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Clohessy S, Arvanitis TN, Rashid U, Craddock C, Evans M, Toro CT, Elliott MT. Using digital tools in clinical, health and social care research: a mixed-methods study of UK stakeholders. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e076613. [PMID: 38569710 PMCID: PMC11146398 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-076613] [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: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated changes to clinical research methodology, with clinical studies being carried out via online/remote means. This mixed-methods study aimed to identify which digital tools are currently used across all stages of clinical research by stakeholders in clinical, health and social care research and investigate their experience using digital tools. DESIGN Two online surveys followed by semistructured interviews were conducted. Interviews were audiorecorded, transcribed and analysed thematically. SETTING, PARTICIPANTS To explore the digital tools used since the pandemic, survey participants (researchers and related staff (n=41), research and development staff (n=25)), needed to have worked on clinical, health or social care research studies over the past 2 years (2020-2022) in an employing organisation based in the West Midlands region of England (due to funding from a regional clinical research network (CRN)). Survey participants had the opportunity to participate in an online qualitative interview to explore their experiences of digital tools in greater depth (n=8). RESULTS Six themes were identified in the qualitative interviews: 'definition of a digital tool in clinical research'; 'impact of the COVID-19 pandemic'; 'perceived benefits/drawbacks of digital tools'; 'selection of a digital tool'; 'barriers and overcoming barriers' and 'future digital tool use'. The context of each theme is discussed, based on the interview results. CONCLUSIONS Findings demonstrate how digital tools are becoming embedded in clinical research, as well as the breadth of tools used across different research stages. The majority of participants viewed the tools positively, noting their ability to enhance research efficiency. Several considerations were highlighted; concerns about digital exclusion; need for collaboration with digital expertise/clinical staff, research on tool effectiveness and recommendations to aid future tool selection. There is a need for the development of resources to help optimise the selection and use of appropriate digital tools for clinical research staff and participants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Carly Craddock
- National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network West Midlands, Birmingham, UK
- The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, Wolverhampton, UK
| | - Mark Evans
- National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network West Midlands, Birmingham, UK
- The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, Wolverhampton, UK
| | - Carla T Toro
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Mark T Elliott
- WMG, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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Barakat S, Burton AL, Cunich M, Hay P, Hazelton JL, Kim M, Lymer S, Madden S, Maloney D, Miskovic-Wheatley J, Rogers D, Russell J, Sidari M, Touyz S, Maguire S. A randomised controlled trial of clinician supported vs self-help delivery of online cognitive behaviour therapy for Bulimia Nervosa. Psychiatry Res 2023; 329:115534. [PMID: 37844353 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
High dropout rates and poor adherence associated with digital interventions have prompted research into modifications of these treatments to improve engagement and completion rates. This trial aimed to investigate the added benefit of clinician support when paired alongside a ten-session, online cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) self-help intervention for bulimia nervosa (BN). As part of a three-arm, phase II randomised controlled trial, 114 participants (16 years or over) with full or subthreshold BN were randomly assigned to complete the intervention in a self-help mode (with administrative researcher contact; n = 38), with adjunct clinician support (weekly 30-minute videoconferencing sessions; n = 37), or a no-treatment waitlist control (WLC; n = 39). Baseline to post-treatment (12-weeks) decreases in objective binge episode frequency were significantly greater for clinician-supported participants as compared to WLC, but not for self-help when compared to WLC. However, due to continued improvements for self-help across follow-up (24-weeks), both arms outperformed WLC when analysed as an overall rate of change across three timepoints. Clinician-supported participants outperformed self-help in regards to laxative use and dietary restraint. Our results demonstrate that good clinical outcomes can be achieved with a relatively brief online CBT-based program even in the absence of structured clinical support, indicating a possible overreliance upon clinician support as a primary adherence-facilitating mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Barakat
- InsideOut Institute for Eating Disorders, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Amy L Burton
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney NSW, Australia
| | - Michelle Cunich
- Sydney Health Economics Collaborative, Sydney Local Health District, Camperdown, NSW, Australia; Boden Initiative, Charles Perkins Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health (Central Clinical School), University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Co-Lead, Implementation and Policy, Cardiovascular Initiative, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Phillipa Hay
- Translational Health Research Institute, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Mental Health Services South Western Sydney Local Health District, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - Jessica L Hazelton
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Marcellinus Kim
- Sydney Local Health District Mental Health Services, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sharyn Lymer
- Boden Initiative, Charles Perkins Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health (Central Clinical School), University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sloane Madden
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Danielle Maloney
- InsideOut Institute for Eating Disorders, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Jane Miskovic-Wheatley
- InsideOut Institute for Eating Disorders, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Daniel Rogers
- InsideOut Institute for Eating Disorders, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Janice Russell
- InsideOut Institute for Eating Disorders, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Sydney Local Health District Mental Health Services, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Morgan Sidari
- InsideOut Institute for Eating Disorders, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Queensland Eating Disorder Service, Metro North Hospital and Health, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Stephen Touyz
- InsideOut Institute for Eating Disorders, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Sarah Maguire
- InsideOut Institute for Eating Disorders, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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Rom S, Miskovic-Wheatley J, Barakat S, Aouad P, Kim M, Fuller-Tyszkiewicz M, Maguire S. The acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of a supported online self-help treatment program for binge-eating disorder. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1229261. [PMID: 37860164 PMCID: PMC10584326 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1229261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Studies in transdiagnostic eating disorder (ED) samples suggest supported online self-help programs (eTherapies) are effective and may improve access to treatment; however, their evaluation in those with binge-eating disorder (BED) is limited. Given BED's high prevalence and low levels of treatment uptake, further eTherapy evaluation is needed to broaden access to effective, evidence-based treatment options. The aim of this study was to investigate the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of a supported eTherapy for those with BED or subthreshold BED, and to examine symptom change across the duration of therapy. Method Nineteen women with BED completed a supported, 10-session Cognitive Behavioural Therapy-based eTherapy in an uncontrolled, pre-post, and 3 months follow up intervention study. Key outcomes were assessed by the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q): objective binge episode (OBE) frequency and ED psychopathology. Feasibility was evaluated via program adherence and dropout, whilst acceptability was assessed through participant feedback post-treatment. Weekly symptom change (ED psychopathology) during treatment was assessed by the Eating Disorder Examination - Questionnaire Short (EDE-QS). Results Generalised estimating equations showed statistically and clinically significant reductions in OBEs and ED psychopathology (large effects) post-treatment, with these decreases maintained at follow up. Across weekly assessment, a marked slowing in the rate of change in ED psychopathology was observed after four sessions of the program. Program feasibility was high (i.e., 84% of content completed), as was program acceptability (i.e., 93% of participants expressed high levels of satisfaction). Discussion These results support the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of a supported eTherapy program for those with BED and suggest the variability of symptom change across the duration of therapy. Future research should further investigate findings in an adequately powered randomised controlled trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Rom
- Faculty of Health, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
- InsideOut Institute, The University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jane Miskovic-Wheatley
- InsideOut Institute, The University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sarah Barakat
- InsideOut Institute, The University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Phillip Aouad
- InsideOut Institute, The University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | - Sarah Maguire
- InsideOut Institute, The University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Dufour R, Novack K, Picard L, Chadi N, Booij L. The use of technology in the treatment of youth with eating disorders: A scoping review. J Eat Disord 2022; 10:182. [PMID: 36434657 PMCID: PMC9700893 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-022-00697-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescence and young adulthood is a high-risk period for the development of eating disorders. In recent years, there has been an increase in use of technology-based interventions (TBIs) for the treatment of eating disorders. The objective of this study was to determine the types of technology used for eating disorder treatment in youth and their effectiveness. METHODS A scoping review was conducted according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Four databases were searched. Eligible articles included: (1) a TBI (2) participants with a mean age between 10- and 25-years and meeting DSM-IV or DSM-5 criteria for any eating disorder and (3) qualitative or quantitative designs. Quantitative and qualitative studies were assessed for quality. RESULTS The search identified 1621 articles. After screening of titles and abstracts, 130 articles were read in full and assessed for eligibility by two raters. Forty-nine (29 quantitative and 20 qualitative, observational, or mixed methods studies) met inclusion criteria. Quality ratings indicated that 78% of quantitative studies had a low risk of bias and 22% had a moderate risk. Technologies reviewed in our study included videoconference therapy, mobile applications, and online self-help. We considered interventions used both within sessions with clinicians as well as those used in between sessions by patients alone. Fifteen of 18 (83%) quantitative studies found that TBIs reduce eating disorder symptomatology, with nine of those reporting medium-to-large effect sizes. Qualitative data was of high quality and suggested that virtual interventions are acceptable in this population. CONCLUSIONS Although identified studies are of high quality, they are limited in number. More research is needed, particularly regarding videoconferencing and mobile applications. Nonetheless, TBIs show promise for the treatment of eating disorders in youth. TRIAL REGISTRATION Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Dufour
- Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Kaylee Novack
- Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Louis Picard
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Sainte-Justine University Hospital Centre, 3175 Chemin de La Côte-Ste-Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Nicholas Chadi
- Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Canada. .,Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada. .,Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Sainte-Justine University Hospital Centre, 3175 Chemin de La Côte-Ste-Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada.
| | - Linda Booij
- Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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Rom S, Miskovic‐Wheatley J, Barakat S, Aouad P, Fuller‐Tyszkiewicz M, Maguire S. Evaluating the feasibility and potential efficacy of a brief eTherapy for binge-eating disorder: A pilot study. Int J Eat Disord 2022; 55:1614-1620. [PMID: 35986579 PMCID: PMC9804415 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE For those with binge-eating disorder (BED), access to evidence-based, face-to-face treatment is often constrained by clinician availability and high treatment costs. Emerging evidence suggests online therapy (eTherapy) may navigate these barriers and reduce binge-eating symptomatology; however, less evaluation has been done in those with BED, particularly with briefer programs targeting early change. This study investigated the feasibility and potential efficacy of a brief, supported eTherapy in those with BED or subthreshold BED. METHOD Participants were 19 women with BED who completed a four-session eTherapy. This was a single-arm, pre-post intervention study, with participants completing weekly content and attending telehealth sessions. Key outcomes were assessed by the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire-Short (EDE-QS): objective binge episode days, loss of control over eating days, and eating disorder (ED) psychopathology via a total EDE-QS score. RESULTS Generalized and linear mixed models showed significantly reduced loss of control over eating days and ED psychopathology. Program feasibility was high, with strong program adherence and a below average attrition rate. DISCUSSION Pilot results support the feasibility and potential efficacy of a brief, behavioral-focused eTherapy program in reducing ED pathology in those with BED. Future research should further investigate findings in an adequately powered randomized controlled trial. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE This study suggests that a brief, behavioral-focused online therapy, guided by non-expert clinicians, can be successfully administered to those with binge-eating disorder (BED) and may be efficacious at reducing eating disorder and other related symptomatology. Brief eTherapies that are effective, accessible, and rapidly available may facilitate earlier intervention in illness and improve treatment outcomes for individuals who experience this common and distressing disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Rom
- School of PsychologyDeakin UniversityGeelongVictoriaAustralia,InsideOut Institute, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and HealthThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Jane Miskovic‐Wheatley
- InsideOut Institute, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and HealthThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Sarah Barakat
- InsideOut Institute, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and HealthThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia,School of PsychologyThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Phillip Aouad
- InsideOut Institute, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and HealthThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | | | - Sarah Maguire
- InsideOut Institute, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and HealthThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia,Sydney Local Health DistrictSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
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