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McCall HC, Hadjistavropoulos HD. Impact of an Online Discussion Forum on Self-Guided Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Public Safety Personnel: Randomized Trial. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e59699. [PMID: 39141899 PMCID: PMC11358668 DOI: 10.2196/59699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) is an effective and accessible treatment for various mental health concerns. ICBT has shown promising treatment outcomes among public safety personnel (PSP), who experience high rates of mental health problems and face barriers to accessing other mental health services. Client engagement and clinical outcomes are better in ICBT with therapist guidance, but ICBT is easier to implement on a large scale when it is self-guided. Therefore, it is important to identify strategies to improve outcomes and engagement in self-guided ICBT and other self-guided digital mental health interventions. One such strategy is the use of online discussion forums to provide ICBT clients with opportunities for mutual social support. Self-guided interventions accompanied by online discussion forums have shown excellent treatment outcomes, but there is a need for research experimentally testing the impact of online discussion forums in ICBT. OBJECTIVE We aimed to evaluate a transdiagnostic, self-guided ICBT intervention tailored specifically for PSP (which had not previously been assessed), assess the impact of adding a therapist-moderated online discussion forum on outcomes, and analyze participants' feedback to inform future research and implementation efforts. METHODS In this randomized trial, we randomly assigned participating PSP (N=107) to access an 8-week transdiagnostic, self-guided ICBT course with or without a built-in online discussion forum. Enrollment and participation were entirely web-based. We assessed changes in depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress as well as several secondary outcome measures (eg, treatment engagement and satisfaction) using questionnaires at the pre-enrollment, 8-week postenrollment, and 20-week postenrollment time points. Mixed methods analyses included multilevel modeling and qualitative content analysis. RESULTS Participants engaged minimally with the forum, creating 9 posts. There were no differences in treatment outcomes between participants who were randomly assigned to access the forum (56/107, 52.3%) and those who were not (51/107, 47.7%). Across conditions, participants who reported clinically significant symptoms during enrollment showed large and statistically significant reductions in symptoms (P<.05 and d>0.97 in all cases). Participants also showed good treatment engagement and satisfaction, with 43% (46/107) of participants fully completing the intervention during the course of the study and 96% (79/82) indicating that the intervention was worth their time. CONCLUSIONS Previous research has shown excellent clinical outcomes for self-guided ICBT accompanied by discussion forums and good engagement with those forums. Although clinical outcomes in our study were excellent across conditions, engagement with the forum was poor, in contrast to previous research. We discuss several possible interpretations of this finding (eg, related to the population under study or the design of the forum). Our findings highlight a need for more research evaluating the impact of online discussion forums and other strategies for improving outcomes and engagement in self-guided ICBT and other digital mental health interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05145582; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05145582.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugh C McCall
- Department of Psychology, University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
- PSPNET, University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
| | - Heather D Hadjistavropoulos
- Department of Psychology, University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
- PSPNET, University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
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Willems L, Rasing SPA, Heijs DAM, Vermulst AA, Huvenaars MJ, Onrust SA, Creemers DHM. Mental health app boost my mood (BMM) as preventive early intervention for adolescents with (sub)clinical depressive symptoms. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:2118. [PMID: 39103796 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19666-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is a common mental disorder. Detecting (sub)clinical depressive symptoms in adolescents at an early stage and offering a low-threshold early intervention can minimize the risk of serious and/or long-term depression. As such, a digital intervention can be a low-threshold preventive and early intervention. This study aims to examine whether the Boost My Mood (BMM)-app is a suitable preventive early intervention for adolescents with (sub)clinical depressive symptoms. METHODS This naturalistic single-arm evaluation study (N = 50) was conducted in adolescents aged 16-21 with (sub)clinical depressive symptoms. Furthermore, the BMM-app was studied in relation to anxiety, worrying, stress, and sleeping problems. An exploratory objective was to determine whether positive expectations and social support are related to app use. RESULTS The study showed a significant decrease in not only depressive symptoms, but also anxiety, worrying and stress while using the BMM-app. Sleeping problems did not significantly decrease over time while using the BMM-app. The degree of use of the BMM-app and telling significant others about using the BMM-app were both not related to a decrease in depressive symptoms. The BMM-app was used significantly more when the adolescent had told relatives about their depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS A digital intervention, such as the BMM-app, can be a low-threshold preventive and early intervention for adolescents with (sub)clinical depressive symptoms. Beneficial effects of the BMM-app were reported on depressive symptoms as well as other aspects of quality of life, such as anxiety, worrying, and stress. Whereas several factors may have played a role in the current findings on depressive symptoms, there are reasons to assume that part of the reduction in symptoms could be attributed to the BMM-app. Although no causality can be assumed, this study is a first step in the implementation of preventive apps in mental health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Willems
- GGZ Oost Brabant, P.O. Box 3, Boekel, 5427 ZG, The Netherlands.
| | - Sanne P A Rasing
- GGZ Oost Brabant, P.O. Box 3, Boekel, 5427 ZG, The Netherlands
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, P.O. Box 9104, Nijmegen, 6500 HE, The Netherlands
| | - Dewi A M Heijs
- GGZ Oost Brabant, P.O. Box 3, Boekel, 5427 ZG, The Netherlands
| | - Ad A Vermulst
- GGZ Oost Brabant, P.O. Box 3, Boekel, 5427 ZG, The Netherlands
| | | | - Simone A Onrust
- Trimbos-Instituut, P.O. Box 725, Utrecht, 3500 AS, The Netherlands
| | - Daan H M Creemers
- GGZ Oost Brabant, P.O. Box 3, Boekel, 5427 ZG, The Netherlands
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, P.O. Box 9104, Nijmegen, 6500 HE, The Netherlands
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O'Kane KMK, Otamendi T, Silverberg ND, Choi E, Sicard V, Zemek R, Healey K, Brown O, Butterfield L, Smith A, Goldfield G, Kardish R, Saab BJ, Ledoux AA, Cairncross M. Development of Therapeutic Alliance and Social Presence in a Digital Intervention for Pediatric Concussion: Qualitative Exploratory Study. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e49133. [PMID: 38517472 PMCID: PMC10998177 DOI: 10.2196/49133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the promising benefits of self-guided digital interventions for adolescents recovering from concussion, attrition rates for such interventions are high. Evidence suggests that adults can develop therapeutic alliance with self-guided digital interventions, which is in turn associated with intervention engagement. However, no research has examined whether adolescents develop therapeutic alliance with self-guided digital interventions and what factors are important to its development. Additionally, social presence-the extent to which digital encounters feel like they are occurring in person-may be another relevant factor to understanding the nature of the connection between adolescents and a self-guided digital intervention, though this has yet to be explored. OBJECTIVE This qualitative study explored the extent to which adolescents recovering from concussion developed therapeutic alliance and social presence during their use of a self-guided digital mindfulness-based intervention. Additionally, this study aimed to determine factors important to adolescents' development of therapeutic alliance and social presence with the intervention. METHODS Adolescents aged between 12 and 17.99 years who sustained a concussion were recruited from 2 sites: a pediatric emergency department up to 48 hours after a concussion and a tertiary care clinic over 1 month following a concussion to capture adolescents who had both acute and persisting symptoms after concussion. Participants (N=10) completed a 4-week mindfulness-based intervention delivered through a smartphone app. Within the app, participants listened to audio recordings of mindfulness guides (voice actors) narrating psychoeducation and mindfulness practices. At 4 weeks, participants completed questionnaires and a semistructured interview exploring their experience of therapeutic alliance and social presence with the mindfulness guides in the intervention. RESULTS Themes identified within the qualitative results revealed that participants developed therapeutic alliance and social presence by "developing a genuine connection" with their mindfulness guides and "sensing real people." Particularly important to the development of therapeutic alliance and social presence were the mindfulness guides' "personal backgrounds and voices," such that participants felt more connected to the guides by knowing information about them and through the guides' calm tone of voice in audio recordings. Quantitative findings supported qualitative results; participants' average score for therapeutic alliance was far above the scale midpoint, while the mixed results for social presence measures aligned with qualitative findings that participants felt that the mindfulness guides seemed real but not quite as real as an in-person connection would. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that adolescents can develop therapeutic alliance and social presence when using digital interventions with no direct human contact. Adolescents' development of therapeutic alliance and social presence with self-guided digital interventions can be bolstered by increasing human-like qualities (eg, real voices) within interventions. Maximizing therapeutic alliance and social presence may be a promising way to reduce attrition in self-guided digital interventions while providing accessible treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiarah M K O'Kane
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Thalia Otamendi
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Noah D Silverberg
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Esther Choi
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Veronik Sicard
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Roger Zemek
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Katherine Healey
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Olivier Brown
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Lauren Butterfield
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Andra Smith
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Gary Goldfield
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Rachel Kardish
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Andrée-Anne Ledoux
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Molly Cairncross
- Department of Psychology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
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Thapar S, Nguyen M, Khan BN, Fanaieyan R, Kishimoto V, Liu R, Bolea-Alamañac B, Leon-Carlyle M, O'Riordan A, Keresteci M, Bhattacharyya O. Patient and Therapist Perceptions of a Publicly Funded Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (iCBT) Program for Ontario Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Qualitative Study. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e50113. [PMID: 38373027 PMCID: PMC10912991 DOI: 10.2196/50113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To address the anticipated rise in mental health symptoms experienced at the population level during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ontario government provided 2 therapist-assisted internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) programs to adults free of charge at the point of service. OBJECTIVE The study aims to explore the facilitators of and barriers to implementing iCBT at the population level in Ontario, Canada, from the perspective of patients and therapists to better understand how therapist-assisted iCBT programs can be effectively implemented at the population level and inform strategies for enhancing service delivery and integration into the health care system. METHODS Using a convenience sampling methodology, semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 therapists who delivered iCBT and 20 patients who received iCBT through either of the publicly funded programs to explore their perspectives of the program. Interview data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis to generate themes. RESULTS Six salient themes were identified. Facilitators included the therapist-assisted nature of the program; the ease of registration and the lack of cost; and the feasibility of completing the psychoeducational modules given the online and self-paced nature of the program. Barriers included challenges with the online remote modality for developing the therapeutic alliance; the program's generalized nature, which limited customization to individual needs; and a lack of formal integration between the iCBT program and the health care system. CONCLUSIONS Although the program was generally well-received by patients and therapists due to its accessibility and feasibility, the digital format of the program presented both benefits and unique challenges. Strategies for improving the quality of service delivery include opportunities for synchronous communication between therapists and patients, options for increased customization, and the formal integration of iCBT into a broader stepped-care model that centralizes patient referrals between care providers and promotes continuity of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Thapar
- Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Megan Nguyen
- Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Bilal Noreen Khan
- Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Roz Fanaieyan
- Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Vanessa Kishimoto
- Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rebecca Liu
- Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Blanca Bolea-Alamañac
- Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Marisa Leon-Carlyle
- Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anne O'Riordan
- Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Patient Advisors Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Maggie Keresteci
- Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Patient Advisors Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Onil Bhattacharyya
- Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Harris K, Gooding PA, Awenat Y, Haddock G, Cook L, Huggett C, Jones S, Lobban F, Peeney E, Pratt D, Peters S. Acceptability of a novel suicide prevention psychological therapy for people who experience non-affective psychosis. Psychol Psychother 2023; 96:560-576. [PMID: 36856293 PMCID: PMC10953419 DOI: 10.1111/papt.12456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Suicide is a leading cause of death worldwide. People experiencing psychosis are at increased risk of death by suicide. Talking therapies can alleviate suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts. Therapies need to also be acceptable to recipients. The aim of this study was to investigate the views on psychological therapy for people experiencing psychosis and suicidality using the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. DESIGN Qualitative interview study. METHODS Participants were recruited from a randomised controlled trial comparing suicide prevention psychological therapy with treatment as usual. Individuals had a diagnosis of non-affective psychosis and experience of suicidal thoughts, plans and/or attempts. To assess the acceptability of the therapy, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 participants randomised to receive therapy. Data were deductively analysed using an adaptation of the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. RESULTS Interviews (Mean = 45 min) were conducted and audio recorded with 21 participants. Data were organised into six themes: 1. Affective attitude, 2. Burden, 3. Alliance, 4. Intervention coherence, 5. Perceived effectiveness, and 6. Self-efficacy. There was no evidence of issues relating to domains of ethicality and opportunity costs associated with receiving therapy. CONCLUSIONS Talking about suicide was difficult and, at times, distressing, but it was perceived to be useful for understanding experiences. To be acceptable, it is important for therapists to ensure that clients' understanding of therapy aligns with expectations of effectiveness and to invest in building strong therapeutic alliances. Future research will benefit from examining therapists' experiences of delivering therapy through different modes (e.g. online, telephone).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamelia Harris
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
- Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre (MAHSC)ManchesterUK
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation TrustManchesterUK
| | - Patricia A. Gooding
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
- Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre (MAHSC)ManchesterUK
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation TrustManchesterUK
| | - Yvonne Awenat
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
- Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre (MAHSC)ManchesterUK
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation TrustManchesterUK
| | - Gillian Haddock
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
- Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre (MAHSC)ManchesterUK
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation TrustManchesterUK
| | - Leanne Cook
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
- Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre (MAHSC)ManchesterUK
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation TrustManchesterUK
| | - Charlotte Huggett
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
- Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre (MAHSC)ManchesterUK
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation TrustManchesterUK
| | - Steven Jones
- Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation TrustLancashireUK
- Department of Health ResearchLancaster UniversityLancasterUK
| | - Fiona Lobban
- Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation TrustLancashireUK
- Department of Health ResearchLancaster UniversityLancasterUK
| | - Ellen Peeney
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
- Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre (MAHSC)ManchesterUK
| | - Daniel Pratt
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
- Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre (MAHSC)ManchesterUK
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation TrustManchesterUK
| | - Sarah Peters
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
- Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre (MAHSC)ManchesterUK
- Manchester Centre for Health Psychology, Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biological, Medical and Health SciencesUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
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Høgh Egmose C, Heinsvig Poulsen C, Hjorthøj C, Skriver Mundy S, Hellström L, Nørgaard Nielsen M, Korsbek L, Serup Rasmussen K, Falgaard Eplov L. The Effectiveness of Peer Support in Personal and Clinical Recovery-Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Psychiatr Serv 2023:appips202100138. [PMID: 36751908 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.202100138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Peer support has been shown to support personal recovery from mental illness. It is unclear whether the effects of peer support across different mental illnesses depend on the organizational setting. The authors reviewed the effectiveness of peer support for both personal recovery and clinical recovery of adults with any mental illness and evaluated the effectiveness of peer support in different settings. METHODS A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted in PubMed, PsycInfo, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. A meta-analysis of outcomes of personal and clinical recoveries at the end of interventions was conducted. RESULTS In total, 49 RCTs with 12,477 participants with any mental illness were included. Most of the trials had a high risk for bias. Results of the meta-analysis indicated that peer support in general had a small positive effect on personal recovery (standard mean difference [SMD]=0.20; 95% CI=0.11-0.29) and decreased anxiety symptoms (SMD=-0.21; 95% CI=-0.40 to -0.02), with most trials evaluating peers added to mental health-related hospital services. No data for peers in established service roles were available for the meta-analysis. Peer-designed interventions developed to be provided independently of hospital services and delivered in community settings had a modest effect on self-advocacy. A small nonsignificant effect on personal recovery for peer support delivered online was also observed. CONCLUSIONS The effect on personal recovery from mental illness was most evident in peer support added to hospital services. High-quality RCTs with comparable cocreated interventions and clear descriptions of mechanisms of change are needed to further investigate peer support efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilie Høgh Egmose
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen (Høgh Egmose, Heinsvig Poulsen, Hjorthøj, Skriver Mundy, Hellström, Nørgaard Nielsen, Falgaard Eplov); Department of Public Health, Section of Epidemiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen (Hjorthøj); Mental Health Services, Region of Southern Denmark, Odense (Korsbek); Peer Partnership Association, Social Network Association, Copenhagen (Serup Rasmussen)
| | - Chalotte Heinsvig Poulsen
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen (Høgh Egmose, Heinsvig Poulsen, Hjorthøj, Skriver Mundy, Hellström, Nørgaard Nielsen, Falgaard Eplov); Department of Public Health, Section of Epidemiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen (Hjorthøj); Mental Health Services, Region of Southern Denmark, Odense (Korsbek); Peer Partnership Association, Social Network Association, Copenhagen (Serup Rasmussen)
| | - Carsten Hjorthøj
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen (Høgh Egmose, Heinsvig Poulsen, Hjorthøj, Skriver Mundy, Hellström, Nørgaard Nielsen, Falgaard Eplov); Department of Public Health, Section of Epidemiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen (Hjorthøj); Mental Health Services, Region of Southern Denmark, Odense (Korsbek); Peer Partnership Association, Social Network Association, Copenhagen (Serup Rasmussen)
| | - Sara Skriver Mundy
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen (Høgh Egmose, Heinsvig Poulsen, Hjorthøj, Skriver Mundy, Hellström, Nørgaard Nielsen, Falgaard Eplov); Department of Public Health, Section of Epidemiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen (Hjorthøj); Mental Health Services, Region of Southern Denmark, Odense (Korsbek); Peer Partnership Association, Social Network Association, Copenhagen (Serup Rasmussen)
| | - Lone Hellström
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen (Høgh Egmose, Heinsvig Poulsen, Hjorthøj, Skriver Mundy, Hellström, Nørgaard Nielsen, Falgaard Eplov); Department of Public Health, Section of Epidemiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen (Hjorthøj); Mental Health Services, Region of Southern Denmark, Odense (Korsbek); Peer Partnership Association, Social Network Association, Copenhagen (Serup Rasmussen)
| | - Mette Nørgaard Nielsen
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen (Høgh Egmose, Heinsvig Poulsen, Hjorthøj, Skriver Mundy, Hellström, Nørgaard Nielsen, Falgaard Eplov); Department of Public Health, Section of Epidemiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen (Hjorthøj); Mental Health Services, Region of Southern Denmark, Odense (Korsbek); Peer Partnership Association, Social Network Association, Copenhagen (Serup Rasmussen)
| | - Lisa Korsbek
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen (Høgh Egmose, Heinsvig Poulsen, Hjorthøj, Skriver Mundy, Hellström, Nørgaard Nielsen, Falgaard Eplov); Department of Public Health, Section of Epidemiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen (Hjorthøj); Mental Health Services, Region of Southern Denmark, Odense (Korsbek); Peer Partnership Association, Social Network Association, Copenhagen (Serup Rasmussen)
| | - Klavs Serup Rasmussen
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen (Høgh Egmose, Heinsvig Poulsen, Hjorthøj, Skriver Mundy, Hellström, Nørgaard Nielsen, Falgaard Eplov); Department of Public Health, Section of Epidemiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen (Hjorthøj); Mental Health Services, Region of Southern Denmark, Odense (Korsbek); Peer Partnership Association, Social Network Association, Copenhagen (Serup Rasmussen)
| | - Lene Falgaard Eplov
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen (Høgh Egmose, Heinsvig Poulsen, Hjorthøj, Skriver Mundy, Hellström, Nørgaard Nielsen, Falgaard Eplov); Department of Public Health, Section of Epidemiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen (Hjorthøj); Mental Health Services, Region of Southern Denmark, Odense (Korsbek); Peer Partnership Association, Social Network Association, Copenhagen (Serup Rasmussen)
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Sayar H, Vøllestad J, Nordgreen T. What I missed from my online therapist: A survey-based qualitative investigation of patient experiences of therapist contact in guided internet interventions. Front Psychol 2023; 14:990833. [PMID: 36818065 PMCID: PMC9932993 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.990833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The effectiveness of internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) in alleviating symptoms of psychological disorders has been demonstrated across qualitative and quantitative studies. Generally, guided ICBT is considered more effective than unguided ICBT. Yet, what therapist contact and guidance specifically add to the treatment is less clear. There is a need for more knowledge about how patients experience the relationship with their therapist in guided ICBT. The aim of the study was to explore what patients missed in the contact with their therapist in guided ICBT in routine care. Methods The study used a qualitative design to explore patients´ experiences of the therapist contact in guided ICBT for social anxiety disorder, panic disorder and major depressive disorder. Following treatment, 579 patients received a survey with the open-ended question "What did you miss in the contact with your therapist?" The responses were explored thematically using qualitative content analysis. Results A total of 608 unique responses were provided. Of these, 219 responses gave voice to some degree of perceived lack or limitation in their interaction with the therapist or the treatment in general. The analysis yielded three main categories: The first theme, Therapist-ascribed shortcomings, concerned experiences of something missing or lacking in the contact with the ICBT therapist. More specifically, the patients expressed a need for more emotionally attuned and tailored interaction. The second theme was Program obstacles, encompassing expressed wishes for increased therapist responsivity and more contact face-to-face. Self-attributed limitations, the third category, concerned patient experiences of barriers to treatment engagement as originating in themselves. Conclusion This study sheds light on what patients receiving guided ICBT in routine care missed in the contact with their therapist. The patients who expressed that something was missing in the contact with their therapist constituted a small part of the responses in the sample, even after being directly asked. The themes that emerged point to significant experiences of being inadequately related and responded to, both with potential adverse consequences for the treatment. These findings give new insights to the role of the guidance in ICBT and have implications for the training and supervision of guided ICBT therapists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Sayar
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway,*Correspondence: Hanna Sayar,
| | - Jon Vøllestad
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Tine Nordgreen
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway,Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway,Tine Nordgreen,
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Greenwood KE, Gurnani M, Ward T, Vogel E, Vella C, McGourty A, Robertson S, Sacadura C, Hardy A, Rus‐Calafell M, Collett N, Emsley R, Freeman D, Fowler D, Kuipers E, Bebbington P, Dunn G, Michelson D, Garety P. The service user experience of SlowMo therapy: A co-produced thematic analysis of service users' subjective experience. Psychol Psychother 2022; 95:680-700. [PMID: 35445520 PMCID: PMC9873386 DOI: 10.1111/papt.12393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES SlowMo is the first blended digital therapy for paranoia, showing significant small-moderate reductions in paranoia in a recent large-scale randomized controlled trial (RCT). This study explored the subjective service-user experience of the SlowMo therapy content and design; the experience of the blended therapy approach, including the triangle of the therapeutic alliance; and the experience of the digital aspects of the intervention. DESIGN Qualitative co-produced sub-study of an RCT. METHODS Participants were 22 adult service users with schizophrenia-spectrum psychosis and persistent distressing paranoia, who completed at least one SlowMo therapy session and a 24-week follow-up, at one of 3 sites in Oxford, London, and Sussex, UK. They were interviewed by peer researchers, using a topic guide co-produced by the Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) team. The transcribed data were analysed thematically. Multiple coding and triangulation, and lay peer researcher validation were used to reach a consensus on the final theme structure. RESULTS Six core themes were identified: (i) starting the SlowMo journey; (ii) the central role of the supportive therapist; (iii) slowing things down; (iv) value and learning from social connections; (v) approaches and challenges of technology; and (vi) improvements in paranoia and well-being. CONCLUSIONS For these service users, slowing down for a moment was helpful, and integrated into thinking over time. Learning from social connections reflected reduced isolation, and enhanced learning through videos, vignettes, and peers. The central role of the supportive therapist and the triangle of alliance between service user, therapist, and digital platform were effective in promoting positive therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn E. Greenwood
- School of PsychologyUniversity of SussexBrightonUK,Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation TrustWorthingUK
| | | | - Tom Ward
- Department of PsychologyInstitute of Psychiatry, Psychology and NeuroscienceKing’s College LondonLondonUK,South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
| | - Evelin Vogel
- Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation TrustWorthingUK
| | - Claire Vella
- Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation TrustWorthingUK
| | | | | | | | - Amy Hardy
- Department of PsychologyInstitute of Psychiatry, Psychology and NeuroscienceKing’s College LondonLondonUK,South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
| | | | | | - Richard Emsley
- Department of Biostatistics and Health InformaticsInstitute of Psychiatry, Psychology and NeuroscienceKing’s College LondonLondonUK
| | - Daniel Freeman
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation TrustOxfordUK,Department of PsychiatryOxford UniversityOxfordUK
| | - David Fowler
- School of PsychologyUniversity of SussexBrightonUK,Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation TrustWorthingUK
| | - Elizabeth Kuipers
- Department of PsychologyInstitute of Psychiatry, Psychology and NeuroscienceKing’s College LondonLondonUK,South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
| | | | - Graham Dunn
- Centre for BiostatisticsSchool of Health SciencesManchester Academic Health Science CentreThe University of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | | | - Philippa Garety
- Department of PsychologyInstitute of Psychiatry, Psychology and NeuroscienceKing’s College LondonLondonUK,South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
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9
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Martínez-Miranda J, Espinosa-Curiel IE. Serious games supporting the prevention and treatment of alcohol and drugs consumption in youth: a scoping review (Preprint). JMIR Serious Games 2022; 10:e39086. [PMID: 36006694 PMCID: PMC9459843 DOI: 10.2196/39086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The consumption of alcohol and drugs, particularly in adolescents and young adults, has increased worldwide in the last several years, representing a significant public health challenge. Serious games have the potential to support preventive and treatment interventions for substance use, facilitating the acquisition of relevant knowledge and the motivation for changes in attitudes and behaviors regarding substance consumption. Objective This scoping review aims to analyze a set of 7 relevant characteristics of current serious games designed to support the prevention and treatment of alcohol and drug consumption in adolescents and young adults—the substance addressed, the type of intervention, the theoretical basis, the computational techniques used, the mechanism for data security and privacy, the evaluation procedure followed, and the main results obtained. Methods The review was performed by following the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. Data were retrieved from January 2010 to May 2022, using PubMed, Scopus (Elsevier), IEEE Xplore, and ACM Digital as data sources. The eligibility criteria included studies that described serious games designed to support the prevention or treatment of alcohol and drug consumption, targeted a population aged between 12 and 30 years, and included an evaluation procedure. Authors (JMM and IEEC) individually screened the titles and abstracts, and then full articles were reviewed for a final inclusion decision. Results A total of 629 records were obtained, and 29 (4.6%) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Most of the serious games (14/29, 48%) were focused on the prevention or treatment of alcohol use. The type of intervention that was the most supported was prevention (18/29, 62%), and most studies mentioned the theory, theoretical construct, or therapeutic technique used as a foundation (22/29, 76%). Most of the studies only provided information about the platform for execution (23/29, 79%), and few described the use of computational techniques, such as virtual reality or motion-based interaction (5/29, 17%). A small set of studies (10/29, 34%) explicitly mentioned how data security and privacy were addressed. Most of the reported evaluation protocols were pilot studies (11/29, 38%), followed by randomized controlled trials (10/29, 34%), and the reported results were positive in terms of acceptability, usability, and efficacy. However, more research is needed to assess long-term effects. Conclusions Given the increasing interest in the use of serious games as digital interventions to support the prevention or treatment of substance use, knowing their main features is highly important. This review highlights whether and how current serious games incorporate 7 key features that are useful to consider for the further development of the area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Martínez-Miranda
- Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, Unidad de Transferencia Tecnológica Tepic, Tepic, Mexico
| | - Ismael Edrein Espinosa-Curiel
- Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, Unidad de Transferencia Tecnológica Tepic, Tepic, Mexico
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10
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Doukani A, Free C, Michelson D, Araya R, Montero-Marin J, Smith S, Cerga-Pashoja A, Kakuma R. Towards a conceptual framework of the working alliance in a blended low-intensity cognitive behavioural therapy intervention for depression in primary mental health care: a qualitative study. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e036299. [PMID: 32967872 PMCID: PMC7513595 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-036299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine and adapt a conceptual framework of the working alliance (WA) in the context of a low-intensity blended (psychological well-being practitioner (PWP) plus computerised program) cognitive behavioural therapy intervention (b-CBT) for depression. DESIGN Patient involvement was enlisted to collaboratively shape the design of the project from the onset, before data collection. In-depth semi-structured interviews were carried out with participants who experienced b-CBT as part of the E-compared trial. A thematic analysis was conducted using a constant comparative method informed by grounded theory. SETTING Recruitment was carried out in four psychological primary care services across the UK. PARTICIPANTS Nineteen trial participants with major depressive disorder who completed at least one computerised program and face-to-face session with a PWP in the b-CBT arm were recruited to the study. RESULTS Qualitative interviews that were guided by WA theory and patient involvement, revealed four themes: (1) a healthcare provider (PWP and computerised program) with good interpersonal competencies for building a working relationship with the client ('bond'); (2) collaborative efforts between the client and the provider to appropriately identify what the client hopes to achieve through therapy ('goals'); (3) the selection of acceptable therapeutic activities that address client goals and the availability of responsive support ('task') and (4) the promotion of active engagement and autonomous problem solving ('usability heuristics'). Participants described how the PWP and computerised program uniquely and collectively contributed to different WA needs. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to offer a preliminary conceptual framework of WA in b-CBT for depression, and how such demands can be addressed through blended PWP-computerised program delivery. These findings can be used to promote WA in technological design and clinical practice, thereby promoting engagement to b-CBT interventions and effective deployment of practitioner and program resources. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN12388725.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmae Doukani
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Caroline Free
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Ricardo Araya
- Health Service and Population Research Department, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Sarah Smith
- Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Arlinda Cerga-Pashoja
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ritsuko Kakuma
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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11
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Smoktunowicz E, Barak A, Andersson G, Banos RM, Berger T, Botella C, Dear BF, Donker T, Ebert DD, Hadjistavropoulos H, Hodgins DC, Kaldo V, Mohr DC, Nordgreen T, Powers MB, Riper H, Ritterband LM, Rozental A, Schueller SM, Titov N, Weise C, Carlbring P. Consensus statement on the problem of terminology in psychological interventions using the internet or digital components. Internet Interv 2020; 21:100331. [PMID: 32577404 PMCID: PMC7305336 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2020.100331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the emergence of psychological interventions delivered via the Internet they have differed in numerous ways. The wealth of formats, methods, and technological solutions has led to increased availability and cost-effectiveness of clinical care, however, it has simultaneously generated a multitude of terms. With this paper, we first aim to establish whether a terminology issue exists in the field of Internet-delivered psychological interventions. If so, we aim to determine its implications for research, education, and practice. Furthermore, we intend to discuss solutions to mitigate the problem; in particular, we propose the concept of a common glossary. We invited 23 experts in the field of Internet-delivered interventions to respond to four questions, and employed the Delphi method to facilitate a discussion. We found that experts overwhelmingly agreed that there were terminological challenges, and that it had significant consequences for conducting research, treating patients, educating students, and informing the general public about Internet-delivered interventions. A cautious agreement has been reached that formulating a common glossary would be beneficial for the field to address the terminology issue. We end with recommendations for the possible formats of the glossary and means to disseminate it in a way that maximizes the probability of broad acceptance for a variety of stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewelina Smoktunowicz
- Department of Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Chodakowska 19, 31 03-815 Warsaw, Poland,Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Frescati Hagvag 8, 114 19 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Azy Barak
- Department of Counseling and Human Development, University of Haifa, Israel
| | - Gerhard Andersson
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rosa M. Banos
- Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain,CIBER Fisiopatologia Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Thomas Berger
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Cristina Botella
- CIBER Fisiopatologia Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain,Uiversitat Jaume I, Valencia, Spain
| | - Blake F. Dear
- Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Tara Donker
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - David D. Ebert
- Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Clinical, Neuro- & Developmental Psychology, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Viktor Kaldo
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden,Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, & Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Sweden
| | - David C. Mohr
- Center for Behavioral Intervention Technologies, Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Tine Nordgreen
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Heleen Riper
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lee M. Ritterband
- Center for Behavioral Health & Technology, Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Alexander Rozental
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden,Institute of Child Health, UCL, London, UK
| | - Stephen M. Schueller
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Nickolai Titov
- Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Cornelia Weise
- Department of Psychology, Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Philipps–University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Per Carlbring
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Frescati Hagvag 8, 114 19 Stockholm, Sweden,Corresponding author at: Department of Psychology, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden.
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12
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Rushton K, Ardern K, Hopkin E, Welsh C, Gellatly J, Faija C, Armitage CJ, Lidbetter N, Lovell K, Bower P, Bee P. 'I didn't know what to expect': Exploring patient perspectives to identify targets for change to improve telephone-delivered psychological interventions. BMC Psychiatry 2020; 20:156. [PMID: 32264865 PMCID: PMC7137505 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-020-02564-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Remote delivery of psychological interventions to meet growing demand has been increasing worldwide. Telephone-delivered psychological treatment has been shown to be equally effective and as satisfactory to patients as face-to-face treatment. Despite robust research evidence, however, obstacles remain to the acceptance of telephone-delivered treatment in practice. This study aimed to explore those issues using a phenomenological approach from a patient perspective to identify areas for change in current provision through the use of theoretically based acceptability and behaviour change frameworks. METHODS Twenty-eight semi-structured interviews with patients experiencing symptoms of common mental health problems, waiting, receiving or having recently received telephone-delivered psychological treatment via the UK National Health Service's Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA). RESULTS The majority of data clustered within five key domains of the TDF (knowledge, skills, cognitive and interpersonal, environmental context and resources, beliefs about capabilities, beliefs about consequences) and mapped to all constructs of the TFA (affective attitude, ethicality, intervention coherence, self-efficacy, burden, opportunity costs, and perceived effectiveness). Themes highlighted that early stages of treatment can be affected by lack of patient knowledge and understanding, reservations about treatment efficacy, and practical obstacles such as absent non-verbal communication, which is deemed important in the development of therapeutic alliance. Yet post-treatment, patients can reflect more positively, and report gaining benefit from treatment. However, despite this, many patients say that if they were to return for future treatment, they would choose to see a practitioner face-to-face. CONCLUSIONS Using a combination of theoretically underpinned models has allowed the identification of key targets for change. Addressing knowledge deficits to shift attitudes, highlighting the merits of telephone delivered treatment and addressing skills and practical issues may increase acceptability of, and engagement with, telephone-delivered treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Rushton
- School of Health Sciences, Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - Kerry Ardern
- grid.11835.3e0000 0004 1936 9262Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Elinor Hopkin
- grid.5379.80000000121662407School of Health Sciences, Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Charlotte Welsh
- grid.5379.80000000121662407School of Health Sciences, Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Judith Gellatly
- grid.5379.80000000121662407School of Health Sciences, Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Cintia Faija
- grid.5379.80000000121662407School of Health Sciences, Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Christopher J. Armitage
- grid.5379.80000000121662407Manchester Centre for Health Psychology, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, United Kingdom; Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Karina Lovell
- grid.5379.80000000121662407School of Health Sciences, Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Peter Bower
- grid.5379.80000000121662407NIHR School for Primary Care Research, Centre for Primary Care and Health Services Research, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Penny Bee
- grid.5379.80000000121662407School of Health Sciences, Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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13
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Racial Differences in the Effectiveness of Internet-Delivered Mental Health Care. J Gen Intern Med 2020; 35:490-497. [PMID: 31745855 PMCID: PMC7018863 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-019-05542-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Computerized cognitive behavioral therapy (cCBT) can improve mental health outcomes in White populations; however, it is unknown whether racial and ethnic minority populations receive clinical benefits from cCBT. OBJECTIVE To study race differences in the impact of cCBT use on mental health outcomes among White and African American primary care patients. DESIGN Secondary analysis of a three-arm randomized controlled clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS Primary care physicians (PCPs) referred 2,884 patients aged 18-75; 954 met eligibility criteria (including elevated mood and/or anxiety symptoms indicated as a score ≥ 10 on Patient Health Questionnaire or Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale); 704 were randomized in 3:3:1 ratio to receive either (1) the cCBT program (cCBT-only), (2) cCBT plus access to an Internet Support Group (cCBT+ISG), or (3) their PCP's usual care (UC). After exclusions, this study analyzed 689 patients: 590 receiving cCBT, in the combined cCBT-only and cCBT+ISG groups (91 African American, 499 White), and 99 receiving UC (22 African American, 77 White). INTERVENTION(S) We used the Beating the Blues cCBT program that consisted of eight 50-min Internet-delivered interactive sessions and "homework" assignments to complete between weekly sessions. College graduate-level care coaches provided six months of remote support. MAIN MEASURE(S) After prior analyses demonstrated no effect of the ISG program, we combined the cCBT-only and cCBT+ISG groups (cCBT) to compare to UC at 6-month follow-up. Controlling for sociodemographic factors, baseline symptoms, and treatment arm, we examined race differences for impact of cCBT versus UC on the mental health-related quality-of-life (Short-form 12 Health Survey), and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) anxiety, and depression. RESULTS Compared to UC, cCBT had no effect on quality of life (d = 0.10; p = 0.40), depression (d = - 0.19; p = 0.10), or anxiety (d = - 0.16; p = 0.18) for Whites. However, for African American patients, cCBT was associated with significant 6-month decrease in depression (d = - 0.47, p < 0.01) and anxiety scores (d = - 0.54, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS cCBT may be an efficient and scalable first step to eliminating disparities in mental health care. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01482806. https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01482806?term=rollman&rank=4.
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14
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Yim SH, Schmidt U. Experiences of computer-based and conventional self-help interventions for eating disorders: A systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative research. Int J Eat Disord 2019; 52:1108-1124. [PMID: 31343088 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Self-help interventions have been demonstrated to be effective in treating bulimic-type eating disorders (EDs). In particular, computer-based interventions have received increasing attention due to their potential to reach a wider population. This systematic review aimed to synthesize findings from qualitative studies on users' experiences of self-help interventions for EDs and to develop an exploratory framework. METHOD A systematic review and meta-synthesis on seven peer-reviewed qualitative studies on structured computer and book-based self-help interventions for EDs was conducted using Noblit and Hare's (1988) 7-phase meta-ethnography. Four of the selected studies investigated computer-based self-help programs, and three of the studies investigated book-based guided self-help programs. RESULTS Six concepts were synthesized. They included intervention-related factors (anonymity and privacy; accessibility and flexibility; guidance) and user-related factors (agency/autonomy; self-motivation; and expectations/attitudes). The study revealed the "machine-like" and relational properties of the computer; the expansion of treatment time and space in psychological interventions, the changing role of the medical health professional from a "therapist" to a "guide," and a change from understanding interventions as a conclusive treatment plan to a starting point or stepping stone toward recovery. DISCUSSION Computer-based self-help interventions should take advantage of the "machine-like" properties of a computer (neutrality, availability, etc.) as well as its ability to facilitate human interactions. Users should also be facilitated to have a realistic understanding of the purpose of self-help interventions and the place of self-help interventions in their broader treatment plans to moderate expectations and attitudes.
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Affiliation(s)
- See Heng Yim
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Section of Eating Disorders, London, UK
| | - Ulrike Schmidt
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Section of Eating Disorders, London, UK.,The Eating Disorders Service, Maudsley Hospital, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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15
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McCall HC, Helgadottir FD, Menzies RG, Hadjistavropoulos HD, Chen FS. Evaluating a Web-Based Social Anxiety Intervention Among Community Users: Analysis of Real-World Data. J Med Internet Res 2019; 21:e11566. [PMID: 30632965 PMCID: PMC6329899 DOI: 10.2196/11566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Social anxiety is both harmful and prevalent. It also currently remains among the most undertreated major mental disorders, due, in part, to socially anxious individuals’ concerns about the stigma and expense of seeking help. The privacy and affordability of computer-aided psychotherapy interventions may render them particularly helpful in addressing these concerns, and they are also highly scalable, but most tend to be only somewhat effective without therapist support. However, a recent evaluation of a new self-guided, 7-module internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy intervention called Overcome Social Anxiety found that it was highly effective. Objective The initial evaluation of Overcome Social Anxiety revealed that it led to significant reductions in symptom severity among university undergraduates. The aim of this study was to extend the results of the initial study and investigate their generalizability by directly evaluating the intervention’s effectiveness among a general community sample. Methods While signing up for Overcome Social Anxiety, users consented to the usage of their anonymized outcome data for research purposes. Before and after completing the intervention, users completed the Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale (FNE), which we employed as the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures included the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) and 2 bespoke questionnaires measuring socially anxious thoughts (Thoughts Questionnaire) and avoidance behaviors (Avoidance Questionnaire). Results Participants who completed the intervention (102/369, 27.7%) experienced significant reductions in the severity of their symptoms on all measures employed, including FNE (P<.001; Cohen d=1.76), the depression subscale of DASS (P<.001; Cohen d=0.70), the anxiety subscale of DASS (P<.001; Cohen d=0.74), the stress subscale of DASS (P<.001; Cohen d=0.80), the Thoughts Questionnaire (P<.001; Cohen d=1.46), and the Avoidance Questionnaire (P<.001; Cohen d=1.42). Conclusions Our results provide further evidence that Overcome Social Anxiety reduces the severity of social anxiety symptoms among those who complete it and suggest that its effectiveness extends to the general community. The completion rate is the highest documented for a fully automated intervention for anxiety, depression, or low mood in a real community sample. In addition, our results indicate that Overcome Social Anxiety reduces the severity of symptoms of depression, physiological symptoms of anxiety, and stress in addition to symptoms of social anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fjola Dogg Helgadottir
- AI-Therapy, North Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Dr. Fjóla & Kompaní, Reykjavík, Iceland.,Hugræna Atferlisstöðin í Reykjavík, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Ross G Menzies
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Frances S Chen
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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16
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Geramita EM, Herbeck Belnap B, Abebe KZ, Rothenberger SD, Rotondi AJ, Rollman BL. The Association Between Increased Levels of Patient Engagement With an Internet Support Group and Improved Mental Health Outcomes at 6-Month Follow-Up: Post-Hoc Analyses From a Randomized Controlled Trial. J Med Internet Res 2018; 20:e10402. [PMID: 30021711 PMCID: PMC6068384 DOI: 10.2196/10402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We recently reported that depressed and anxious primary care patients randomized to a moderated internet support group (ISG) plus computerized cognitive behavioral therapy (cCBT) did not experience improvements in depression and anxiety over cCBT alone at 6-month follow-up. OBJECTIVE The 1% rule posits that 1% of participants in online communities generate approximately 90% of new user-created content. The aims of this study were to apply the 1% rule to categorize patient engagement with the ISG and identify whether any patient subgroups benefitted from ISG use. METHODS We categorized the 302 patients randomized to the ISG as: superusers (3/302, 1.0%), top contributors (30/302, 9.9%), contributors (108/302, 35.8%), observers (87/302, 28.8%) and those who never logged in (74/302, 24.5%). We then applied linear mixed models to examine associations between engagement and 6-month changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL; Short Form Health Survey Mental Health Component, SF-12 MCS) and depression and anxiety symptoms (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System, PROMIS). RESULTS At baseline, participant mean age was 42.6 years, 81.1% (245/302) were female, and mean Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7), and SF-12 MCS scores were 13.4, 12.6, and 31.7, respectively. Of the 75.5% (228/302) who logged in, 61.8 % (141/228) created ≥1 post (median 1, interquartile range, IQR 0-5); superusers created 42.3 % (630/1488) of posts (median 246, IQR 78-306), top contributors created 34.6% (515/1488; median 11, IQR 10-18), and contributors created 23.1 % (343/1488; median 3, IQR 1-5). Compared to participants who never logged in, the combined superuser + top contributor subgroup (n=33) reported 6-month improvements in anxiety (PROMIS: -11.6 vs -7.8; P=.04) and HRQoL (SF-12 MCS: 16.1 vs 10.1; P=.01) but not in depression. No other subgroup reported significant symptom improvements. CONCLUSIONS Patient engagement with the ISG was more broadly distributed than predicted by the 1% rule. The 11% of participants with the highest engagement levels reported significant improvements in anxiety and HRQoL. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01482806; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01482806 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/708Bjlge9).
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M Geramita
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Bea Herbeck Belnap
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Göttingen Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Health and Smart Technology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Kaleab Z Abebe
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Scott D Rothenberger
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Armando J Rotondi
- Center for Behavioral Health and Smart Technology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Bruce L Rollman
- Center for Behavioral Health and Smart Technology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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