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Leigh E, Nicol-Harper R, Travlou M, Clark DM. Adolescents' experience of receiving internet-delivered cognitive therapy for social anxiety disorder. Internet Interv 2023; 34:100664. [PMID: 37720914 PMCID: PMC10502334 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2023.100664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a debilitating condition that usually begins in adolescence. We recently demonstrated preliminary efficacy of an internet-delivered therapist-assisted version of Cognitive Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) for adolescents called Online Social anxiety Cognitive therapy for Adolescents (OSCA). Here we report on the helpfulness, support, and overall acceptability of OSCA from the perspective of trial participants. Methods Participants were 17 young people aged 15-18 years who had participated in a trial of OSCA. Post-treatment, participants completed an online treatment acceptability questionnaire and took part in a semi-structured interview to gain an understanding of their experience of OSCA. Results Overall, there was a very high rate of treatment satisfaction. Core aspects of the treatment were viewed as most helpful, including behavioural experiments even though participants found them challenging. Participants found the online nature of the treatment helpful, allowing for easier communication with the therapist, regular encouragement from the therapist, and the ability to go back to their treatment and view their progress. Challenges were, for some, the quantity of content and practical issues around scheduling the short weekly calls with their therapist. Conclusions This study suggests that young people felt helped and supported by OSCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Leigh
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | | | - Mariana Travlou
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, UK
| | - David M. Clark
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, UK
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Asplund RP, Carvallo F, Christensson H, Videsäter E, Häggman A, Ljótsson B, Carlbring P, Andersson G. Learning how to recover from stress: Results from an internet-based randomized controlled pilot trial. Internet Interv 2023; 34:100681. [PMID: 38023967 PMCID: PMC10643270 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2023.100681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
•One of the first trials examining the efficacy of a brief preventive recovery training program in a sample of distressed employees.•Preliminary results suggest that employees across a wide range of professions could learn to recover, reduce stress, and improve quality-of-life.•This type of accessible and brief recovery intervention might shape the future of workplace stress prevention, however, more research is needed.
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Nomeikaite A, Gelezelyte O, Berger T, Andersson G, Kazlauskas E. Exploring reasons for usage discontinuation in an internet-delivered stress recovery intervention: A qualitative study. Internet Interv 2023; 34:100686. [PMID: 37942059 PMCID: PMC10628352 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2023.100686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) interventions can be as effective as traditional face-to-face therapy for various mental health conditions. However, a significant challenge these online interventions face is the high rate of people who start but then stop using the program. This early discontinuation can be seen as incomplete treatment and can reduce the potential benefits for users. By exploring why people stop using ICBT programs, we can better understand how to address this problem. This study aimed to examine the experiences of healthcare workers who had stopped using a therapist-guided internet-delivered stress recovery program to gain deeper insights into usage attrition. We conducted semi-structured interviews with twelve participants who were female healthcare workers ranging in age from 24 to 68 years (M = 44.67, SD = 11.80). Telephone interviews were conducted and the data were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. Qualitative data analysis revealed that most participants had multiple reasons for discontinuing the program. They identified both barriers and facilitators to using the program, which could be categorized as either personal or program related. Personal aspects included life circumstances, personal characteristics, and psychological responses to the program. Program-related aspects encompassed technical factors, program content, and the level of support provided. The findings of this study can enhance our understanding of why people stop using guided internet-delivered programs. We discuss the practical and research implications, with the ultimate aim of improving the design and efficacy of internet interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Auguste Nomeikaite
- Center for Psychotraumatology, Institute of Psychology, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Odeta Gelezelyte
- Center for Psychotraumatology, Institute of Psychology, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Thomas Berger
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gerhard Andersson
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Evaldas Kazlauskas
- Center for Psychotraumatology, Institute of Psychology, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
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Amanvermez Y, Karyotaki E, Cuijpers P, Ciharova M, Donker M, Hurks P, Salemink E, Spinhoven P, Struijs S, de Wit LM. A Guided, Internet-Based Stress Management Intervention for University Students With High Levels of Stress: Feasibility and Acceptability Study. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e45725. [PMID: 37948106 PMCID: PMC10674149 DOI: 10.2196/45725] [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: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transitioning to adulthood and challenges in university life can result in increased stress levels among university students. Chronic and severe stress is associated with deleterious psychological and physiological effects. Digital interventions could succeed in approaching and helping university students who might be at risk; however, the experiences of students with internet-based stress management interventions are insufficiently understood. OBJECTIVE This study aims to explore the feasibility; acceptability; and changes in perceived stress, depressive symptoms, and quality of life from baseline to posttest assessment of a 5-session, internet-based stress management intervention guided by an e-coach, developed for university students experiencing high levels of stress. METHODS A single-arm study was conducted. Students were recruited from different channels, mainly from a web survey. Students were eligible if they (1) scored ≥20 on the Perceived Stress Scale-10, (2) were aged ≥18 years, and (3) were studying at one of the participating universities. Feasibility and acceptability of the intervention were investigated using several indications, including satisfaction (Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8) and usability (System Usability Scale-10). We also investigated the indicators of intervention adherence using use metrics (eg, the number of completed sessions). Our secondary goal was to explore the changes in perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale-10), depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), and quality of life (EQ-5D-5L scale) from baseline to posttest assessment. In addition, we conducted semistructured interviews with intervention completers and noncompleters to understand user experiences in depth. For all primary outcomes, descriptive statistics were calculated. Changes from baseline to posttest assessment were examined using 2-tailed paired sample t tests or the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Of 436 eligible students, 307 (70.4%) students started using the intervention. Overall, 25.7% (79/307) completed the core sessions (ie, sessions 1-3) and posttest assessment. A substantial proportion of the students (228/307, 74.3%) did not complete the core sessions or the posttest assessment. Students who completed the core sessions reported high satisfaction (mean 25.78, SD 3.30) and high usability of the intervention (mean 86.01, SD 10.25). Moreover, this group showed large reductions in perceived stress (Cohen d=0.80) and moderate improvements in depression score (Cohen d=0.47) and quality of life (Cohen d=-0.35) from baseline to posttest assessment. Qualitative findings highlight that several personal and intervention-related factors play a role in user experience. CONCLUSIONS The internet-based stress management intervention seems to be feasible, acceptable, and possibly effective for some university students with elevated stress levels. However, given the high dropout rate and qualitative findings, several adjustments in the content and features of the intervention are needed to maximize the user experience and the impact of the intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION Netherlands Trial Register 8686; https://onderzoekmetmensen.nl/nl/trial/20889. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.1016/j.invent.2021.100369.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yagmur Amanvermez
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands
| | - Eirini Karyotaki
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Pim Cuijpers
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marketa Ciharova
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Marianne Donker
- Department of Health Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Petra Hurks
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Elske Salemink
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | - Sascha Struijs
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Leonore M de Wit
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Pfaffinger KF, Reif JAM, Spieß E, Czakert JP, Berger R. Using digital interventions to reduce digitalisation-related stress-does it work? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2022:1-16. [PMID: 35996884 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2022.2115234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Digitalisation entails positive and negative consequences for employees. In a longitudinal, randomized control group design over 14 days (N = 95 participants), we piloted and expected each of three app-based interventions to positively influence general well-being, well-being related to information and communication technology (ICT), and recovery compared to the control group with no intervention. The meditation intervention significantly increased general well-being (satisfaction) and recovery (detachment) compared to the control group but did not reduce general stress. The cognitive-behavioural intervention significantly increased general well-being (less stress). The informational intervention however increased the general stress level. No intervention changed the level of ICT-specific well-being. Thus, classic stress interventions conveyed via ICTs (app-based) may be effective for addressing classic stress symptoms, but not yet for new forms of stress. Future research should investigate structural differences between classic stressors and new kinds of ICT-related stressors to identify starting points for new types of interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina F Pfaffinger
- Economic and Organizational Psychology, Ludwig Maximilians-Universitaet Muenchen, Munich, Germany.
| | - Julia A M Reif
- Economic and Organizational Psychology, Universitaet der Bundeswehr Muenchen, Neubiberg, Germany
| | - Erika Spieß
- Economic and Organizational Psychology, Ludwig Maximilians-Universitaet Muenchen, Munich, Germany.
| | - Jan Philipp Czakert
- Department of Social and Quantitative Psychology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Rita Berger
- Department of Social and Quantitative Psychology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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Ebren G, Demircioğlu M, Çırakoğlu OC. A neglected aspect of refugee relief works: Secondary and vicarious traumatic stress. J Trauma Stress 2022; 35:891-900. [PMID: 35201632 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The literature demonstrates evidence that secondary traumatic stress (STS) and vicarious traumatic stress (VTS) may adversely affect the well-being of refugee relief workers and, thus, the quality of their services. The present review offers an exploration of (a) the theoretical background of STS and VTS, (b) their appearance among refugee relief workers, (c) intervention studies available, (d) common points among intervention studies and guidelines on STS and VTS released by local and international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and (e) the potential problems that can be associated with the insufficiency of standardized intervention programs as assessed in effectiveness studies. This review may help mental health professionals in countries that host large numbers of refugees and asylum seekers, such as Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan, to design more effective intervention programs targeting STS and VTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gökhan Ebren
- Stress Management Application and Research Center, Başkent University, Ankara, Turkey
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Experiences of a therapist-guided internet-delivered intervention for hazardous and harmful drinking. A qualitative study. Internet Interv 2022; 28:100543. [PMID: 35541285 PMCID: PMC9079724 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2022.100543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol is the third leading risk factor for burden of disease in the world, causing significant health damage to the individual as well as costs to the surroundings and society as whole. Internet-delivered psychological interventions may help the individual to address alcohol consumption at an early stage before it develops into more serious problems. There is a need to investigate how participants experience internet-delivered interventions for hazardous and harmful drinking to optimize its usefulness in the target population. METHODS The present study was part of an open pre-post pilot trial to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a therapist-guided internet-delivered cognitive behavioural intervention for hazardous and harmful alcohol use. The aim was to investigate participants` experiences of the intervention and the ways in which the intervention helped them to address their alcohol consumption. Fifteen participants were selected from the open pre-post trial (n = 32), and semi-structured interviews were conducted immediately after participants had completed the treatment. The interviews were analysed using Thematic Analysis. RESULTS The results indicate that most of the participants found the intervention to be useful. Participants reported that the intervention made them more aware of the consequences of excessive drinking and gave them tools to cope with their alcohol consumption. Among the perceived advantages were the flexibility and anonymity of the intervention and therapist support. Participants called for more individualisation of the treatment to meet individual needs. CONCLUSIONS A therapist-guided internet-delivered intervention for hazardous and harmful drinking can help individuals to address their alcohol consumption and give them tools to cope with their drinking. Future studies should examine the feasibility of tailoring modules to individual needs.
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Persson Asplund R, Asplund S, von Buxhoeveden H, Delby H, Eriksson K, Svenning Gerhardsson M, Palm J, Skyttberg T, Torstensson J, Ljótsson B, Carlbring P, Andersson G. Work-focused versus generic internet-based interventions for employees with stress-related disorders: A randomized controlled trial (Preprint). J Med Internet Res 2022; 25:e34446. [PMID: 37097739 PMCID: PMC10170369 DOI: 10.2196/34446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent decades, stress-related disorders have received more attention, with an increasing prevalence, especially within the working population. The internet provides new options for broad dissemination, and a growing body of evidence suggests that web-based interventions for stress might be effective. However, few studies have examined the efficacy of interventions in clinical samples and work-related outcomes. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an internet-based cognitive behavioral intervention for stress-related disorders integrating work-related aspects (work-focused and internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy [W-iCBT]), compared with a generic internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) group and a waitlist control (WLC) group. METHODS In this trial, 182 employees, mainly employed in the health care, IT, or educational sector, who fulfilled the criteria for a stress-related disorder, were randomized to a 10-week W-iCBT (n=61, 33.5%), generic iCBT (n=61, 33.5%), or WLC (n=60, 33%). Self-rated questionnaires on perceived stress, burnout, exhaustion, and other mental health- and work-related outcomes were administered before and after the treatment and at 6- and 12-month follow-ups. RESULTS Compared with the WLC group, participants of the W-iCBT and iCBT groups showed an equal and significant reduction in the primary outcome (Shirom-Melamed Burnout Questionnaire [SMBQ]) from pretreatment to posttreatment assessment (Cohen d=1.00 and 0.83, respectively) and at the 6-month follow-up (Cohen d=0.74 and 0.74, respectively). Significant moderate-to-large effect sizes were also found in the secondary health- and work-related outcomes. The W-iCBT was the only group that exhibited significant effects on work ability and short-term sickness absence. Short-term sickness absence was 445 days lower than the WLC group and 324 days lower than the iCBT intervention group. However, no significant differences were found in terms of work experience or long-term sick leave. CONCLUSIONS The work-focused and generic iCBT interventions proved to be superior compared with the control condition in reducing chronic stress and several other mental health-related symptoms. Interestingly, effects on work ability and short-term sickness absence were only seen between the W-iCBT intervention and the WLC groups. These preliminary results are promising, indicating that treatments that include work aspects may have the potential to accelerate recovery and reduce short-term sickness absence because of stress-related disorders. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05240495; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05240495 (retrospectively registered).
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Persson Asplund
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Sofia Asplund
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Helene von Buxhoeveden
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Hanna Delby
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Karin Eriksson
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | | | - Joachim Palm
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Thea Skyttberg
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Julia Torstensson
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Brjánn Ljótsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per Carlbring
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gerhard Andersson
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Calero Elvira A, Santacreu Ivars M, Marchena Giráldez C, Shih PC. Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy programme with and without videoconference guidance sessions: A randomized controlled trial to treat work-related symptoms of anxiety and depression. Clin Psychol Psychother 2021; 28:1230-1242. [PMID: 33586819 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2571] [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: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
This study provides the results from the implementation of a highly structured therapist-guided iCBT programme for people with work-related anxiety and depression, in terms of programme efficacy, participants' adherence and satisfaction. Seventy-seven national police workers were randomly allocated to one of two groups: without additional videoconference sessions (web platform with guidance of therapist) and with additional videoconference sessions (same intervention as the previous group, plus two videoconference guidance sessions with a psychologist). The intervention was composed of 12 sessions and took place for 17-20 weeks. We found an adherence rate of 36.4%, with no differences between groups. All participants endorsed lower depression (BDI-II F(1) = 36.98, p < .001; ATQ F(1) = 24.22, p < .001), and anxiety (STAI-State F(1) = 76.62, p < .001) after the programme. As a variable related to anxiety and depression in workplace, participants also showed higher assertiveness levels (RAS F(1) = 8.96, p < .001). A significant reduction of the mean level of anxiety perceived by participants as the intervention programme progressed was observed in both groups (F(2) = 7.44; p = .003). Participants were satisfied with the therapists' intervention and with the programme. No significant group effects were found for any of the measures. Reduction in depression levels was maintained in the 12-month follow-up, but levels of anxiety increased. This study is innovative, as it is the first controlled trial to analyse the effect of two added videoconference sessions, and it includes short- and long-term measures, which is not usual. The results are discussed to clarify the role of the contact with the therapist to improve treatment adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Calero Elvira
- Department of Biological and Health Psychology, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Santacreu Ivars
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, European University of Madrid, Villaviciosa de Odón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Marchena Giráldez
- Faculty of Education and Psychology, Francisco de Vitoria University, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pei-Chun Shih
- Department of Biological and Health Psychology, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Nissling L, Fahlke C, Lilja JL, Skoglund I, Weineland S. Primary Care Peer-Supported Internet-Mediated Psychological Treatment for Adults With Anxiety Disorders: Mixed Methods Study. JMIR Form Res 2020; 4:e19226. [PMID: 32815819 PMCID: PMC7471888 DOI: 10.2196/19226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The effect of internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) on anxiety in adults is well-known. However, patient dropouts and poor adherence to treatment are common. Feelings of belonging and empowerment from the treatment might be key to the completion of iCBT. Peer support workers are people with a personal experience of mental health problems, trained to provide professional support to people who require mental health care. Objective This study aims to assess patient experiences; the feasibility, safety, and acceptability; and preliminary effectiveness on anxiety and depression, empowerment, and adherence to treatment in an 8-week peer-supported iCBT program for patients with anxiety disorders treated in primary care. Methods This was a single-arm mixed methods feasibility study. Participants were patients referred to a central unit for iCBT in primary care. Quantitative data were collected pre-, post-, and 3 months postintervention. Qualitative data were collected through semistructured interviews. Results A total of 9 participants completed the quantitative outcome assessment. Statistically significant improvements were observed in perceived empowerment at a 3-month follow-up, and significant decreases in anxiety, depression, and psychological distress at the end of the treatment were maintained at a 3-month follow-up. In total, 8 of the 9 patients showed improvement in the severity of their symptoms of anxiety. Adherence to treatment was good among the participants. No serious adverse events were reported. Eight participants were enrolled in the qualitative analysis. The qualitative results showed 3 main themes: (1) real contact in an online world, (2) empowering experiences, and (3) being behind the wheel. Qualitative results largely emphasized the personal relationship and supported the acceptability of adding peer support to iCBT. Conclusions Peer support in digital treatment seems to be a safe and acceptable intervention. The preliminary results suggest the effectiveness of peer support on patient empowerment, anxiety, depression, psychological distress, and adherence to treatment. The results indicate the need for future studies to evaluate the effect of adding peer support to iCBT in larger randomized controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linnea Nissling
- Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,R&D Primary Health Care, Västra Götaland, Sweden
| | - Claudia Fahlke
- Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Josefine L Lilja
- Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,R&D Primary Health Care, Västra Götaland, Sweden
| | - Ingmarie Skoglund
- R&D Primary Health Care, Västra Götaland, Sweden.,General Medicine, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sandra Weineland
- Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,R&D Primary Health Care, Västra Götaland, Sweden
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