider and patient participants. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02917954; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02917954
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Steele Gray
- Bridgepoint Collaboratory for Research and Innovation, Lunenfeld-Tanenebaum Research Institute, Sinai Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Edward Chau
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Farah Tahsin
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah Harvey
- Logibec Inc (QoC Health Inc), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mayura Loganathan
- Ray D Wolfe Department of Family Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Brian McKinstry
- Usher Institute, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Stewart W Mercer
- Usher Institute, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jason Xin Nie
- Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Ted E Palen
- Institute for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Tim Ramsay
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Kednapa Thavorn
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Ross Upshur
- Bridgepoint Collaboratory for Research and Innovation, Lunenfeld-Tanenebaum Research Institute, Sinai Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Walter P Wodchis
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
163
|
Swartz HA, Rollman BL, Mohr DC, Sadow S, Frank E. A randomized pilot study of Rhythms And You (RAY): An internet-based program for bipolar disorder administered with and without clinical helper support in primary care. J Affect Disord 2021; 295:183-191. [PMID: 34469857 PMCID: PMC8551063 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rhythms And You (RAY) is an online intervention for bipolar disorders (BD) based on Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy. We examined RAY's feasibility and acceptability for individuals with BD recruited from primary care. Because online interventions may be more effective when paired with human support, we evaluated RAY with and without weekly brief (∼5 min) calls from clinical helpers (CH). METHODS Participants (n = 47) meeting criteria for BD I, II or other specified BD, presenting for primary care, were randomly assigned to RAY, RAY-CH, or Adjunctive Reading Material (ARM) control. RAY consisted of 12 weekly online modules. ARM consisted of 12 weekly emails. Participants were assessed at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. RESULTS RAY showed high completion rates and Client Satisfaction Questionnaire scores (36/47, 77% and 25.1 ± 5.5, respectively; no group differences). Effect sizes for RAY- CH ranged from small [Internal State Scale-Activation Subscale (ISS-ACT); d = 0.3] to large [SF-12 Mental Health Composite Score (SF-12 MHC); d = 1.3]. ARM also showed moderate effects (ISS-ACT d = 0.7; Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms, d = 0.8). SF-12 MHC scores showed a time*group interaction (F = 2.38, df = 6,32, p = 0.05) favoring RAY-CH. Number of logins trended toward significant association with improved social rhythm regularity (F = 4.09, df = 1, 17, p = 0.06). LIMITATIONS Sample size is small, limiting conclusions that can be drawn. CONCLUSIONS Remote delivery of RAY for individuals with BD is feasible and acceptable. More time spent engaged in RAY was associated with greater improvement in social rhythm regularity. Preliminary evidence suggests adding brief human support to RAY may yield better outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Holly A Swartz
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.
| | - Bruce L Rollman
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Center for Behavioral Health, Media, and Technology, Department of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - David C Mohr
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Center for Behavioral Intervention Technologies, Department of Preventive Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Samuel Sadow
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Statistics, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; now located at AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD
| | - Ellen Frank
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
164
|
Lin Y, Mâsse LC. A look at engagement profiles and behavior change: A profile analysis examining engagement with the Aim2Be lifestyle behavior modification app for teens and their families. Prev Med Rep 2021; 24:101565. [PMID: 34976631 PMCID: PMC8683902 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2021.101565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mobile-Health is increasingly used to deliver lifestyle modification interventions; however, little is known about how users engage with these apps. This study aims to profile how teens engage with Aim2Be- a lifestyles behavior modification app), characterize engagement profiles, and examine which engagement profiles support changes in behaviors (diet, physical activity, screen time and sleep) and changes in the mediators targeted by the app. Data were collected from 301 teens (14.8 years, 49% boys, 68% Caucasian) living in Canada, from March to October 2018, who utilized the Aim2Be app for 4.5 months. App-analytics tracked teen engagement with the app features (selecting aims, completing tasks and quick wins, using the knowledge center and social wall, and accessing the virtual coach). Factor mixture modeling identified the following engagement profiles: Uninvolved (32%) did not use most app features; Dabblers (25%) minimally used the app features; Engaged (24%) had moderate-to-high use of app features; and Keeners (19%) had the highest use of all app features. Regression models showed that teens were more engaged with Aim2Be if their parents were involved and if they participated with their mothers and/or an educated parent. Finally, Keeners significantly improved on most mediators of behavior change and increased their fruit and vegetable intake. The findings suggest that parental engagement supported teen engagement of the Aim2Be app and high engagement was needed to support behavior change among teens. Gaining a greater understanding of the features that appeal to teens is necessary to support behavior change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingyi Lin
- Spatial Sciences Institute, Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, 3616 Trousdale Parkway, AHF B57A Los Angeles, CA 90089-0374, United States
| | - Louise C. Mâsse
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
165
|
Gan DZQ, McGillivray L, Han J, Christensen H, Torok M. Effect of Engagement With Digital Interventions on Mental Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Digit Health 2021; 3:764079. [PMID: 34806079 PMCID: PMC8599127 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2021.764079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) present a promising way to address gaps in mental health service provision. However, the relationship between user engagement and outcomes in the context of these interventions has not been established. This study addressed the current state of evidence on the relationship between engagement with DMHIs and mental health outcomes. MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and EmBASE databases were searched from inception to August 1, 2021. Original or secondary analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included if they examined the relationship between DMHI engagement and post-intervention outcome(s). Thirty-five studies were eligible for inclusion in the narrative review and 25 studies had sufficient data for meta-analysis. Random-effects meta-analyses indicated that greater engagement was significantly associated with post-intervention mental health improvements, regardless of whether this relationship was explored using correlational [r = 0.24, 95% CI (0.17, 0.32), Z = 6.29, p < 0.001] or between-groups designs [Hedges' g = 0.40, 95% CI (0.097, 0.705), p = 0.010]. This association was also consistent regardless of intervention type (unguided/guided), diagnostic status, or mental health condition targeted. This is the first review providing empirical evidence that engagement with DMHIs is associated with therapeutic gains. Implications and future directions are discussed. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO, identifier: CRD 42020184706.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Z Q Gan
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lauren McGillivray
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jin Han
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Helen Christensen
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michelle Torok
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
166
|
Ould Brahim L, Lambert SD, Feeley N, Coumoundouros C, Schaffler J, McCusker J, Moodie EEM, Kayser J, Kolne K, Belzile E, Genest C. The effects of self-management interventions on depressive symptoms in adults with chronic physical disease(s) experiencing depressive symptomatology: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:584. [PMID: 34800995 PMCID: PMC8605588 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03504-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. It is estimated that 20% of adults with chronic physical diseases experience concomitant depression, increasing their risk of morbidity and mortality. Low intensity psychosocial interventions, such as self-management, are part of recommended treatment; however, no systematic review has evaluated the effects of depression self-management interventions for this population. The primary objective was to examine the effect of self-management interventions on reducing depressive symptomatology in adults with chronic disease(s) and co-occurring depressive symptoms. Secondary objectives were to evaluate the effect of these interventions on improving other psychosocial and physiological outcomes (e.g., anxiety, glycemic control) and to assess potential differential effect based on key participant and intervention characteristics (e.g., chronic disease, provider). METHODS Studies comparing depression self-management interventions to a control group were identified through a) systematic searches of databases to June 2018 [MEDLINE (1946 -), EMBASE (1996 -), PsycINFO (1967 -), CINAHL (1984 -)] and b) secondary 'snowball' search strategies. The methodological quality of included studies was critically reviewed. Screening of all titles, abstracts, and full texts for eligibility was assessed independently by two authors. Data were extracted by one author and verified by a second. RESULTS Fifteen studies were retained: 12 for meta-analysis and three for descriptive review. In total, these trials included 2064 participants and most commonly evaluated interventions for people with cancer (n = 7) or diabetes (n = 4). From baseline to < 6-months (T1), the pooled mean effect size was - 0.47 [95% CI -0.73, - 0.21] as compared to control groups for the primary outcome of depression and - 0.53 [95% CI -0.91, - 0.15] at ≥ 6-months (T2). Results were also significant for anxiety (T1) and glycemic control (T2). Self-management skills of decision-making and taking action were significant moderators of depression at T1. CONCLUSION Self-management interventions show promise in improving depression and anxiety in those with concomitant chronic physical disease. The findings may contribute to the development of future Self-management interventions and delivering evidence-based care to this population. Further high-quality RCTs are needed to identify sources of heterogeneity and investigate key intervention components.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sylvie D. Lambert
- grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Ingram School of Nursing, McGill University, Montreal, Canada ,St. Mary’s Research Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Nancy Feeley
- grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Ingram School of Nursing, McGill University, Montreal, Canada ,Centre for Nursing Research, Montreal, Canada
| | - Chelsea Coumoundouros
- grid.8993.b0000 0004 1936 9457Healthcare Sciences and e-Health, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Jane McCusker
- St. Mary’s Research Centre, Montreal, Canada ,grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Erica E. M. Moodie
- grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - John Kayser
- grid.459278.50000 0004 4910 4652CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréa, Montreal, Canada
| | - Kendall Kolne
- Trillium Lakelands District School Board, Lindsay, Canada
| | | | - Christine Genest
- grid.14848.310000 0001 2292 3357Faculty of Nursing Sciences, Université de Montreal, Montreal, Quebec Canada
| |
Collapse
|
167
|
Lewkowicz D, Slosarek T, Wernicke S, Winne A, Wohlbrandt AM, Bottinger E. Digital Therapeutic Care and Decision Support Interventions for People With Low Back Pain: Systematic Review. JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol 2021; 8:e26612. [PMID: 34807837 PMCID: PMC8663573 DOI: 10.2196/26612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Low back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of worldwide years lost because of disability, with a tremendous economic burden for health care systems. Digital therapeutic care (DTC) programs provide a scalable, universally accessible, and low-cost approach to the multidisciplinary treatment of LBP. Moreover, novel decision support interventions such as personalized feedback messages, push notifications, and data-driven activity recommendations amplify DTC by guiding the user through the program while aiming to increase overall engagement and sustainable behavior change. Objective This systematic review aims to synthesize recent scientific literature on the impact of DTC apps for people with LBP and outline the implementation of add-on decision support interventions, including their effect on user retention and attrition rates. Methods We searched bibliographic databases, including MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database, from March 1, 2016, to October 15, 2020, in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines and conducted this review based on related previously published systematic reviews. Besides randomized controlled trials (RCTs), we also included study designs with the evidence level of at least a retrospective comparative study. This enables the consideration of real-world user-generated data and provides information regarding the adoption and effectiveness of DTC apps in a real-life setting. For the appraisal of the risk of bias, we used the Risk of Bias 2 Tool and the Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions Tool for the RCTs and nonrandomized trials, respectively. The included studies were narratively synthesized regarding primary and secondary outcome measures, DTC components, applied decision support interventions, user retention, and attrition rates. Results We retrieved 1388 citations, of which 12 studies are included in this review. Of the 12 studies, 6 (50%) were RCTs and 6 (50%) were nonrandomized trials. In all included studies, lower pain levels and increased functionality compared with baseline values were observed in the DTC intervention group. A between-group comparison revealed significant improvements in pain and functionality levels in 67% (4/6) of the RCTs. The study population was mostly homogeneous, with predominantly female, young to middle-aged participants of normal to moderate weight. The methodological quality assessment revealed moderate to high risks of biases, especially in the nonrandomized trials. Conclusions This systematic review demonstrates the benefits of DTC for people with LBP. There is also evidence that decision support interventions benefit overall engagement with the app and increase participants’ ability to self-manage their recovery process. Finally, including retrospective evaluation studies of real-world user-generated data in future systematic reviews of digital health intervention trials can reveal new insights into the benefits, challenges, and real-life adoption of DTC programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Lewkowicz
- Digital Health Center, Hasso Plattner Institute, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Tamara Slosarek
- Digital Health Center, Hasso Plattner Institute, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Sarah Wernicke
- Digital Health Center, Hasso Plattner Institute, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Antonia Winne
- Digital Health Center, Hasso Plattner Institute, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Attila M Wohlbrandt
- Digital Health Center, Hasso Plattner Institute, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Erwin Bottinger
- Digital Health Center, Hasso Plattner Institute, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany.,Hasso Plattner Institute for Digital Health at Mount Sinai, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
168
|
Klimis H, Nothman J, Lu D, Sun C, Cheung NW, Redfern J, Thiagalingam A, Chow CK. Text Message Analysis Using Machine Learning to Assess Predictors of Engagement With Mobile Health Chronic Disease Prevention Programs: Content Analysis. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2021; 9:e27779. [PMID: 34757324 PMCID: PMC8663456 DOI: 10.2196/27779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND SMS text messages as a form of mobile health are increasingly being used to support individuals with chronic diseases in novel ways that leverage the mobility and capabilities of mobile phones. However, there are knowledge gaps in mobile health, including how to maximize engagement. OBJECTIVE This study aims to categorize program SMS text messages and participant replies using machine learning (ML) and to examine whether message characteristics are associated with premature program stopping and engagement. METHODS We assessed communication logs from SMS text message-based chronic disease prevention studies that encouraged 1-way (SupportMe/ITM) and 2-way (TEXTMEDS [Text Messages to Improve Medication Adherence and Secondary Prevention]) communication. Outgoing messages were manually categorized into 5 message intents (informative, instructional, motivational, supportive, and notification) and replies into 7 groups (stop, thanks, questions, reporting healthy, reporting struggle, general comment, and other). Grid search with 10-fold cross-validation was implemented to identify the best-performing ML models and evaluated using nested cross-validation. Regression models with interaction terms were used to compare the association of message intent with premature program stopping and engagement (replied at least 3 times and did not prematurely stop) in SupportMe/ITM and TEXTMEDS. RESULTS We analyzed 1550 messages and 4071 participant replies. Approximately 5.49% (145/2642) of participants responded with stop, and 11.7% (309/2642) of participants were engaged. Our optimal ML model correctly classified program message intent with 76.6% (95% CI 63.5%-89.8%) and replies with 77.8% (95% CI 74.1%-81.4%) balanced accuracy (average area under the curve was 0.95 and 0.96, respectively). Overall, supportive (odds ratio [OR] 0.53, 95% CI 0.35-0.81) messages were associated with reduced chance of stopping, as were informative messages in SupportMe/ITM (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.20-0.60) but not in TEXTMEDS (for interaction, P<.001). Notification messages were associated with a higher chance of stopping in SupportMe/ITM (OR 5.76, 95% CI 3.66-9.06) but not TEXTMEDS (for interaction, P=.01). Overall, informative (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.46-2.12) and instructional (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.21-1.80) messages were associated with higher engagement but not motivational messages (OR 1.18, 95% CI 0.82-1.70; P=.37). For supportive messages, the association with engagement was opposite with SupportMe/ITM (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.21-2.58) compared with TEXTMEDS (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.60-0.98; for interaction, P<.001). Notification messages were associated with reduced engagement in SupportMe/ITM (OR 0.07, 95% CI 0.05-0.10) and TEXTMEDS (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.20-0.39); however, the strength of the association was greater in SupportMe/ITM (for interaction P<.001). CONCLUSIONS ML models enable monitoring and detailed characterization of program messages and participant replies. Outgoing message intent may influence premature program stopping and engagement, although the strength and direction of association appear to vary by program type. Future studies will need to examine whether modifying message characteristics can optimize engagement and whether this leads to behavior change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harry Klimis
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Westmead Applied Research Centre, The University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia.,Department of Cardiology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Australia
| | - Joel Nothman
- Sydney Informatics Hub, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Di Lu
- Sydney Informatics Hub, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Chao Sun
- Sydney Informatics Hub, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - N Wah Cheung
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Westmead Applied Research Centre, The University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia.,Department of Endocrinology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Australia.,Western Sydney Integrated Care Program, Sydney, Australia
| | - Julie Redfern
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Westmead Applied Research Centre, The University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Aravinda Thiagalingam
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Westmead Applied Research Centre, The University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia.,Department of Cardiology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Australia
| | - Clara K Chow
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Westmead Applied Research Centre, The University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia.,Department of Cardiology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
169
|
Lopes RC, Šipka D, Krieger T, Klein JP, Berger T. Optimizing cognitive-behavioral therapy for social anxiety disorder and understanding the mechanisms of change: Study protocol for a randomized factorial trial. Internet Interv 2021; 26:100480. [PMID: 34824982 PMCID: PMC8605076 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2021.100480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is characterized by a marked fear of negative evaluation in social situations and significant impairments. Even with the most effective treatments, remission rates are around 50%. An important reason for the limited effectiveness of treatments is the lack of evidence-based explanation of how treatments work and what their active ingredients might be. An approach to unpack the active ingredients and mechanisms of treatment is the factorial design. OBJECTIVES The study is a factorial trial aiming (1) to examine the main effects and interactions for the four main treatment components of internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (ICBT) for SAD (i.e., psychoeducation, cognitive restructuring, attentional training, and exposure) and (2) to examine whether and which change mechanisms mediate the relationship between treatment components and symptom reduction. METHODS A total of 464 adults diagnosed with SAD will be randomized to one of 16 conditions containing combinations of the treatment components. The primary endpoint is SAD symptomatology at eight weeks. Secondary endpoints include symptoms of depression and anxiety, quality of life, and negative effects. Hypothesized change mechanisms are the increase of knowledge about SAD, the decrease of dysfunctional cognitions, the decrease of self-focused attention, and the decrease of avoidance and safety behaviors. DISCUSSION A better understanding of the differential efficacy of treatment components and mechanisms of treatment underlying ICBT for SAD might inform clinicians and researchers to plan more potent and scalable treatments. TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04879641) on June, 11th 2021. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04879641.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo C.T. Lopes
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Fabrikstrasse, 8, 3012 Bern, Switzerland,Corresponding author at: Universität Bern, Institut für Psychologie, Klinische Psychologie und Psychotherapie, Fabrikstrasse 8, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Dajana Šipka
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Fabrikstrasse, 8, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Krieger
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Fabrikstrasse, 8, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jan Philipp Klein
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Luebeck University, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Thomas Berger
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Fabrikstrasse, 8, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
170
|
Eisenstadt M, Liverpool S, Infanti E, Ciuvat RM, Carlsson C. Mobile Apps That Promote Emotion Regulation, Positive Mental Health, and Well-being in the General Population: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JMIR Ment Health 2021; 8:e31170. [PMID: 34747713 PMCID: PMC8663676 DOI: 10.2196/31170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among the general public, there appears to be a growing need and interest in receiving digital mental health and well-being support. In response to this, mental health apps (MHapps) are becoming available for monitoring, managing, and promoting positive mental health and well-being. Thus far, evidence supports favorable outcomes when users engage with MHapps, yet there is a relative paucity of reviews on apps that support positive mental health and well-being. OBJECTIVE We aimed to systematically review the available research on MHapps that promote emotion regulation, positive mental health, and well-being in the general population aged 18-45 years. More specifically, the review aimed at providing a systematic description of the theoretical background and features of MHapps while evaluating any potential effectiveness. METHODS A comprehensive literature search of key databases, including MEDLINE (via Ovid), EMBASE (via Ovid), PsycINFO (via Ovid), Web of Science, and the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), was performed until January 2021. Studies were included if they described standalone mental health and well-being apps for adults without a formal mental health diagnosis. The quality of all studies was assessed against the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. In addition, the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool (RoB-2) was used to assess randomized control trials (RCTs). Data were extracted using a modified extraction form from the Cochrane Handbook of Systematic Reviews. A narrative synthesis and meta-analysis were then undertaken to address the review aims. RESULTS In total, 3156 abstracts were identified. Of these, 52 publications describing 48 MHapps met the inclusion criteria. Together, the studies evaluated interventions across 15 countries. Thirty-nine RCTs were identified suggesting some support for the role of individual MHapps in improving and promoting mental health and well-being. Regarding the pooled effect, MHapps, when compared to controls, showed a small effect for reducing mental health symptoms (k=19, Hedges g=-0.24, 95% CI -0.34 to -0.14; P<.001) and improving well-being (k=13, g=0.17, 95% CI 0.05-0.29, P=.004), and a medium effect for emotion regulation (k=6, g=0.49, 95% CI 0.23-0.74, P<.001). There is also a wide knowledge base of creative and innovative ways to engage users in techniques such as mood monitoring and guided exercises. Studies were generally assessed to contribute unclear or a high risk of bias, or to be of medium to low methodological quality. CONCLUSIONS The emerging evidence for MHapps that promote positive mental health and well-being suggests promising outcomes. Despite a wide range of MHapps, few apps specifically promote emotion regulation. However, our findings may position emotion regulation as an important mechanism for inclusion in future MHapps. A fair proportion of the included studies were pilot or feasibility trials (k=17, 33%), and full-scale RCTs reported high attrition rates and nondiverse samples. Given the number and pace at which MHapps are being released, further robust research is warranted to inform the development and testing of evidence-based programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mia Eisenstadt
- Evidence Based Practice Unit, Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families and University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Paradym Ltd, Bloomsbury, London, United Kingdom
| | - Shaun Liverpool
- Evidence Based Practice Unit, Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families and University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Paradym Ltd, Bloomsbury, London, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, United Kingdom
| | - Elisa Infanti
- Paradym Ltd, Bloomsbury, London, United Kingdom
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Birkbeck, Department of Psychological Sciences, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Roberta Maria Ciuvat
- Paradym Ltd, Bloomsbury, London, United Kingdom
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | |
Collapse
|
171
|
How are guide profession and routine care setting related to adherence and symptom change in iCBT for depression? - an explorative log-data analysis. Internet Interv 2021; 26:100476. [PMID: 34804811 PMCID: PMC8590032 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2021.100476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While the antidepressant efficacy of guided digital interventions has been proven in randomized controlled trials, findings from routine care are less clear. Low adherence rates are common and limit the potential effectiveness. Adherence has been linked to sociodemographic variables and the amount of guidance, but the role of the guide's profession and their work setting has not yet been studied for routine care. METHODS Routinely collected log data from a digital intervention for depressed patients (iFightDepression tool) were analyzed in an exploratory manner. The sample is a convenience sample from routine care, where guidance is provided by general practitioners (GP), certified psychotherapists (PT) or medical doctors specialized in mental health. Log data from 2184 patients were analyzed and five usage parameters were extracted to measure adherence (first-to-last login, time on tool, number of sessions, workshops completed and minimal dose). Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze relations between the guide's profession and clinical context as well as other covariates and adherence and symptom change on a brief depression questionnaire (PHQ-9). RESULTS The analyses showed a significant relation of guide profession and adherence. Guidance by PT was associated to the highest adherence scores (reference category). The odds ratios (ORs) of scoring above the median in each usage parameter for patients guided by GPs were 0.50-0.63 (all ps < 0.002) and 0.61-0.80 (p = .002-0.197) for MH. Higher age, initial PHQ-9 score and self-reported diagnosis of depression were also significantly associated with higher adherence scores. In a subsample providing enough data on the PHQ-9 (n = 347), no association of guide profession with symptom reduction was found. Instead, a greater reduction was observed for patients with a higher baseline PHQ-9 (β = -0. 39, t(341.75) = -8.814, p < .001) and for those who had achieved minimal dose (β = -2.42, t(340.34) = -4.174, P < .001) and those who had achieved minimal dose and scored high on time on tool (β = 0.22, t(341.75) = 1.965, P = .050). CONCLUSION Being guided by PT was associated with the highest adherence. The lowest adherence was observed in patients who were guided by GP. While no association of guide profession and symptom reduction was found in a subsample, greater adherence was associated with symptom reduction.
Collapse
|
172
|
Owusu JT, Sibelli A, Moss-Morris R, van Tilburg MAL, Levy RL, Oser M. A pilot feasibility study of an unguided, internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy program for irritable bowel syndrome. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2021; 33:e14108. [PMID: 33745228 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.14108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is linked with lower health-related quality of life. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) designed for IBS management can improve outcomes but further research of more accessible implementations of this treatment approach for IBS is needed. This study assessed the feasibility of a web-delivered CBT program among adults with IBS to apply to a future clinical trial. METHODS Twenty-five participants were randomized to receive an unguided web-based, CBT program for IBS. The primary outcome was changes in IBS symptom severity (IBS Symptom Severity Scale [IBS-SSS]). Secondary outcomes included IBS-specific CBT therapeutic mechanisms of change (GI-specific anxiety, unhelpful IBS behaviors, and GI-focused cognitions) and changes in depressive (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9]) and anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale [GAD-7]) symptom severity. KEY RESULTS Among participants randomized to receive web-based CBT, the average baseline IBS-SSS score was 296.3 (SD=100.9). IBS symptom severity significantly improved at 2-month (p < 0.001) and 3-month follow-up (p < 0.0001); the within-group effect size between baseline and 3-month follow-up IBS-SSS scores was large (d = 1.14) and 63.6% experienced a clinically meaningful improvement (ie, ≥50-point IBS-SSS score reduction). GI-specific anxiety symptoms and cognitions significantly improved at 2-month follow-up, as did unhelpful IBS safety behaviors. Additionally, clinically meaningful improvement was observed in depressive and anxiety symptoms at 3-month follow-up among participants with symptoms above the clinical threshold (ie, PHQ-9 ≥ 10 and GAD-7 ≥ 10, respectively) at baseline. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES These preliminary findings warrant a larger trial to investigate an unguided, web-based CBT for IBS symptom management that is powered to detect between-group treatment effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Miranda A L van Tilburg
- College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Campbell University, Buies Creek, NC, USA.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Rona L Levy
- School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Megan Oser
- Mahana Therapeutics, Inc, San Francisco, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
173
|
Hoffmann D, Rask CU, Hedman-Lagerlöf E, Jensen JS, Frostholm L. Efficacy of internet-delivered acceptance and commitment therapy for severe health anxiety: results from a randomized, controlled trial. Psychol Med 2021; 51:2685-2695. [PMID: 32404226 PMCID: PMC8579157 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291720001312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health anxiety is common, disabling and costly due to patients' extensive use of health care services. Internet-delivered treatment may overcome barriers of accessibility to specialized treatment. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of internet-delivered acceptance and commitment therapy (iACT). METHODS A randomized, controlled trial of iACT versus an internet-delivered discussion forum (iFORUM), performed in a Danish university hospital setting. Patients self-referred and underwent video-diagnostic assessment. Eligible patients (≥18 years) with health anxiety were randomized to 12 weeks of intervention. The randomization was blinded for the assessor. The primary outcome was between-group unadjusted mean differences in health anxiety symptoms measured by the Whiteley-7 Index (WI-7, range 0-100) from baseline to 6-month follow-up (6-MFU) using intention to treat and a linear mixed model. The study is registered at clinicaltrials.gov, number NCT02735434. RESULTS A total of 151 patients self-referred, and 101 patients were randomized to iACT (n = 53) or iFORUM (n = 48). A mean difference in change over time of 19.0 points [95% confidence interval (CI) 10.8-27.2, p < 0.001] was shown on the WI-7, and a large standardized effect size of d = 0.80 (95% CI 0.38-1.23) at 6-MFU. The number needed to treat was 2.8 (95% CI 1.8-6.1, p < 0.001), and twice as many patients in iACT were no longer clinical cases (35% v. 16%; risk ratio 2.17, 95% CI 1.00-4.70, p = 0.050). Adverse events were few and insignificant. CONCLUSIONS iACT for health anxiety led to sustained effects at 6-MFU. The study contributes to the development of easily accessible treatment options and deserves wider application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ditte Hoffmann
- The Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Noerrebrogade 44, bldg. 2C, 1, 8000Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Charlotte Ulrikka Rask
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 175, ent. K, 8200Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Blvd. 82, 8200, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Erik Hedman-Lagerlöf
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Tomtebodavägen 18A, 5, 171 77Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jens Søndergaard Jensen
- The Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Noerrebrogade 44, bldg. 2C, 1, 8000Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Lisbeth Frostholm
- The Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Noerrebrogade 44, bldg. 2C, 1, 8000Aarhus C, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
174
|
Abstract
Many telemedicine interventions fail to be implemented in medical care with non-use and discontinued use by patients being among the major reasons. The aim of this scoping review was to provide an overview of barriers associated with non-use and discontinued use of telemedicine. An electronic search was conducted in Pubmed in October 2019 and updated in November 2020, followed by a hand search in the beginning of 2021. All potential articles were screened by two independent reviewers based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A qualitative content analysis according to Mayring was carried out. The topics 'intervention', 'context of use' and 'user' were chosen as overarching themes. Out of 1377 potentially relevant articles, 73 were included. User-related barriers were mentioned in most of the analysed studies, followed by barriers related to the intervention. The analysis provides the basis for overcoming non-use issues in telemedicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter Eh Schwarz
- Technische Universität Dresden, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
175
|
Coughlin LN, Blow FC, Walton M, Ignacio RV, Walters H, Massey L, Barry KL, McCormick R. Predictors of Booster Engagement Following a Web-Based Brief Intervention for Alcohol Misuse Among National Guard Members: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Ment Health 2021; 8:e29397. [PMID: 34698652 PMCID: PMC8579213 DOI: 10.2196/29397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol misuse is a major health concern among military members. Reserve component members face unique barriers as they live off base with limited access to behavioral health services. Web and app-based brief interventions are a promising means to improve access to treatment for those who misuse alcohol, with the use of booster sessions to enhance effectiveness, solidify gains, and reinforce changes. However, little is known about who will engage in booster sessions. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate booster engagement across booster delivery modalities (Web and Peer) and identify participant-specific factors associated with booster session engagement. METHODS Following a brief web-based alcohol misuse intervention in National Guard members (N=739), we examined engagement in a series of three booster sessions. Using unadjusted and adjusted models, demographic and clinical characteristics that may serve as predictors of booster session engagement were examined across the 2 arms of the trial with different types of booster sessions: peer-delivered (N=245) and web-delivered (N=246). RESULTS Booster session completion was greater for Peer than Web Booster sessions, with 142 (58%) service members in the Peer Booster arm completing all three boosters compared with only 108 (44%) of participants in the Web Booster arm (χ23=10.3; P=.006). In a model in which the 2 groups were combined, socioeconomic factors predicted booster engagement. In separate models, the demographic and clinical predictors of booster engagement varied between the 2 delivery modalities. CONCLUSIONS The use of peer-delivered boosters, especially among subsets of reserve members at risk of lack of engagement, may foster greater uptake and improve treatment outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02181283; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02181283.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lara N Coughlin
- Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.,Injury Prevention Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Frederic C Blow
- Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.,VA Center for Clinical Management Research, Department of Veteran Affairs Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Maureen Walton
- Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.,Injury Prevention Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Rosalinda V Ignacio
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Heather Walters
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research, Department of Veteran Affairs Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Lynn Massey
- Injury Prevention Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Kristen L Barry
- Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Richard McCormick
- Center for Healthcare Research and Policy, MetroHealth/Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| |
Collapse
|
176
|
King EL, Spencer CM, Meeks CA. How the COVID-19 Pandemic Can and Must Expand Social Worker e-Interventions for Mental Health, Family Wellness, and Beyond. SOCIAL WORK 2021; 67:swab043. [PMID: 34694398 PMCID: PMC8574323 DOI: 10.1093/sw/swab043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Both media and academic reports have highlighted COVID-19's negative impacts on mental health and safety in the United States, yet care and service gaps persist. Evidence suggests that a default to in-person service delivery did not meet clients' needs before the pandemic, and that unmet needs have ballooned since COVID-19 spread throughout the United States due to a combination of increased stress, social isolation, and fewer available services during lockdowns. This article reviews literature on online interventions' utility and effectiveness in preventing and treating problems likely exacerbated under pandemic conditions, including mental health conditions, anger, couple dynamics, parenting, and alcohol misuse. The article also describes barriers to evidence-based e-interventions' wider and more consistent use, highlights some vulnerable populations' unique service needs, outlines service gaps that online programs might effectively mitigate, and offers a path by which social workers can lead an interdisciplinary charge in researching, developing, and implementing e-interventions during the current pandemic and beyond.
Collapse
|
177
|
Schønning A, Nordgreen T. Predicting Treatment Outcomes in Guided Internet-Delivered Therapy for Anxiety Disorders-The Role of Treatment Self-Efficacy. Front Psychol 2021; 12:712421. [PMID: 34744872 PMCID: PMC8566333 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.712421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Guided Internet-delivered therapy has shown to be an effective treatment format for anxiety disorders. However, not all patients experience improvement, and although predictors of treatment outcome have been identified, few are consistent over time and across studies. The current study aimed to examine whether treatment self-efficacy (self-efficacy regarding the mastery of obstacles during treatment) in guided Internet-delivered therapy for anxiety disorders in adults could be a predictor of lower dropout rates and greater symptom reduction. Method: The analyzed data comes from an open effectiveness study including 575 patients receiving guided Internet-delivered therapy for panic disorder or social anxiety disorder. Treatment self-efficacy was measured at pre-treatment. Symptom reduction was measured at 10 measurement points, including a 6-month follow-up. A mixed linear model was applied in the analysis. Results: The results showed that high treatment self-efficacy was a predictor of both lower dropout rates and greater symptom reduction. Significant interaction effects between time and treatment self-efficacy were found for several of the nine modules that constitutes the treatment program, suggesting that treatment self-efficacy could be a moderator of symptom reduction. Three of nine modules in the panic disorder treatment and six of nine in the social anxiety disorder treatment showed significant interaction effects. Conclusion: The results suggest that measuring treatment self-efficacy may be a valuable tool to identify patients at risk of dropping out, and that treatment self-efficacy could be a predictor and moderator of symptom reduction in guided Internet-delivered therapy. The implications of the results are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Tine Nordgreen
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
178
|
Rodriguez M, Eisenlohr-Moul TA, Weisman J, Rosenthal MZ. The Use of Task Shifting to Improve Treatment Engagement in an Internet-Based Mindfulness Intervention Among Chinese University Students: Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Form Res 2021; 5:e25772. [PMID: 34643532 PMCID: PMC8552103 DOI: 10.2196/25772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traditional in-person psychotherapies are incapable of addressing global mental health needs. Use of computer-based interventions is one promising solution for closing the gap between the amount of global mental health treatment needed and received. OBJECTIVE Although many meta-analyses have provided evidence supporting the efficacy of self-guided, computer-based interventions, most report low rates of treatment engagement (eg, high attrition and low adherence). The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of an adjunctive treatment component that uses task shifting, wherein mental health care is provided by nonspecialist peer counselors to enhance engagement in an internet-based, self-directed, evidence-based mindfulness intervention among Chinese university students. METHODS From 3 universities across China, 54 students who reported at least mild stress, anxiety, or depression were randomly assigned to a 4-week internet-based mindfulness intervention (MIND) or to the intervention plus peer counselor support (MIND+), respectively. Be Mindful delivers all the elements of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in an internet-based, 4-week course. Participants completed daily monitoring of mindfulness practice and mood, as well as baseline and posttreatment self-reported levels of depression, anxiety, stress, and trait mindfulness. We screened 56 volunteer peer counselor candidates who had no former training in the delivery of mental health services. Of these, 10 were invited to participate in a day-long training, and 4 were selected. Peer counselors were instructed to provide 6 brief (15-20 minute) sessions each week, to help encouraging participants to complete the internet-based intervention. Peer counselors received weekly web-based group supervision. RESULTS For both conditions, participation in the internet-based intervention was associated with significant improvements in mindfulness and mental health outcomes. The pre-post effect sizes (Cohen d) for mindfulness, depression, anxiety, and stress were 0.55, 0.95, 0.89, and 1.13, respectively. Participants assigned to the MIND+ (vs MIND) condition demonstrated significantly less attrition and more adherence, as indicated by a greater likelihood of completing posttreatment assessments (16/27, 59% vs 7/27, 26%; χ21=6.1; P=.01) and a higher percentage of course completion (72.6/100, 72.6% vs 50.7/100, 50.7%; t52=2.10; P=.04), respectively. No significant between-group differences in daily frequency and duration of mindfulness practice were observed. Multilevel logistic growth models showed that MIND+ participants reported significantly greater pre-post improvements in daily stress ratings (interaction estimate 0.39, SE 0.18; t317=2.29; P=.02) and depression (interaction estimate 0.38, SE 0.16; t330=2.37; P=.02) than those in the MIND condition. CONCLUSIONS This study provides new insights into effective ways of leveraging technology and task shifting to implement large-scale mental health initiatives that are financially feasible, easily transportable, and quickly scalable in low-resource settings. The findings suggest that volunteer peer counselors receiving low-cost, low-intensity training and supervision may significantly improve participants' indices of treatment engagement and mental health outcomes in an internet-based mindfulness intervention among Chinese university students.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Rodriguez
- Department of Psychology, Pitzer College, Claremont, CA, United States.,Boston Child Study Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Tory A Eisenlohr-Moul
- Neuropsychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Jared Weisman
- Pitzer College, Claremont, CA, United States.,MCR Labs, LLC, Framingham, MA, United States
| | - M Zachary Rosenthal
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
179
|
Gasslander N, Alfonsson S, Jackalin A, Tengberg C, Håkansson J, Huotari L, Buhrman M. Predictors of adherence to an internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy program for individuals with chronic pain and comorbid psychological distress. BMC Psychol 2021; 9:156. [PMID: 34641946 PMCID: PMC8507117 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-021-00663-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The burden caused by chronic pain is significant, affecting at least 10 percent of the world´s population. While internet-based treatments based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) have been shown to be promising in this area, attrition levels vary significantly. The purpose of this study was to investigate predictor variables for participants' adherence to an internet-based CBT treatment for individuals with chronic pain as well as to investigate associations between adherence and treatment outcome. METHODS Data for this study was retrieved from a randomized controlled trial including 95 individuals with chronic pain who received internet-based CBT. Treatment adherence was studied through three outcome variables: treatment progress, treatment completion and exercise completion. The predictor variables were grouped into four clusters: background variables (age, gender, marital status, level of education, and typical computer usage); the second cluster included health status variables (sick leave, current psychiatric diagnosis, previous psychotherapy for pain, current pharmacological treatment, previous depression, current depression, and current depressive symptoms); the third cluster included pain-related variables (opioid medication, history of pain, and pain symptoms) and the fourth cluster included motivation variables (measured with treatment preference, treatment credibility, compliance to the treatment schedule and contact with the therapists). RESULTS Findings showed that treatment progress was predicted by higher treatment credibility at baseline, whereas participants who were behind schedule in the second week of the program finished fewer treatment modules. When analyzing each cluster of predictor variables separately, current depressive symptoms also predicted fewer completed treatment modules. Among the pain-related variables, higher pain acceptance was the only predictor for completing more treatment modules. Treatment completion (which in this study was defined as having completed at least 75% of treatment modules) was predicted by higher treatment credibility and fewer depressive symptoms at baseline, and was thus similar to the results regarding treatment progress. Finally, all adherence variables predicted the treatment outcome pain interference. CONCLUSIONS Low treatment credibility, depressive symptoms and falling behind the treatment schedule early on were the most important predictor variables for low treatment adherence, while a number of demographical and pain-related variables were not related to adherence. The results from this study may help clinicians identify patients who are less likely to complete, and thus benefit from, their pain treatment. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NTC03316846.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nils Gasslander
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, P.O. Box 1225, 751 42, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Sven Alfonsson
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute & Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Amanda Jackalin
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, P.O. Box 1225, 751 42, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Tengberg
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, P.O. Box 1225, 751 42, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Johanna Håkansson
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, P.O. Box 1225, 751 42, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Linda Huotari
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, P.O. Box 1225, 751 42, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Monica Buhrman
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, P.O. Box 1225, 751 42, Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
180
|
van de Graaf D, Trompetter H, Smeets T, Mols F. Online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) interventions for chronic pain: A systematic literature review. Internet Interv 2021; 26:100465. [PMID: 34660209 PMCID: PMC8502909 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2021.100465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We systematically reviewed all literature concerning online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) interventions for chronic pain to evaluate their (1) ACT content, (2) design characteristics, (3) design rationales, and (4) adherence. MATERIAL AND METHODS A systematic search was performed on July 9th, 2020 in; PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Web of Science. Search terms related to: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, chronic pain, and eHealth. Extracted data concerned ACT content, design characteristics, adherence, and design rationales. RESULTS 20 articles, in which 14 interventions were described, met all inclusion criteria. Adherence and design rationales were described to a limited extent in the included studies. In total, the majority provided an overview of the included ACT processes. In 10 articles it was described that the intervention was delivered via a dedicated website (n = 10), which was sometimes combined with an app (n = 3). Guidance was included in most studies (n = 19). Studies including RCT's (n = 8) reported online ACT interventions to be effective. CONCLUSION Online ACT interventions for chronic pain have been shown to be effective and have generally been constructed in line with ACT theory. However, the majority of studies does not provide information about the choices to optimize the fit between task, technology, and user. Considerations behind the choices for intervention features as well as design rationales could help to optimize future online ACT interventions. Additionally, consistent attention should be paid to measurement and operationalization of adherence, since this is a crucial link between content, design and effectiveness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D.L. van de Graaf
- CoRPS-Center of Research on Psychological Disorders and Somatic Diseases, Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands,Department of Research, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), Utrecht, the Netherlands,Corresponding author at: CoRPS, Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, PO Box 90153, 5000 LE Tilburg, the Netherlands.
| | - H.R. Trompetter
- CoRPS-Center of Research on Psychological Disorders and Somatic Diseases, Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands
| | - T. Smeets
- CoRPS-Center of Research on Psychological Disorders and Somatic Diseases, Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands
| | - F. Mols
- CoRPS-Center of Research on Psychological Disorders and Somatic Diseases, Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands,Department of Research, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), Utrecht, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
181
|
Kawakami N, Imamura K, Watanabe K, Sekiya Y, Sasaki N, Sato N. Effectiveness of an Internet-Based Machine-Guided Stress Management Program Based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Improving Depression Among Workers: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2021; 10:e30305. [PMID: 34460414 PMCID: PMC8515231 DOI: 10.2196/30305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The effect of an unguided internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) stress management program on depression may be enhanced by applying artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to guide participants adopting the program. Objective The aim of this study is to describe a research protocol to investigate the effect of a newly developed iCBT stress management program adopting AI technologies on improving depression among healthy workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This study is a two-arm, parallel, randomized controlled trial. Participants (N=1400) will be recruited, and those who meet the inclusion criteria will be randomly allocated to the intervention or control (treatment as usual) group. A 6-week, six-module, internet-based stress management program, SMART-CBT, has been developed that includes machine-guided exercises to help participants acquire CBT skills, and it applies machine learning and deep learning technologies. The intervention group will participate in the program for 10 weeks. The primary outcome, depression, will be measured using the Beck Depression Inventory II at baseline and 3- and 6-month follow-ups. A mixed model repeated measures analysis will be used to test the intervention effect (group × time interactions) in the total sample (universal prevention) on an intention-to-treat basis. Results The study was at the stage of recruitment of participants at the time of submission. The data analysis related to the primary outcome will start in January 2022, and the results might be published in 2022 or 2023. Conclusions This is the first study to investigate the effectiveness of a fully automated machine-guided iCBT program for improving subthreshold depression among workers using a randomized controlled trial design. The study will explore the potential of a machine-guided stress management program that can be disseminated online to a large number of workers with minimal cost in the post–COVID-19 era. Trial Registration UMIN Clinical Trials Registry(UMIN-CTR) UMIN000043897; https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000050125 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/30305
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Norito Kawakami
- Department of Mental Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kotaro Imamura
- Department of Mental Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Watanabe
- Department of Public Health, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Yuki Sekiya
- Department of Mental Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Natsu Sasaki
- Department of Mental Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nana Sato
- Department of Mental Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | -
- Department of Mental Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
182
|
Chen J, Houston TK, Faro JM, Nagawa CS, Orvek EA, Blok AC, Allison JJ, Person SD, Smith BM, Sadasivam RS. Evaluating the use of a recommender system for selecting optimal messages for smoking cessation: patterns and effects of user-system engagement. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1749. [PMID: 34563161 PMCID: PMC8465689 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11803-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Motivational messaging is a frequently used digital intervention to promote positive health behavior changes, including smoking cessation. Typically, motivational messaging systems have not actively sought feedback on each message, preventing a closer examination of the user-system engagement. This study assessed the granular user-system engagement around a recommender system (a new system that actively sought user feedback on each message to improve message selection) for promoting smoking cessation and the impact of engagement on cessation outcome. Methods We prospectively followed a cohort of current smokers enrolled to use the recommender system for 6 months. The system sent participants motivational messages to support smoking cessation every 3 days and used machine learning to incorporate user feedback (i.e., user’s rating on the perceived influence of each message, collected on a 5-point Likert scale with 1 indicating strong disagreement and 5 indicating strong agreement on perceiving the influence on quitting smoking) to improve the selection of the following message. We assessed user-system engagement by various metrics, including user response rate (i.e., the percent of times a user rated the messages) and the perceived influence of messages. We compared retention rates across different levels of user-system engagement and assessed the association between engagement and the 7-day point prevalence abstinence (missing outcome = smoking) by using multiple logistic regression. Results We analyzed data from 731 participants (13% Black; 73% women). The user response rate was 0.24 (SD = 0.34) and user-perceived influence was 3.76 (SD = 0.84). The retention rate positively increased with the user response rate (trend test P < 0.001). Compared with non-response, six-month cessation increased with the levels of response rates: low response rate (odds ratio [OR] = 1.86, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07–3.23), moderate response rate (OR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.36–3.88), high response rate (OR = 2.69, 95% CI: 1.58–4.58). The association between perceived message influence and the outcome showed a similar pattern. Conclusions High user-system engagement was positively associated with both high retention rate and smoking cessation, suggesting that investigation of methods to increase engagement may be crucial to increase the impact of the recommender system for smoking cessation. Trial registration Registration Identifier: NCT03224520. Registration date: July 21, 2017. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-11803-8.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinying Chen
- Division of Health Informatics and Implementation Science, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
| | - Thomas K Houston
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Jamie M Faro
- Division of Health Informatics and Implementation Science, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Catherine S Nagawa
- Division of Health Informatics and Implementation Science, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Orvek
- Division of Health Informatics and Implementation Science, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Amanda C Blok
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Systems, Populations and Leadership, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jeroan J Allison
- Division of Health Informatics and Implementation Science, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Sharina D Person
- Division of Biostatistics and Health Services Research, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Bridget M Smith
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Spinal Cord Injury Quality Enhancement Research Initiative, Hines VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Rajani S Sadasivam
- Division of Health Informatics and Implementation Science, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| |
Collapse
|
183
|
[Adherence to digital health interventions: definitions, methods, and open questions]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2021; 64:1278-1284. [PMID: 34559252 PMCID: PMC8492574 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-021-03415-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Many digital interventions rely on the participation of their users to have a positive impact. In various areas it can be observed that the use of digital interventions is often reduced or fully discontinued by the users after a short period of time. This is seen as one of the main factors that can limit the effectiveness of digital interventions. In this context, the concept of adherence to digital interventions is becoming increasingly important. Adherence to digital interventions is roughly defined as "the degree to which the user followed the program as it was designed," which can also be paraphrased as "intended use" or "use as it is designed." However, both the theoretical-conceptual and practical discussions regarding adherence to digital interventions still receive too little attention.The aim of this narrative review article is to shed more light on the concept of adherence to digital interventions and to distinguish it from related concepts. It also discusses the methods and metrics that can be used to operationalize adherence and the predictors that positively influence adherence. Finally, needs for action to better address adherence are considered critically.
Collapse
|
184
|
Thabrew H, Stasiak K, Kumar H, Naseem T, Frampton C, Merry S. A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-, Biofeedback-, and Game-Based eHealth Intervention to Treat Anxiety in Children and Young People With Long-Term Physical Conditions (Starship Rescue): Co-design and Open Trial. JMIR Serious Games 2021; 9:e26084. [PMID: 34559053 PMCID: PMC8501411 DOI: 10.2196/26084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Approximately 10%-12% of New Zealand children and young people have long-term physical conditions (chronic illnesses) and are more likely to develop psychological problems, particularly anxiety and depression. Delayed treatment leads to worse health care and poorer long-term outcomes. Recently, eHealth interventions, especially those based on principles of cognitive behavioral therapy and biofeedback, have been shown to be moderately effective in reducing anxiety. However, these modalities have rarely been combined. Young people have expressed a preference for well-designed and technology-based support to deal with psychological issues. Objective This study aims to co-design and evaluate the acceptability and usability of a cognitive behavioral therapy and biofeedback-based, 5-module eHealth game called Starship Rescue and to provide preliminary evidence regarding its effectiveness in addressing anxiety and quality of life in young people with long-term physical conditions. Methods Starship Rescue was co-designed with 15 children and young people from a tertiary hospital in New Zealand. Following this, 24 others aged 10-17 years participated in an open trial of the game, accessing it over an 8-week period. The acceptability of the game to all participants was assessed using a brief, open-ended questionnaire. More detailed feedback was obtained from a subset of 10 participants via semistructured interviews. Usability was evaluated via device-recorded frequency and duration of access on completion of the game and the System Usability Scale. Anxiety levels were measured at baseline, completion, and 3 months after completion of the game using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale and Spence Child Anxiety Scale, and at the start of each module and on completion using an embedded Likert visual analog scale. Quality of life was measured at baseline, completion, and 3 months after completion using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory scale. Results Users gave Starship Rescue an overall rating of 5.9 out of 10 (range 3-10) and a mean score of 71 out of 100 (SD 11.7; minimum 47.5; maximum 90) on the System Usability Scale. The mean period for the use of the game was just over 11 weeks (78.8 days, 13.5 hours, 40 minutes). Significant reductions in anxiety were noted between the start and end of the game on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (−4.6; P<.001), Spence Child Anxiety Scale (−9.6; P=.005), and the Likert visual analog scales (−2.4; P=.001). Quality of life also improved on the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory scale (+4.3; P=.04). All changes were sustained at the 3-month follow-up. Conclusions This study provides preliminary evidence for Starship Rescue as an acceptable, usable, and effective eHealth intervention for treating anxiety in young people with long-term physical conditions. Further evaluation is planned via a randomized controlled trial. Trial Registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Network Registry (ANZCTR) ACTRN12616001253493; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=371443
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiran Thabrew
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Karolina Stasiak
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Harshali Kumar
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | | | - Sally Merry
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
185
|
Lebel J, Flores-Tremblay T, Binet É, Ouellet MC, Belleville G. Données d’utilisation d’un autotraitement guidé en ligne pour promouvoir la résilience après une catastrophe naturelle. SANTE MENTALE AU QUEBEC 2021. [DOI: 10.7202/1081516ar] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objectifs Malgré l’existence de plusieurs traitements en ligne pour les personnes avec un trouble de stress posttraumatique (TSPT), peu d’études se sont penchées sur les données d’utilisation d’une telle intervention. Étant donné le potentiel de la modalité en ligne à pallier les obstacles limitant l’accès à l’aide psychologique, il importe de documenter les interactions des usagers avec ces outils en lien avec l’amélioration des symptômes ciblés. L’objectif de cette étude est de documenter les données d’utilisation de la plateforme de traitement en ligne RESILIENT par les personnes évacuées des feux de Fort McMurray, Alberta (Canada), et d’examiner leur association avec l’efficacité du traitement sur les symptômes de trouble de stress posttraumatique (TSPT), d’insomnie et de dépression, et l’adhésion au traitement, mesurée par le nombre de modules consultés par les participants.
Méthode Quatre-vingt-dix-sept personnes évacuées des feux de Fort McMurray présentant des symptômes de TSPT, d’insomnie et de dépression sont incluses dans la présente étude. Les participants étaient invités à utiliser la plateforme RESILIENT, un autotraitement en ligne guidé par un thérapeute qui cible les symptômes de TSPT, le sommeil et l’humeur, et comprend 12 modules offrant des stratégies de thérapies cognitives et comportementales (TCC) basées sur les données probantes. Des données d’utilisation objectives (p. ex. nombre de modules consultés) et subjectives (p. ex. niveau d’efforts investis) ont été recueillies.
Résultats Afin de prédire la réduction des symptômes de TSPT, de dépression et d’insomnie, ainsi que le nombre de modules consultés par les participants, des modèles de régressions séquentielles ont été effectués, avec un contrôle statistique pour les symptômes prétraitement, l’âge et le genre. Les modèles finaux ont révélé qu’une réduction des symptômes de TSPT, de dépression et d’insomnie était prédite significativement par le nombre de modules consultés (β = - 0,41 ; - 0,53 ; - 0,49 respectivement, tous p < 0,001) ainsi que par le niveau d’efforts moyen autorapporté au module 7 (mi-parcours) (β = - 0,43 ; p < 0,001 ; β = - 0,38 ; p = 0,005 et β = - 0,36 ; p = 0,007 respectivement). Le nombre de modules consultés, par ailleurs, était prédit significativement par le nombre de mots dans le 4e module (β = 0,34 ; p < 0,001) et dans le 7e module (β = 0,44 ; p < 0,001), ainsi que par le nombre d’entrées dans le journal du sommeil (β = 0,28 ; p < 0,001).
Conclusion Les résultats ont confirmé qu’une plus grande interaction avec la plateforme influence positivement l’efficacité du traitement et qu’une utilisation accrue en début de traitement semble être un bon prédicteur de l’achèvement de celui-ci. Cette étude confirme l’importance de soutenir l’engagement des participants envers le traitement en ligne afin d’optimiser son efficacité.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Lebel
- École de Psychologie, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | | | - Émilie Binet
- École de Psychologie, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
186
|
Delaney T, Mclaughlin M, Hall A, Yoong SL, Brown A, O’Brien K, Dray J, Barnes C, Hollis J, Wyse R, Wiggers J, Sutherland R, Wolfenden L. Associations between Digital Health Intervention Engagement and Dietary Intake: A Systematic Review. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13093281. [PMID: 34579158 PMCID: PMC8470016 DOI: 10.3390/nu13093281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
There has been a proliferation of digital health interventions (DHIs) targeting dietary intake. Despite their potential, the effectiveness of DHIs are thought to be dependent, in part, on user engagement. However, the relationship between engagement and the effectiveness of dietary DHIs is not well understood. The aim of this review is to describe the association between DHI engagement and dietary intake. A systematic search of four electronic databases and grey literature for records published before December 2019 was conducted. Studies were eligible if they examined a quantitative association between objective measures of engagement with a DHI (subjective experience or usage) and measures of dietary intake in adults (aged ≥18 years). From 10,653 citations, seven studies were included. Five studies included usage measures of engagement and two examined subjective experiences. Narrative synthesis, using vote counting, found mixed evidence of an association with usage measures (5 of 12 associations indicated a positive relationship, 7 were inconclusive) and no evidence regarding an association with subjective experience (both studies were inconclusive). The findings provide early evidence supporting an association between measures of usage and dietary intake; however, this was inconsistent. Further research examining the association between DHI engagement and dietary intake is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Delaney
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (M.M.); (A.H.); (S.L.Y.); (A.B.); (K.O.); (J.D.); (C.B.); (J.H.); (R.W.); (J.W.); (R.S.); (L.W.)
- Hunter New England Population Health, Wallsend, NSW 2287, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Heath Behavior, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +612-49246-499
| | - Matthew Mclaughlin
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (M.M.); (A.H.); (S.L.Y.); (A.B.); (K.O.); (J.D.); (C.B.); (J.H.); (R.W.); (J.W.); (R.S.); (L.W.)
- Hunter New England Population Health, Wallsend, NSW 2287, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Heath Behavior, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Alix Hall
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (M.M.); (A.H.); (S.L.Y.); (A.B.); (K.O.); (J.D.); (C.B.); (J.H.); (R.W.); (J.W.); (R.S.); (L.W.)
- Hunter New England Population Health, Wallsend, NSW 2287, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Heath Behavior, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Sze Lin Yoong
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (M.M.); (A.H.); (S.L.Y.); (A.B.); (K.O.); (J.D.); (C.B.); (J.H.); (R.W.); (J.W.); (R.S.); (L.W.)
- Hunter New England Population Health, Wallsend, NSW 2287, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Heath Behavior, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia
| | - Alison Brown
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (M.M.); (A.H.); (S.L.Y.); (A.B.); (K.O.); (J.D.); (C.B.); (J.H.); (R.W.); (J.W.); (R.S.); (L.W.)
- Hunter New England Population Health, Wallsend, NSW 2287, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Heath Behavior, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Kate O’Brien
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (M.M.); (A.H.); (S.L.Y.); (A.B.); (K.O.); (J.D.); (C.B.); (J.H.); (R.W.); (J.W.); (R.S.); (L.W.)
- Hunter New England Population Health, Wallsend, NSW 2287, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Heath Behavior, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Julia Dray
- School of Psychology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Courtney Barnes
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (M.M.); (A.H.); (S.L.Y.); (A.B.); (K.O.); (J.D.); (C.B.); (J.H.); (R.W.); (J.W.); (R.S.); (L.W.)
- Hunter New England Population Health, Wallsend, NSW 2287, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Heath Behavior, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Jenna Hollis
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (M.M.); (A.H.); (S.L.Y.); (A.B.); (K.O.); (J.D.); (C.B.); (J.H.); (R.W.); (J.W.); (R.S.); (L.W.)
- Hunter New England Population Health, Wallsend, NSW 2287, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Heath Behavior, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Rebecca Wyse
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (M.M.); (A.H.); (S.L.Y.); (A.B.); (K.O.); (J.D.); (C.B.); (J.H.); (R.W.); (J.W.); (R.S.); (L.W.)
- Hunter New England Population Health, Wallsend, NSW 2287, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Heath Behavior, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - John Wiggers
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (M.M.); (A.H.); (S.L.Y.); (A.B.); (K.O.); (J.D.); (C.B.); (J.H.); (R.W.); (J.W.); (R.S.); (L.W.)
- Hunter New England Population Health, Wallsend, NSW 2287, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Heath Behavior, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Rachel Sutherland
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (M.M.); (A.H.); (S.L.Y.); (A.B.); (K.O.); (J.D.); (C.B.); (J.H.); (R.W.); (J.W.); (R.S.); (L.W.)
- Hunter New England Population Health, Wallsend, NSW 2287, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Heath Behavior, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Luke Wolfenden
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (M.M.); (A.H.); (S.L.Y.); (A.B.); (K.O.); (J.D.); (C.B.); (J.H.); (R.W.); (J.W.); (R.S.); (L.W.)
- Hunter New England Population Health, Wallsend, NSW 2287, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Heath Behavior, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
187
|
The effect of an online individualized program to prevent nurse burnout – a mixed method study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF WORKPLACE HEALTH MANAGEMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.1108/ijwhm-06-2020-0090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PurposePreventing burnout and promoting psychological well-being in nurses are of great importance. In this study the effect of an online, stand-alone individualized preventive program for nurse burnout based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is described and explained.Design/methodology/approachA mixed method study with an explanatory sequential design was applied. Quantitative data were collected from September 2015 to March 2016 during an intervention study with a pretest-posttest wait-list control group design within a population of hospital nurses in the Dutch speaking part of Belgium. Consecutively, 13 nurses from the intervention group who fully completed the program were interviewed.FindingsAll interviewed participants experienced some sort of effect due to working with the program. Emotional exhaustion remained stable in the intervention group and increased in the control group. However, this difference was not significant. Personal accomplishment decreased significantly within the intervention group when compared to the control group. This might be explained by the self-awareness that was created through the program, which confronted participants with their weaknesses and problems.Originality/valueThis study adds to the understanding of online individual burnout prevention. The results suggest the feasibility of an online program to prevent nurse burnout. This could be optimized by complementing it with organizational interventions, introducing refresher courses, reminders and follow-up. Furthermore, additional attention should be devoted to preparing the implementation in order to minimize attrition rates.
Collapse
|
188
|
Graham AK, Kwasny MJ, Lattie EG, Greene CJ, Gupta NV, Reddy M, Mohr DC. Targeting subjective engagement in experimental therapeutics for digital mental health interventions. Internet Interv 2021; 25:100403. [PMID: 34401363 PMCID: PMC8350581 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2021.100403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Engagement is a multifaceted construct and a likely mechanism by which digital interventions achieve clinical improvements. To date, clinical research on digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) has overwhelmingly defined engagement and assessed its association with clinical outcomes through the objective/behavioral metrics of use of or interactions with a DMHI, such as number of log-ins or time spent using the technology. However, engagement also entails users' subjective experience. Research is largely lacking that tests the relationship between subjective metrics of engagement and clinical outcomes. The purpose of this study is to present a proof-of-concept exploratory evaluation of the association between subjective engagement measures of a mobile DMHI with changes in depression and anxiety. Adult primary care patients (N = 146) who screened positive for depression or anxiety were randomized to receive a DMHI, IntelliCare, immediately or following an 8-week waitlist. Subjective engagement was measured via the Usefulness, Satisfaction, and Ease of Use (USE) Questionnaire. Across both conditions, results showed that individuals who perceived a mobile intervention as more useful, easy to use and learn, and satisfying had greater improvements in depression and anxiety over eight weeks. Findings support our proposed experimental therapeutics framework that hypothesizes objective/behavioral and subjective engagement metrics as mechanisms that lead to changes in clinical outcomes, as well as support directing intervention design efforts for DMHIs to target the user experience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea K. Graham
- Center for Behavioral Intervention Technologies, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mary J. Kwasny
- Center for Behavioral Intervention Technologies, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Emily G. Lattie
- Center for Behavioral Intervention Technologies, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Carolyn J. Greene
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
- Translational Research Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Neha V. Gupta
- Departments of Psychiatry and Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Madhu Reddy
- Department of Communication Studies, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - David C. Mohr
- Center for Behavioral Intervention Technologies, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
189
|
Ribanszki R, Saez Fonseca JA, Barnby JM, Jano K, Osmani F, Almasi S, Tsakanikos E. Preferences for Digital Smartphone Mental Health Apps Among Adolescents: Qualitative Interview Study. JMIR Form Res 2021; 5:e14004. [PMID: 34128814 PMCID: PMC8433947 DOI: 10.2196/14004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mental health digital apps hold promise for providing scalable solutions to individual self-care, education, and illness prevention. However, a problem with these apps is that they lack engaging user interfaces and experiences and thus potentially result in high attrition. Although guidelines for new digital interventions for adults have begun to examine engagement, there is a paucity of evidence on how to best address digital interventions for adolescents. As adolescence is a period of transition, during which the onset of many potentially lifelong mental health conditions frequently occurs, understanding how best to engage this population is crucial. Objective The study aims to detect potential barriers to engagement and to gather feedback on the current elements of app design regarding user experience, user interface, and content. Methods This study used a qualitative design. A sample of 14 adolescents was asked to use the app for 1 week and was interviewed using a semistructured interview schedule. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Overall, 13 participants completed the interviews. The authors developed 6 main themes and 20 subthemes based on the data that influenced engagement with and the perceived usefulness of the app. Our main themes were timing, stigma, perception, congruity, usefulness, and user experience. Conclusions In line with previous research, we suggest how these aspects of app development should be considered for future apps that aim to prevent and manage mental health conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jose Andres Saez Fonseca
- Thrive: Therapeutic Software, London, United Kingdom.,Division of Psychiatry, Univeristy College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Kimberly Jano
- Thrive: Therapeutic Software, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fatima Osmani
- Thrive: Therapeutic Software, London, United Kingdom
| | - Soma Almasi
- Thrive: Therapeutic Software, London, United Kingdom
| | - Elias Tsakanikos
- Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings' College London, UK, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Psychology, University of Crete, Crete, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
190
|
Gordon D, Hensel J, Bouck Z, Desveaux L, Soobiah C, Saragosa M, Jeffs L, Bhatia S, Shaw J. Developing an explanatory theoretical model for engagement with a web-based mental health platform: results of a mixed methods study. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:417. [PMID: 34419001 PMCID: PMC8379578 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03391-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the growing need for accessible, high-quality mental health services, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been increasing development and uptake of web-based interventions in the form of self-directed mental health platforms. The Big White Wall (BWW) is a web-based platform for people experiencing mental illness and addiction that offers a range of evidence-based self-directed treatment strategies. Drawing on existing data from a large-scale evaluation of the implementation of BWW in Ontario, Canada (which involved a pragmatic randomized controlled trail with an embedded qualitative process evaluation), we sought to investigate the influences on the extent to which people engage with BWW. METHODS In this paper we drew on BWW trial participants' usage data (number of logins) and the qualitative data from the process evaluation that explored participants' experiences, engagement with and reactions to BWW. RESULTS Our results showed that there were highly complex relationships between the influences that contributed to the level of engagement with BWW intervention. We found that a) how people expected to benefit from using a platform like BWW was an important indicator of their future usage, b) moderate perceived symptoms were linked with higher engagement; whereas fewer actual depressive symptoms predicted use and anxiety had a positive linear relationship with usage, and that c) usage depended on positive early experiences with the platform. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the nature of engagement with platforms such as BWW is not easily predicted. We propose a theoretical framework for explaining the level of user engagement with BWW that might also be generalizable to other similar platforms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dara Gordon
- Women's College Hospital, Institute of Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, 76 Grenville St, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1B2, Canada.
- University of Toronto, 155 College St, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 1P8, Canada.
| | - Jennifer Hensel
- Women's College Hospital, Institute of Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, 76 Grenville St, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1B2, Canada
- University of Manitoba, 66 Chancellors Cir, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Zachary Bouck
- Women's College Hospital, Institute of Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, 76 Grenville St, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1B2, Canada
- University of Toronto, 155 College St, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 1P8, Canada
- St. Michael's Hospital, 30 Bond St, Toronto, Ontario, M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Laura Desveaux
- Women's College Hospital, Institute of Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, 76 Grenville St, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1B2, Canada
- University of Toronto, 155 College St, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 1P8, Canada
| | - Charlene Soobiah
- Women's College Hospital, Institute of Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, 76 Grenville St, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1B2, Canada
| | - Marianne Saragosa
- Women's College Hospital, Institute of Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, 76 Grenville St, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1B2, Canada
| | - Lianne Jeffs
- Sinai Health System, 1 Bridgepoint Dr, Toronto, Ontario, M4M 2B5, Canada
| | - Sacha Bhatia
- Women's College Hospital, Institute of Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, 76 Grenville St, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1B2, Canada
- University of Toronto, 155 College St, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 1P8, Canada
| | - James Shaw
- Women's College Hospital, Institute of Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, 76 Grenville St, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1B2, Canada
- University of Toronto, 155 College St, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 1P8, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
191
|
Goldstein SP, Brick LA, Thomas JG, Forman EM. Examination of the relationship between lapses and weight loss in a smartphone-based just-in time adaptive intervention. Transl Behav Med 2021; 11:993-1005. [PMID: 33902112 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/ibaa097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We developed a smartphone-based just-in-time adaptive intervention (JITAI), called OnTrack, that provides personalized intervention to prevent dietary lapses (i.e., nonadherence from the behavioral weight loss intervention diet). OnTrack utilizes ecological momentary assessment (EMA; repeated electronic surveys) for self-reporting lapse triggers, predicts lapses using machine learning, and provides brief intervention to prevent lapse. We have established preliminary feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of OnTrack, but no study has examined our hypothesized mechanism of action: reduced lapse frequency will be associated with greater weight loss while using OnTrack. This secondary analysis investigated the association between lapse frequency and the weekly percentage of weight loss. Post hoc analyses evaluated the moderating effect of OnTrack engagement on this association. Participants (N = 121) with overweight/obesity (MBMI = 34.51; 84.3% female; 69.4% White) used OnTrack with a digital weight loss program for 10 weeks. Engagement with OnTrack (i.e., EMA completed and interventions accessed) was recorded automatically, participants self-reported dietary lapses via EMA, and weighed weekly using Bluetooth scales. Linear mixed models with a random effect of subject and fixed effect of time revealed a nonsignificant association between weekly lapses and the percentage of weight loss. Post hoc analyses revealed a statistically significant moderation effect of OnTrack engagement such that fewer EMA and interventions completed conferred the expected associations between lapses and weight loss. Lapses were not associated with weight loss in this study and one explanation may be the influence of engagement levels on this relationship. Future research should investigate the role of engagement in evaluating JITAIs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie P Goldstein
- The Miriam Hospital/Weight Control and Diabetes Research Center, Providence, RI, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Leslie A Brick
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - J Graham Thomas
- The Miriam Hospital/Weight Control and Diabetes Research Center, Providence, RI, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Evan M Forman
- Center for Weight, Eating, and Lifestyle Sciences, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
192
|
Perski O, Short CE. Acceptability of digital health interventions: embracing the complexity. Transl Behav Med 2021; 11:1473-1480. [PMID: 33963864 PMCID: PMC8320880 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/ibab048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Acceptability is a core concept in digital health. Available frameworks have not clearly articulated why and how researchers, practitioners and policy makers may wish to study the concept of acceptability. Here, we aim to discuss (i) the ways in which acceptability might differ from closely related concepts, including user engagement; (ii) the utility of the concept of acceptability in digital health research and practice; (iii) social and cultural norms that influence acceptability; and (iv) pragmatic means of measuring acceptability, within and beyond the research process. Our intention is not to offer solutions to these open questions but to initiate a debate within the digital health community. We conducted a narrative review of theoretical and empirical examples from the literature. First, we argue that acceptability may usefully be considered an emergent property of a complex, adaptive system of interacting components (e.g., affective attitude, beliefs), which in turn influences (and is influenced by) user engagement. Second, acceptability is important due to its ability to predict and explain key outcomes of interest, including user engagement and intervention effectiveness. Third, precisely what people find acceptable is deeply contextualized and interlinked with prevailing social and cultural norms. Understanding and designing for such norms (e.g., through drawing on principles of user centered design) is therefore key. Finally, there is a lack of standard acceptability measures and thresholds. Star ratings coupled with free-text responses may provide a pragmatic means of capturing acceptability. Acceptability is a multifaceted concept, which may usefully be studied with a complexity science lens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olga Perski
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Camille E Short
- Melbourne Centre for Behaviour Change, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Melbourne School of Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
193
|
Børøsund E, Varsi C, Clark MM, Ehlers SL, Andrykowski MA, Sleveland HRS, Bergland A, Nes LS. Pilot testing an app-based stress management intervention for cancer survivors. Transl Behav Med 2021; 10:770-780. [PMID: 31330023 PMCID: PMC7413188 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/ibz062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychosocial eHealth intervention programs for cancer survivors are still in their infancy, with inconsistent findings so far in the scientific literature. The aim of this study was to explore system use, usefulness, ease of use, and preliminary effects of Stress Proffen, an app-based cognitive-behavioral stress management intervention for patients with cancer. A feasibility pilot project tested the intervention with cancer survivors (N = 25). The intervention contained (a) one face-to-face introduction session, (b) 10 app-based modules with stress management educational material and exercises, and (c) one follow-up phone call. Post-intervention interviews were conducted and user log-data were extracted. Outcome measures-Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Anxiety and Depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS]), Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL; SF-36), and Self-Regulatory Fatigue (SRF-18)-were completed at baseline and post-intervention. Participants were primarily women (84%), age 34-71 (mean 48) and represented a variety of cancer diagnoses (majority breast cancer: 40%). Twenty-two participants completed all (pre-post) questionnaires. Sixteen participants (67%) completed at least 7 of 10 modules within the 8-week study period. Post-intervention interviews described StressProffen as providing a new, appreciated, and easily accessible stress management tool for the cancer survivors. Dependent/paired t-tests showed significant pre-post intervention effects with significant decrease in stress (p = .008), anxiety (p = .019), and self-regulatory fatigue (p = .025), and improved HRQoL (Role Physical, General Health, Vitality, and Role Emotional, all p's <.01). App-based stress management interventions such as StressProffen can provide appreciated support for cancer survivors, should be easy to use, can provide significant stress reduction, and improve emotional well-being. Further testing in a randomized controlled trial is warranted and is in progress. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT0293961.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elin Børøsund
- Center for Shared Decision Making and Collaborative Care Research, Division of Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Cecilie Varsi
- Center for Shared Decision Making and Collaborative Care Research, Division of Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Matthew M Clark
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, College of Medicine and Science, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Shawna L Ehlers
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, College of Medicine and Science, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Michael A Andrykowski
- Department of Behavioral Science, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Hilde Renate Sætre Sleveland
- Center for Shared Decision Making and Collaborative Care Research, Division of Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Bergland
- Center for Shared Decision Making and Collaborative Care Research, Division of Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lise Solberg Nes
- Center for Shared Decision Making and Collaborative Care Research, Division of Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, College of Medicine and Science, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
194
|
Engagement patterns with a digital therapeutic for substance use disorders: Correlations with abstinence outcomes. J Subst Abuse Treat 2021; 132:108585. [PMID: 34366201 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2021.108585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patient engagement may play a key role in the success or failure of treatments for substance use disorder (SUD). This exploratory analysis of data from a large, multisite effectiveness trial (NCT01104805) sought to determine how patient engagement with a digital therapeutic for SUD delivered at clinics was associated with abstinence outcomes. METHODS The study evaluated engagement for 206 participants enrolled in a treatment program for SUDs related to cocaine, alcohol, cannabis, or other stimulants who were randomized to receive treatment as usual (TAU) or reduced TAU plus the digital Therapeutic Education System (TES) for 12 weeks. Participants were eligible for contingency management incentives for module completion (modules cover Community Reinforcement Approach topic areas) and negative urine drug screens. Analyses examined the association of module completion with end-of-treatment abstinence. RESULTS Participants completed a mean of 38.8 (range 0-72) TES modules over 12 weeks of treatment. Study completers (n = 157) completed a mean of 45.5 (range 9-72) TES modules, whereas study noncompleters (n = 49) completed a mean of 17.4 (range 0-45) TES modules. The study observed a strong positive correlation between TES engagement (i.e., total number of modules completed) and the probability of abstinence during weeks 9-12 of treatment among 157 study completers (OR = 1.11; 95% CI 1.08-1.14). Each module completed increased the odds of abstinence during weeks 9-12 by approximately 11% for study completers and 9% for the full sample. The study observed a similar, but weaker, association between engagement and abstinence among 49 patients who did not complete the study (OR = 1.02; 95% CI 0.98-1.07). CONCLUSIONS Greater engagement with a digital therapeutic for patients with SUD (i.e., number of modules completed over time) was strongly associated with the probability of abstinence in the last four weeks of treatment among those who completed the recommended 12-week treatment. TRIALS REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01104805.
Collapse
|
195
|
Nixon P, Boß L, Heber E, Ebert DD, Lehr D. A three-armed randomised controlled trial investigating the comparative impact of guidance on the efficacy of a web-based stress management intervention and health impairing and promoting mechanisms of prevention. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1511. [PMID: 34353294 PMCID: PMC8339390 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11504-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Web-based stress management interventions (SMI) fit increasingly digital lifestyles, reduce barriers of uptake and are easily scalable. SMIs might lower levels of stress in employees and thereby contribute to the prevention of depressive symptomatology. Different guidance formats can impact the efficacy of SMIs, with higher intensity assumed to result in larger effects. However, head-to-head comparisons of guidance formats are rare. This is the first trial to examine the impact of adherence-focused guidance compared to self-help on the efficacy of an occupational SMI compared to a wait list control condition. Additionally, it will be investigated if the SMI enfolds its impact on preventing depressive symptomatology by different pathways through reducing health impairing and increasing promoting factors. Methods A three-armed randomised controlled trial (RCT) on an occupational SMI was conducted. 404 employees with elevated levels of perceived stress (PSS-10 ≥ 22) were randomly assigned to: adherence-focused guidance (AFG), self-help (SH) or a wait list control group (WLC). The primary outcome was perceived stress (PSS-10). Secondary outcomes included health- and work-related measures. A parallel mediation analysis with stress and resilience as mediators for the effect on depression (CES-D) was carried out. Data collection took place at baseline (T1), after 7 weeks (T2) and 6 months (T3). Results The SMI was effective for all groups on the primary and secondary outcomes. For stress, analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) revealed significant group effects at T2 (F2,400 = 36.08, P < .001) and T3 (F2,400 = 37.04, P < .001) with large effect sizes for AFG (T2: d = 0.83; T3: d = 0.85) and SH (T2: d = 0.88; T3: d = 0.91) compared to WLC. No significant group differences were found for the efficacy between AFG and SH on the outcomes. Adherence in terms of completed modules was significantly higher for AFG compared to SH. The SMI’s impact on depression was mediated by perceived stress: a1b1 = − 0.77, 95% CI [− 1.26, − 0.34] and resilience: a2b2 = − 0.62, 95% CI [− 1.05, − 0.26]. Conclusions The SMI was effective for reducing stress and improving other health- and work-related outcomes, irrespective of the guidance format. Results did not demonstrate superiority of adherence-focused guidance for the efficacy but for adherence in terms of completed modules. Among other reasons, better communication strategies about offered guidance and awareness-raising measures are discussed. Results from mediation analysis suggest that preventive SMIs should be designed to reach two goals: reducing the risk factor of stress and simultaneously increasing health promoting factors such as resilience. Trial registration German Clinical Trial Registration (DRKS) DRKS00005687, 6/6/2014.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Nixon
- Department of Health Psychology and Applied Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Leuphana University of Lueneburg, Lueneburg, Germany
| | - Leif Boß
- Department of Health Psychology and Applied Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Leuphana University of Lueneburg, Lueneburg, Germany
| | - Elena Heber
- Department for Sport & Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Psychology & Digital Mental Health Care, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Dirk Lehr
- Department of Health Psychology and Applied Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Leuphana University of Lueneburg, Lueneburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
196
|
Batterham PJ, Calear AL, Sunderland M, Kay-Lambkin F, Farrer LM, Christensen H, Gulliver A. A Brief Intervention to Increase Uptake and Adherence of an Internet-Based Program for Depression and Anxiety (Enhancing Engagement With Psychosocial Interventions): Randomized Controlled Trial. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e23029. [PMID: 34313595 PMCID: PMC8367139 DOI: 10.2196/23029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychosocial, self-guided, internet-based programs are effective in treating depression and anxiety. However, the community uptake of these programs is poor. Recent approaches to increasing engagement (defined as both uptake and adherence) in internet-based programs include brief engagement facilitation interventions (EFIs). However, these programs require evaluation to assess their efficacy. OBJECTIVE The aims of this hybrid implementation effectiveness trial are to examine the effects of a brief internet-based EFI presented before an internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy self-help program (myCompass 2) in improving engagement (uptake and adherence) with that program (primary aim), assess the relative efficacy of the myCompass 2 program, and determine whether greater engagement was associated with improved efficacy (greater reduction in depression or anxiety symptoms) relative to the control (secondary aim). METHODS A 3-arm randomized controlled trial (N=849; recruited via social media) assessed the independent efficacy of the EFI and myCompass 2. The myCompass 2 program was delivered with or without the EFI; both conditions were compared with an attention control condition. The EFI comprised brief (5 minutes), tailored audio-visual content on a series of click-through linear webpages. RESULTS Uptake was high in all groups; 82.8% (703/849) of participants clicked through the intervention following the pretest survey. However, the difference in uptake between the EFI + myCompass 2 condition (234/280, 83.6%) and the myCompass 2 alone condition (222/285, 77.9%) was not significant (n=565; χ21=29.2; P=.09). In addition, there was no significant difference in the proportion of participants who started any number of modules (1-14 modules) versus those who started none between the EFI + myCompass 2 (214/565, 37.9%) and the myCompass 2 alone (210/565, 37.2%) conditions (n=565; χ21<0.1; P=.87). Finally, there was no significant difference between the EFI + myCompass 2 and the myCompass 2 alone conditions in the number of modules started (U=39366.50; z=-0.32; P=.75) or completed (U=39494.0; z=-0.29; P=.77). The myCompass 2 program was not found to be efficacious over time for symptoms of depression (F4,349.97=1.16; P=.33) or anxiety (F4,445.99=0.12; P=.98). However, planned contrasts suggested that myCompass 2 may have been effective for participants with elevated generalized anxiety disorder symptoms (F4,332.80=3.50; P=.01). CONCLUSIONS This brief internet-based EFI did not increase the uptake of or adherence to an existing internet-based program for depression and anxiety. Individuals' motivation to initiate and complete internet-based self-guided interventions is complex and remains a significant challenge for self-guided interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12618001565235; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=375839.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philip J Batterham
- Centre for Mental Health Research, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Alison L Calear
- Centre for Mental Health Research, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Matthew Sunderland
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Frances Kay-Lambkin
- Priority Research Centre for Brain and Mental Health, University of Newcastle., Newcastle, Australia
| | - Louise M Farrer
- Centre for Mental Health Research, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Helen Christensen
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Amelia Gulliver
- Centre for Mental Health Research, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
197
|
Williamson A, Barbarin A, Campbell B, Campbell T, Franzen S, Reischl TM, Zimmerman M, Veinot TC. Uptake of and Engagement With an Online Sexual Health Intervention (HOPE eIntervention) Among African American Young Adults: Mixed Methods Study. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e22203. [PMID: 34269689 PMCID: PMC8325088 DOI: 10.2196/22203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Regarding health technologies, African American young adults have low rates of uptake, ongoing usage, and engagement, which may widen sexual health inequalities. Objective We aimed to examine rates of uptake and ongoing usage, and factors influencing uptake, ongoing usage, and engagement for a consumer health informatics (CHI) intervention for HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention among African American young adults, using the diffusion of innovation theory, trust-centered design framework, and O’Brien and Toms’ model of engagement. Methods This community-based participatory mixed methods study included surveys at four time points (n=315; 280 African American participants) among young adults aged 18 to 24 years involved in a blended offline/online HIV/STI prevention intervention (HIV Outreach, Prevention, and Education [HOPE] eIntervention), which was described as a “HOPE party.” Qualitative interviews were conducted with a subset of participants (n=19) after initial surveys and website server logs indicated low uptake and ongoing usage. A generalized linear mixed-effects model identified predictors of eIntervention uptake, server logs were summarized to describe use over time, and interview transcripts were coded and thematically analyzed to identify factors affecting uptake and engagement. Results Participants’ initial self-reported eIntervention uptake was low, but increased significantly over time, although uptake never reached expectations. The most frequent activity was visiting the website. Demographic factors and HOPE party social network characteristics were not significantly correlated with uptake, although participant education and party network gender homophily approached significance. According to interviews, one factor driving uptake was the desire to share HIV/STI prevention information with others. Survey and interview results showed that technology access, perceived time, and institutional and technological trust were necessary conditions for uptake. Interviews revealed that factors undermining uptake were insufficient promotion and awareness building, and the platform of the intervention, with social media being less appealing due to previous negative experiences concerning discussion of sexuality on social media. During the interaction with the eIntervention, interview data showed that factors driving initial engagement were audience-targeted website esthetics and appealing visuals. Ongoing usage was impeded by insufficiently frequent updates. Similarly, lack of novelty drove disengagement, although a social media contest for sharing intervention content resulted in some re-engagement. Conclusions To encourage uptake, CHI interventions for African American young adults can better leverage users’ desires to share information about HIV/STI prevention with others. Ensuring implementation through trusted organizations is also important, though vigorous promotion is needed. Visual appeal and targeted content foster engagement at first, but ongoing usage may require continual content changes. A thorough analysis of CHI intervention use can inform the development of future interventions to promote uptake and engagement. To guide future analyses, we present an expanded uptake and engagement model for CHI interventions targeting African American young adults based on our empirical results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Williamson
- School of Information, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | | | | | - Terrance Campbell
- YOUR Center, Flint, MI, United States.,TigerLIFE, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Susan Franzen
- Prevention Research Center of Michigan, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Thomas M Reischl
- Prevention Research Center of Michigan, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Marc Zimmerman
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.,Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Tiffany Christine Veinot
- School of Information, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.,Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
198
|
Oehler C, Scholze K, Reich H, Sander C, Hegerl U. Intervention Use and Symptom Change With Unguided Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Log Data Analysis of a Convenience Sample. JMIR Ment Health 2021; 8:e28321. [PMID: 34115604 PMCID: PMC8288646 DOI: 10.2196/28321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Internet- and mobile-based interventions are most efficacious in the treatment of depression when they involve some form of guidance, but providing guidance requires resources such as trained personnel, who might not always be available (eg, during lockdowns to contain the COVID-19 pandemic). OBJECTIVE The current analysis focuses on changes in symptoms of depression in a guided sample of patients with depression who registered for an internet-based intervention, the iFightDepression tool, as well as the extent of intervention use, compared to an unguided sample. The objective is to further understand the effects of guidance and adherence on the intervention's potential to induce symptom change. METHODS Log data from two convenience samples in German routine care were used to assess symptom change after 6-9 weeks of intervention as well as minimal dose (finishing at least two workshops). A linear regression model with changes in Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) score as a dependent variable and guidance and minimal dose as well as their interaction as independent variables was specified. RESULTS Data from 1423 people with symptoms of depression (n=940 unguided, 66.1%) were included in the current analysis. In the linear regression model predicting symptom change, a significant interaction of guidance and minimal dose revealed a specifically greater improvement for patients who received guidance and also worked with the intervention content (β=-1.75, t=-2.37, P=.02), while there was little difference in symptom change due to guidance in the group that did not use the intervention. In this model, the main effect of guidance was only marginally significant (β=-.53, t=-1.78, P=.08). CONCLUSIONS Guidance in internet-based interventions for depression is not only an important factor to facilitate adherence, but also seems to further improve results for patients adhering to the intervention compared to those who do the same but without guidance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Oehler
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Forschungszentrum Depression, Stiftung Deutsche Depressionshilfe, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Katharina Scholze
- Forschungszentrum Depression, Stiftung Deutsche Depressionshilfe, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Hanna Reich
- Forschungszentrum Depression, Stiftung Deutsche Depressionshilfe, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Christian Sander
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ulrich Hegerl
- Forschungszentrum Depression, Stiftung Deutsche Depressionshilfe, Frankfurt, Germany.,Clinic for Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
199
|
Hämäläinen T, Kaipainen K, Lappalainen P, Puolakanaho A, Keinonen K, Lappalainen R, Kiuru N. Usage activity, perceived usefulness, and satisfaction in a web-based acceptance and commitment therapy program among Finnish ninth-grade adolescents. Internet Interv 2021; 25:100421. [PMID: 34401380 PMCID: PMC8350586 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2021.100421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding adolescent usage activity and experiences in web-based psychological intervention programs helps in developing universal programs that can be adopted for promotion of adolescent well-being and prevention of mental health problems. This study examined the usage activity, perceived usefulness (i.e., learning of mindfulness, acceptance and value-related skills), and program satisfaction of 157 Finnish ninth-grade adolescents, who participated in a school-based five-week universal acceptance and commitment therapy web intervention called Youth Compass. Individual and growth environment-related antecedents were measured before the five-week intervention, adolescents' usage activity during the intervention, and perceived usefulness and satisfaction after the intervention. The results showed that female adolescents and adolescents with high self-regulation were more active program users and had more positive experiences of the program. Most of the adolescents used the program on at least a moderate level and perceived it to be moderately or highly useful and satisfactory. Four subgroups of adolescents were identified based on their usage activity, perceived usefulness, and satisfaction: adolescents in the satisfied group (41%) had average activity and high perceived usefulness and intervention satisfaction, the dissatisfied group (18%) had low activity and very low perceived usefulness and intervention satisfaction, the active group (8%) had very high activity and average perceived usefulness and intervention satisfaction, and the moderate group (33%) had average activity, perceived usefulness and intervention satisfaction. Gender, academic achievement, closeness to mother and teacher, and conflict with teacher were significantly related to subgroup membership. The results suggested that adolescent usage activity, perceived usefulness, and satisfaction with the Youth Compass program may to some extent be predicted based on different factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tetta Hämäläinen
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, Finland,Corresponding author at: Department of Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, 40014 Jyväskylä, Finland.
| | - Kirsikka Kaipainen
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, Finland,Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences, Tampere University, Finland
| | - Päivi Lappalainen
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Anne Puolakanaho
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Katariina Keinonen
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Raimo Lappalainen
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Noona Kiuru
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
200
|
González-Robles A, Suso-Ribera C, Díaz-García A, García-Palacios A, Castilla D, Botella C. Predicting response to transdiagnostic iCBT for emotional disorders from patient and therapist involvement. Internet Interv 2021; 25:100420. [PMID: 34401379 PMCID: PMC8350608 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2021.100420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transdiagnostic iCBT has been shown to be effective for the treatment of emotional disorders. Less is known about the optimal level of therapist and patient involvement in these interventions. Specific characteristics of Internet-delivered interventions include treatment adherence (e.g., amount of review of the materials) and guidance (e.g., amount of therapist support). Exploring the importance of these elements in treatment outcome may help to maximize the efficiency of Internet-delivered psychological interventions. AIM In this study, we aimed to analyze the relationship between patient and therapist involvement (i.e., platform usage and amount of therapist guidance) in a sample of patients with emotional disorders who received transdiagnostic iCBT in Spanish public specialized mental healthcare services. METHOD This is a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial. The sample included 63 patients who completed transdiagnostic iCBT for emotional disorders. Platform usage metrics included number of logins into the platform and number of times the participants reviewed the modules. Therapist guidance was measured as the number of support phone calls with a therapist and their total duration (minutes). Logistic regressions and ROC analyses were performed to explore the predictive value of platform usage and therapist guidance in symptom reduction. Clinical outcomes included depressive and anxiety symptoms assessed at baseline and post-intervention. The bivariate relationship between the platform usage and therapist guidance variables was also explored. RESULTS Overall, platform usage and therapist guidance were not associated with symptom improvement. However, the patient and therapist involvement parameters were intercorrelated. Specifically, the number of calls and their duration were associated with a greater number of logins (r = 0.61; p < .001) and more frequent reviews of the modules (0.46 ≤ r ≤ 0.60; p < .001). Higher baseline depression and anxiety were, respectively, associated with greater improvements in depression (r = -0.37, p = .003) and anxiety after treatment completion (r = -0.48, p < .001). DISCUSSION The results suggest that there is no reliable cut-off point for platform usage and therapist guidance in predicting optimal symptom reduction. However, significant associations were found between platform usage and guidance variables that warrant additional research. More research on this topic is necessary to further clarify the role of these and other platform usage and guidance variables in Internet-delivered iCBT outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto González-Robles
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, Universidad de Zaragoza (Campus de Teruel), Teruel, Spain
- Corresponding author at: C/ Ciudad Escolar, s/n, 44001 Teruel, Spain.
| | - Carlos Suso-Ribera
- Department of Basic and Clinical Psychology, and Psychobiology, Universitat Jaume I, Castellon, Spain
| | - Amanda Díaz-García
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, Universidad de Zaragoza (Campus de Teruel), Teruel, Spain
| | - Azucena García-Palacios
- Department of Basic and Clinical Psychology, and Psychobiology, Universitat Jaume I, Castellon, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Diana Castilla
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatments, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Cristina Botella
- Department of Basic and Clinical Psychology, and Psychobiology, Universitat Jaume I, Castellon, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|