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Sexton MB, Cochran HM, Schubert JR, Gorin HM, Paulson JL, Boyd MR, Porter KE, Smith ER. Trauma-focused therapy retention among military sexual trauma survivors: relationship with veterans' sexual or gender minority identification. Cogn Behav Ther 2024; 53:351-363. [PMID: 38317621 DOI: 10.1080/16506073.2024.2313740] [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: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Military servicemembers identifying as sexual and gender minorities (SGM) are at increased risk for military sexual trauma (MST) exposure and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Although evidence-based treatments can reduce symptoms of PTSD, treatment attrition is concerning. Unfortunately, evaluations of such approaches with veterans identifying as SGM are currently restricted to case studies offering limited information regarding treatment completion. Both historic and current contextual factors related to military and mental health practices may uniquely influence minority veterans' treatment engagement in veteran healthcare settings. We explored associations between SGM identification and treatment of MST-focused therapy completion patterns (finishing the full protocol [FP] or receiving minimally adequate care [MAC; defined as attending eight or more sessions]). Veterans (N = 271, 12.5% SGM) enrolled in individual Prolonged Exposure or Cognitive Processing Therapies at a Midwestern veterans hospital system. Those identifying as SGM were more likely than non-identifying peers to complete FP treatment and, even when attrition occurred, they were retained longer. For MAC, the SGM group was as likely as non-SGM peers to be retained. This research suggests SGM veterans represent a notable minority of those seeking treatment in association with MST and do not appear at greater risk for discontinuation from trauma-focused treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minden B Sexton
- Mental Health Service, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Heather M Cochran
- Mental Health Service, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jessica R Schubert
- Mental Health Service, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Hillary M Gorin
- Mental Health Service, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Julia L Paulson
- Mental Health Service, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN, USA
| | - Meredith R Boyd
- Mental Health Service, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Katherine E Porter
- Mental Health Service, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Erin R Smith
- Mental Health Service, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Chen JA, Shofer J, Barnes ML, Livingston WS, Upham M, Simpson TL. Military Sexual Trauma As a Risk Factor for Treatment Non-Response from an Online, Self-Management Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Treatment for Women Veterans. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2024; 39:2214-2237. [PMID: 38073465 DOI: 10.1177/08862605231216722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Women veterans are exposed to high rates of trauma, including military sexual trauma (MST), and face unique barriers to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment. Telehealth interventions that are tailored to women veterans' unique lived experiences may improve treatment engagement and outcomes. It is important to ascertain how beneficial new telehealth interventions are in the context of different patient characteristics and trauma types, particularly for lower-intensity telehealth interventions (e.g., web-based programs or apps). This secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial conducted in a sample of 102 women veterans examines predictors of treatment response to a self-management, telehealth intervention for PTSD: Delivery of Self Training and Education for Stressful Situations-Women Veterans (DESTRESS-WV). In the trial, women veterans with PTSD received either an online cognitive behavioral intervention with phone coaching, or phone monitoring alone. We examined associations between baseline patient characteristics (demographics, trauma types, and clinical symptoms) and treatment outcome at post-treatment, 3 months, and 6 months, focusing on the association between treatment outcome and MST. Our primary outcomes were changes in PTSD (PTSD Symptom Checklist, Version 5, PCL-5) and depression (8-item Patient Health Questionnaire, PHQ-8) in the full sample, adjusting for treatment condition. Women veterans who identified MST as the primary trauma for which they were seeking PTSD treatment experienced a nearly nine-point lesser improvement on the PCL-5 than those seeking PTSD treatment for other trauma types (e.g., childhood abuse, combat trauma; p = .0073). Similar patterns were found for depression symptoms. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the association between trauma type and treatment outcomes within the context of a self-management, telehealth treatment for PTSD. While the study was not powered to examine differential treatment response for patient subgroups, our exploratory findings suggest that gaps remain in providing effective PTSD care for women veterans who experienced MST.Trial registration: The trial and analysis plan were preregistered in ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT02917447).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Chen
- VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle, WA, USA
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jane Shofer
- VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle, WA, USA
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Whitney S Livingston
- National Center for PTSD Women's Health Sciences Division at VA Boston Healthcare System, Jamaica Plain, MA, USA
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Tracy L Simpson
- VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle, WA, USA
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Center of Excellence in Substance Addiction Treatment & Education, VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle, WA, USA
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3
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Ross DC, McCallum N, Truuvert AK, Butt A, Behdinan T, Rojas D, Soklaridis S, Vigod S. The development and evaluation of a virtual, asynchronous, trauma-focused treatment program for adult survivors of childhood interpersonal trauma. J Ment Health 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38572918 DOI: 10.1080/09638237.2024.2332797] [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: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The long-term mental and physical health implications of childhood interpersonal trauma on adult survivors is immense, however, there is a lack of available trauma-focused treatment services that are widely accessible. This study, utilizing a user-centered design process, sought feedback on the initial design and development of a novel, self-paced psychoeducation and skills-based treatment intervention for this population. AIMS To explore the views and perspectives of adult survivors of childhood interpersonal trauma on the first two modules of an asynchronous trauma-focused treatment program. METHODS Fourteen participants from our outpatient hospital service who completed the modules consented to provide feedback on their user experience. A thematic analysis of the three focus groups was conducted. RESULTS Four major themes emerged from the focus groups: (1) technology utilization, (2) module content, (3) asynchronous delivery, and (4) opportunity for interactivity. Participants noted the convenience of the platform and the use of multimedia content to increase engagement and did not find the modules to be emotionally overwhelming. CONCLUSIONS Our research findings suggest that an asynchronous virtual intervention for childhood interpersonal trauma survivors may be a safe and acceptable way to provide a stabilization-focused intervention on a wider scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana C Ross
- Women's College Hospital and Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nancy McCallum
- Women's College Hospital and Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Annie K Truuvert
- Women's College Hospital and Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Aysha Butt
- Women's College Hospital and Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tina Behdinan
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - David Rojas
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- The Wilson Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sophie Soklaridis
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- The Wilson Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Centre for Addictions and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Simone Vigod
- Women's College Hospital and Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Hardeberg Bach M, Ahrens C, Olff M, Armour C, Krogh SS, Hansen M. EHealth for Sexual Assault: A Systematic Scoping Review. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2024; 25:102-116. [PMID: 36632639 DOI: 10.1177/15248380221143355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Providing efficient psychosocial support for survivors of sexual assault is of critical societal importance. Around the globe, technology-based solutions (eHealth) are increasingly being used to accomplish this task, especially following COVID-19. Despite increased importance and reliance on eHealth for sexual assault, minimal efforts have been made to systematically synthesize research in this area. The present study therefore sought to synthesize what is known about eHealth targeting sexual assault survivors' psychosocial needs using a systematic scoping review methodology. To this end, five databases (CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and Scopus) were systematically searched for studies published from 2010 onwards using terms such as "sexual assault", "eHealth", "digital health", "telehealth", and variations thereof. Of the 6,491 records screened for eligibility, 85 studies were included in the review. We included empirical studies from all countries pertaining to eHealth for sexual assault for survivors 13 years or older. Many innovative eHealth applications for sexual assault exist today, and the included studies suggested that survivors generally experience eHealth positively and seem to benefit from it. Nevertheless, much more clinical and empirical work is needed to ensure accessible and effective solutions for all.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Maj Hansen
- University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Dhaliwal R, Yap S, Talarico F, Al-Shamali H, Mcweeny R, Reeson M, Shalaby R, Chen T, Spronk E, Snodgrass R, Tu E, Erick T, Marshall T, Kennedy M, Greenshaw AJ, Winkler O, Burback L. Synchronous Web-Based Psychotherapy for Mental Disorders From a Health Quality Perspective: Scoping Review. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e40710. [PMID: 37921863 PMCID: PMC10656669 DOI: 10.2196/40710] [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: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated rapid changes to health care delivery, including a shift from in-person to digitally delivered psychotherapy. While these changes helped ensure timely psychotherapy provision, many concerns exist, including clinical, cultural, practical, privacy, and security issues. OBJECTIVE This scoping review systematically mapped existing peer-reviewed research on synchronous, therapist-delivered web-based psychotherapy for individuals with a diagnosed mental illness. Data were analyzed through the lens of the Alberta Quality Matrix for Health (AQMH) to assess to what degree this literature addresses key indicators of health care quality. This analysis aided in the identification and organization of knowledge gaps with regard to web-based psychotherapies, highlighting potential disparities between previously prioritized dimensions of care and those requiring further attention. METHODS This review adhered to the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. We included peer-reviewed primary research studies in the English language investigating synchronous, therapist-delivered remote psychotherapy delivered to adults (aged 18 years and older) with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or International Statistical Classification of Diseases diagnosed mental illness. All other citations were excluded. Relevant studies were identified through MEDLINE, APA PsycINFO, Embase (OVID), Web of Science: Core Collection (Clarivate), Cochrane Library (Wiley), and Scopus (Elsevier) databases. Databases were searched on March 18, 2021. For every publication that was taken into consideration, the data were charted independently by 2 reviewers, and in the event of a discrepancy, the principal investigator validated the choice of either extractor. Results were thematically described according to the 6 AQMH dimensions: acceptability, accessibility, appropriateness, effectiveness, efficiency, and safety. RESULTS From 13,209 publications, 48 articles were included, largely from North American studies. Most studies measured treatment effectiveness (n=48, 100%) and acceptability (n=29, 60%) health quality dimensions. Over 80% (40/48) of studies investigated either a cognitive or exposure intervention for either posttraumatic stress disorder or a mood or anxiety disorder, generally indicating comparable results to in-person therapy. Safety (n=5, 10%) was measured in fewer studies, while treatment accessibility, appropriateness, and efficiency were not explicitly measured in any study, although these dimensions were mentioned as a future direction, hypothesis, or potential outcome. CONCLUSIONS In relation to web-based therapist-delivered psychotherapies for those with a diagnosed mental illness, important aspects of health care quality (accessibility, appropriateness, efficiency, and safety) have received little scientific examination, underscoring a need to address these gaps. There are also significant issues related to the generalizability of this literature, including the underrepresentation of many geographic regions, cultures, populations, clinical contexts, and psychotherapy modalities. Qualitative research in underrepresented populations and settings may uncover important patient and contextual factors important for the future implementation of quality web-based psychotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raman Dhaliwal
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Sidney Yap
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Fernanda Talarico
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Huda Al-Shamali
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Robert Mcweeny
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Matthew Reeson
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Reham Shalaby
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Teresa Chen
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Elena Spronk
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Rayven Snodgrass
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Eileen Tu
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Taylor Erick
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Tyler Marshall
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Megan Kennedy
- Geoffrey and Robyn Sperber Health Sciences Library, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Andrew J Greenshaw
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Olga Winkler
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Lisa Burback
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Ghidei W, Montesanti S, Tomkow K, Silverstone PH, Wells L, Campbell S. Examining the Effectiveness, Acceptability, and Feasibility of Virtually Delivered Trauma-Focused Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence Interventions: A Rapid Evidence Assessment. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2023; 24:1427-1442. [PMID: 35343335 DOI: 10.1177/15248380211069059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced a rapid shift to virtual delivery of treatment and care to individuals affected by domestic violence and sexual violence. A rapid evidence assessment (REA) was undertaken to examine the effectiveness, feasibility and acceptability of trauma-focused virtual interventions for persons affected by domestic violence and sexual violence. The findings from this review will provide guidance for service providers and organizational leaders with the implementation of virtual domestic violence and sexual violence-focused interventions. The REA included comprehensive search strategies and systematic screening of and relevant articles. Papers were included into this review (1) if they included trauma-focused interventions; (2) if the intervention was delivered virtually; and (3) if the article was published in the English-language. Twenty-one papers met inclusion criteria and were included for analysis. Findings from the rapid review demonstrate that virtual interventions that incorporate trauma-focused treatment are scarce. Online interventions that incorporate trauma-focused treatment for this at-risk group are limited in scope, and effectiveness data are preliminary in nature. Additionally, there is limited evidence of acceptability, feasibility and effectiveness of virtual interventions for ethnically, culturally, and linguistically diverse populations experiencing domestic violence and sexual violence. Accessing virtual interventions was also highlighted as a barrier to among participants in studies included in the review. Despite the potential of virtual interventions to respond to the needs of individuals affected by domestic violence and/or sexual violence, the acceptability and effectiveness of virtual trauma-focused care for a diverse range of populations at risk of violence are significantly understudied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winta Ghidei
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Stephanie Montesanti
- School of Public Health, and Centre for Healthy Communities, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Karlee Tomkow
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Lana Wells
- Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Sandra Campbell
- Librarian, Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Garland EL, Gullapalli BT, Prince KC, Hanley AW, Sanyer M, Tuomenoksa M, Rahman T. Zoom-Based Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement Plus Just-in-Time Mindfulness Practice Triggered by Wearable Sensors for Opioid Craving and Chronic Pain. Mindfulness (N Y) 2023; 14:1-17. [PMID: 37362184 PMCID: PMC10205566 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-023-02137-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Objective The opioid crisis in the USA remains severe during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has reduced access to evidence-based interventions. This Stage 1 randomized controlled trial (RCT) assessed the preliminary efficacy of Zoom-based Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) plus Just-in-Time Adaptive Intervention (JITAI) prompts to practice mindfulness triggered by wearable sensors (MORE + JITAI). Method Opioid-treated chronic pain patients (n = 63) were randomized to MORE + JITAI or a Zoom-based supportive group (SG) psychotherapy control. Participants completed ecological momentary assessments (EMA) of craving and pain (co-primary outcomes), as well as positive affect, and stress at one random probe per day for 90 days. EMA probes were also triggered when a wearable sensor detected the presence of physiological stress, as indicated by changes in heart rate variability (HRV), at which time participants in MORE + JITAI were prompted by an app to engage in audio-guided mindfulness practice. Results EMA showed significantly greater reductions in craving, pain, and stress, and increased positive affect over time for participants in MORE + JITAI than for participants in SG. JITAI-initiated mindfulness practice was associated with significant improvements in these variables, as well as increases in HRV. Machine learning predicted JITAI-initiated mindfulness practice effectiveness with reasonable sensitivity and specificity. Conclusions In this pilot trial, MORE + JITAI demonstrated preliminary efficacy for reducing opioid craving and pain, two factors implicated in opioid misuse. MORE + JITAI is a promising intervention that warrants investigation in a fully powered RCT. Preregistration This study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04567043).
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric L. Garland
- University of Utah, 395 South, 1500 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112 USA
- Salt Lake VA Medical Center, Salt Lake City, USA
| | | | - Kort C. Prince
- University of Utah, 395 South, 1500 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112 USA
| | - Adam W. Hanley
- University of Utah, 395 South, 1500 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112 USA
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Meis LA, Glynn SM, Spoont MR, Kehle-Forbes SM, Nelson D, Isenhart CE, Eftekhari A, Ackland PE, Linden EB, Orazem RJ, Cutting A, Hagel Campbell EM, Astin MC, Porter KE, Smith E, Chuick CD, Lamp KE, Vuper TC, Oakley TA, Khan LB, Keckeisen SK, Polusny MA. Can families help veterans get more from PTSD treatment? A randomized clinical trial examining Prolonged Exposure with and without family involvement. Trials 2022; 23:243. [PMID: 35354481 PMCID: PMC8965544 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06183-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Posttraumatic stress disorder occurs in as many as one in five combat veterans and is associated with a host of negative, long-term consequences to the individual, their families, and society at large. Trauma-focused treatments, such as Prolonged Exposure, result in clinically significant symptom relief for many. Adherence to these treatments (i.e., session attendance and homework compliance) is vital to ensuring recovery but can be challenging for patients. Engaging families in veterans’ treatment could prove to be an effective strategy for promoting treatment adherence while also addressing long-standing calls for better family inclusion in treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder. This paper describes the methods of a pragmatic randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate if family inclusion in Prolonged Exposure can improve treatment adherence.
Methods
One hundred fifty-six veterans, with clinically significant symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, will be randomized to receive either standard Prolonged Exposure or Prolonged Exposure enhanced through family inclusion (Family-Supported Prolonged Exposure) across three different VA facilities. Our primary outcomes are session attendance and homework compliance. Secondary outcomes include posttraumatic stress disorder symptom severity, depression, quality of life, and relationship functioning. The study includes a concurrent process evaluation to identify potential implementation facilitators and barriers to family involvement in Prolonged Exposure within VA.
Discussion
While the importance of family involvement in posttraumatic stress disorder treatment is non-controversial, there is no evidence base supporting best practices on how to integrate families into PE or any other individually focused trauma-focused treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder. This study is an important step in addressing this gap, contributing to the literature for both retention and family involvement in trauma-focused treatments.
Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.govNCT03256227. Registered on August 21, 2017.
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Beurs E, Blankers M, Peen J, Rademacher C, Podgorski A, Dekker J. Impact of COVID‐19 social distancing measures on routine mental health care provision and treatment outcome for common mental disorders in the Netherlands. Clin Psychol Psychother 2022; 29:1342-1354. [PMID: 35068003 PMCID: PMC9015637 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Objective The uptake of digital interventions in mental health care (MHC) has been slow, as many therapists and patients believe that in‐person contact is essential for establishing a good working relationship and good outcomes in treatment. The public health policies regarding social distancing during the coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic forced an abrupt transformation of MHC provisions for outpatients: Since mid‐March 2020, nearly all in‐person contact was replaced with videoconferencing. The COVID‐19 crisis offered a unique opportunity to investigate whether MHC with videoconferencing yields inferior results as compared to in‐person interventions. Method In a large urban MHC facility in the Netherlands, measurement‐based care is routine practice. Outcome data are regularly collected to support shared decision making and monitor patient progress. For this study, pretest and post‐test data were used to compare outcomes for three cohorts: treatments performed prior to, partially during and entirely during the COVID‐19 lockdown. Outcomes were compared in two large data sets: Basic MHC (N = 1392) and Specialized MHC (N = 1040). Results Therapeutic outcomes appeared robust for COVID‐19 conditions across the three cohorts: No differences in outcomes were found between treatments that were conducted during lockdown compared to in‐person treatments prior to COVID‐19, or treatments which started in‐person, but needed to be continued by means of videoconferencing. Discussion Videoconferencing care during the COVID‐19 pandemic had similar outcomes compared to traditional in‐person care. These real‐world results corroborate findings of previous randomized controlled studies and meta‐analyses in which videoconferencing and in‐person care has been directly compared in terms of clinical effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin Beurs
- Arkin Mental Health Care NN Amsterdam Netherlands
- Leiden Universiteit, Department of Clinical Psychology AK Leiden Netherlands
| | - Matthijs Blankers
- Arkin Mental Health Care NN Amsterdam Netherlands
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location AMC, Department of Psychiatry AZ Amsterdam The Netherlands
- Trimbos Institute VS Utrecht Netherlands
| | - Jaap Peen
- Arkin Mental Health Care NN Amsterdam Netherlands
| | - Clara Rademacher
- Leiden Universiteit, Department of Clinical Psychology AK Leiden Netherlands
| | - Alicja Podgorski
- Leiden Universiteit, Department of Clinical Psychology AK Leiden Netherlands
| | - Jack Dekker
- Arkin Mental Health Care NN Amsterdam Netherlands
- Vrije Universiteit, Department of Clinical Psychology BT Amsterdam Netherlands
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Leroux J, Johnston N, Brown AA, Mihic A, DuBois D, Trudell A. Delivery of Distance Counselling to Survivors of Sexual Violence: A Scoping Review of Promising and Best Practices. INQUIRY: THE JOURNAL OF HEALTH CARE ORGANIZATION, PROVISION, AND FINANCING 2022; 59:469580221097427. [PMID: 35514077 PMCID: PMC9082742 DOI: 10.1177/00469580221097427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Distance counselling holds immense potential for improving access to trauma supports for survivors of sexual violence (SV), and particularly for under-served groups who disproportionately experience violence and myriad barriers to accessing in-person supports. And yet, the evidence-base for the practice and delivery of distance counselling remains under-developed. In the context of COVID-19, where telehealth applications have undergone a rapid uptake, we undertook a scoping review of existing evidence of therapeutic and organizational practices related to the real-time (synchronous) delivery of distance counselling to survivors of SV. We based our scoping review methods on Arksey and O’Malley framework and in accordance with the guidance on scoping reviews from the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and PRISMA reporting guidelines for scoping reviews. A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Sociological Abstracts was undertaken in October 2020, and again in March 2022. Searching, reviewing, appraisal, and data extraction was undertaken by two reviewers. In total, 1094 records were identified that resulted in 20 studies included. Descriptions, findings, and recommendations were gleaned and synthesized into potential practices using inductive thematic analysis. While many studies have an appreciative orientation to distance counselling, these benefits tend to be framed as non-universal, and conditional on survivor safety, flexibility, anonymity, survivor choice, strong and inclusive technology, and a supported workforce. Despite the limited evidence-base, we present several clusters of findings that, taken together, can be used to support current COVID-19 distance counselling initiatives with survivors, as well as guide the future development of best practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janette Leroux
- Sexual Assault Centre Kingston, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Natalie Johnston
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Alanna Mihic
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Denise DuBois
- School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - AnnaLise Trudell
- Anova, Gender-Based Violence Shelter and Sexual Assault Centre London, Ontario, Canada
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Tilahun BBS, Thompson NR, Bautista JF, Sankary LR, Stanton S, Punia V. Telepsychology May Improve Treatment Adherence in Patients with Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures. Telemed J E Health 2021; 28:1159-1165. [PMID: 34962145 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2021.0463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Access to mental health care is a significant challenge in patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES). Telepsychology can curb the access barriers and improve adherence but the role of telepsychology in improving adherence has not been well investigated. The current study examines the utility of telepsychology during the COVID-19 pandemic and treatment adherence in PNES patients. Materials and Methods: Patients with PNES admitted to a 12-week counseling program were offered two visit types: telepsychology and in-office. Visit type, visit status, and demographic information were obtained from department database. Follow-up visits in 6 months were used to examine the effect of visit type on visit status. Adherence to treatment was measured by higher attendance of scheduled visits and less cancellation and no-show rates. Results: Two hundred fifty-seven (n) patients who scheduled virtual or telepsychology visits were included in the study. After adjusting for demographic variables, and accounting for repeated measures, telepsychology visits were significantly more likely to be attended (odds ratio [OR] = 2.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.69-3.41, p < 0.001) and were significantly less likely to be canceled (OR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.29-0.64, p < 0.001). The regression model showed patients in the telepsychology visit group attended more than three times as many visits as in-office patients (incidence rate ratios = 3.16, 95% CI = 2.13-4.73, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Patients with PNES have logistical and psychological barriers that can impede their ability to attend counseling treatment. Receiving care remotely may have been associated with higher engagement with mental health treatment compared to having to travel to counseling clinics. Considering the symptom-related restrictions patients with PNES have and the barriers presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, telepsychology played a key role for continuation of mental health treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicolas R Thompson
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Neurological Institute, Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Jocelyn F Bautista
- The Charles Shor Epilepsy Center, Neurological Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Lauren R Sankary
- Neuro-ethics Program, Center for Bioethics, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Susan Stanton
- The Charles Shor Epilepsy Center, Neurological Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Vineet Punia
- The Charles Shor Epilepsy Center, Neurological Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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Jones C, Miguel-Cruz A, Smith-MacDonald L, Cruikshank E, Baghoori D, Kaur Chohan A, Laidlaw A, White A, Cao B, Agyapong V, Burback L, Winkler O, Sevigny PR, Dennett L, Ferguson-Pell M, Greenshaw A, Brémault-Phillips S. Virtual Trauma-Focused Therapy for Military Members, Veterans, and Public Safety Personnel With Posttraumatic Stress Injury: Systematic Scoping Review. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2020; 8:e22079. [PMID: 32955456 PMCID: PMC7536597 DOI: 10.2196/22079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A necessary shift from in-person to remote delivery of psychotherapy (eg, teletherapy, eHealth, videoconferencing) has occurred because of the COVID-19 pandemic. A corollary benefit is a potential fit in terms of the need for equitable and timely access to mental health services in remote and rural locations. Owing to COVID-19, there may be an increase in the demand for timely, virtual delivery of services among trauma-affected populations, including public safety personnel (PSP; eg, paramedics, police, fire, correctional officers), military members, and veterans. There is a lack of evidence on the question of whether digital delivery of trauma-therapies for military members, veterans, and PSP leads to similar outcomes to in-person delivery. Information on barriers and facilitators and recommendations regarding digital-delivery is also scarce. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the scope and quality of peer-reviewed literature on psychotherapeutic digital health interventions delivered remotely to military members, veterans, and PSP and synthesize the knowledge of needs, gaps, barriers to, and facilitators for virtual assessment of and virtual interventions for posttraumatic stress injury. METHODS Relevant studies were identified using MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online), EMBASE (Excerpta Medica dataBASE), APA (American Psychological Association) PsycINFO, CINAHL (Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature) Plus with Full Text, and Military & Government Collection. For collation, analysis, summarizing, and reporting of results, we used the CASP (Critical Skills Appraisal Program) qualitative checklist, PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database) scale, level of evidence hierarchy, PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews), and narrative synthesis. RESULTS A total of 38 studies were included in this review. Evidence for the effectiveness of digital delivery of prolonged exposure therapy, cognitive processing therapy, behavioral activation treatment with therapeutic exposure to military members, veterans, and PSP was rated level 1a, whereas evidence for cognitive behavioral therapy was conflicting. The narrative synthesis indicated that virtual delivery of these therapies can be as effective as in-person delivery but may reduce stigma and cost while increasing access to therapy. Issues of risk, safety, potential harm (ie, suicidality, enabling avoidance), privacy, security, and the match among the therapist, modality, and patient warrant further consideration. There is a lack of studies on the influences of gender, racial, and cultural factors that may result in differential outcomes, preferences, and/or needs. An investigation into other therapies that may be suitable for digital delivery is needed. CONCLUSIONS Digital delivery of trauma therapies for military members, veterans, and PSP is a critical area for further research. Although promising evidence exists regarding the effectiveness of digital health within these populations, many questions remain, and a cautious approach to more widespread implementation is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea Jones
- Heroes in Mind Advocacy and Research Consortium, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- 1 Field Ambulance Physical Rehabilitation Department, Canadian Armed Forces Health Services, Department of National Defense, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Antonio Miguel-Cruz
- Heroes in Mind Advocacy and Research Consortium, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Research Innovation and Technology (GRRIT), Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Lorraine Smith-MacDonald
- Heroes in Mind Advocacy and Research Consortium, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Emily Cruikshank
- Heroes in Mind Advocacy and Research Consortium, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Educational Psychology, Faculty of Education, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Delaram Baghoori
- Heroes in Mind Advocacy and Research Consortium, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Rehabilitation Science, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Avneet Kaur Chohan
- Heroes in Mind Advocacy and Research Consortium, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Alexa Laidlaw
- Heroes in Mind Advocacy and Research Consortium, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Allison White
- Heroes in Mind Advocacy and Research Consortium, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Bo Cao
- Heroes in Mind Advocacy and Research Consortium, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Vincent Agyapong
- Heroes in Mind Advocacy and Research Consortium, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Lisa Burback
- Heroes in Mind Advocacy and Research Consortium, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Olga Winkler
- Heroes in Mind Advocacy and Research Consortium, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Phillip R Sevigny
- Heroes in Mind Advocacy and Research Consortium, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Educational Psychology, Faculty of Education, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Liz Dennett
- Heroes in Mind Advocacy and Research Consortium, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Scott Health Sciences Library, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Martin Ferguson-Pell
- Heroes in Mind Advocacy and Research Consortium, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Rehabilitation Science, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Andrew Greenshaw
- Heroes in Mind Advocacy and Research Consortium, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Suzette Brémault-Phillips
- Heroes in Mind Advocacy and Research Consortium, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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