A Decade in Review: A Systematic Review of Virtual Reality Interventions for Emotional Disorders

Research is increasingly demonstrating the therapeutic benefits of virtual reality interventions for various mental health conditions, though these rarely translate from research to application in clinical settings. This systematic review aims to examine the efficacy of current virtual reality interventions for emotional disorders, with a focus on clinical and technological features that influence translation of treatments from research to clinical practice. A comprehensive systematic literature search was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, for studies including the application of a virtual reality intervention to a clinical population of adults with an emotional disorder. Thirty-seven eligible studies were identified, appraised, and assessed for bias. Treatment effects were typically large across studies, with virtual reality being considered an efficacious treatment modality for various anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder. Virtual reality interventions were typically used for delivering exposure in cognitive behavioural therapy approaches. Considerable variability was seen in cost, technological specifications, degree of therapist involvement, delivery format, dosage, duration, and frequency of treatment. Suboptimal methodological rigour was identified in some studies. Remote use of virtual reality was rare, despite increasing options for in home use. Virtual reality interventions have the potential to overcome barriers to care and better meet the needs of consumers. Future research should examine the efficacy of virtual reality for treatment of depressive disorders and obsesive compulsive disorder. Improved methodological reporting and development of transdiagnostic and remotely delivered virtual reality interventions, will likely increase the translation of this treatment modality.

Development of the eTAP-T: A measure of mental health professionals' attitudes and process towards e-interventions

BACKGROUND

The development of technological applications within psychotherapy has opened up new opportunities for mental health professionals (MHPs) to address client need. Despite the clinical efficacy and utility of evidence-based electronic interventions, MHPs' engagement with these interventions remains poorly understood.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the current study was to develop and conduct a preliminary psychometric investigation of the measurement properties of the electronic-therapy attitudes and process questionnaire - therapist version (eTAP-T). Based upon the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), the eTAP-T measures factors related to MHPs' engagement with e-interventions for clients' mental health concerns.

METHODS

Participants were 222 practicing MHPs who reported being in direct contact with clients. Participants completed the eTAP-T and related measures with a subsample of 40 participants completing a two-week follow up questionnaire.

RESULTS

Exploratory factor analysis with item reduction resulted in a 12-item eTAP-T, with four factors accounting for 82% of variance. The four factors (subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, attitudes and intentions) were consistent with the four TPB domains. The eTAP-T demonstrated satisfactory validity and reliability as per the consensus-based standards for the selection of health measurement instruments.

CONCLUSIONS

The development and preliminary psychometric investigation supported the validity and reliability of the eTAP-T. Further research is required for confirmatory analyses. The eTAP-T may be useful in identifying the training needs of MHPs and evaluating training programs. Specific areas for intervention, such as attitudes or perceived credibility may be identified and targetted, with the measure then also used to evaluate change across these domains. It is anticipated that the eTAP-T may useful tool in improving uptake of digital interventions by MHPs.