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Kaelber K, Seifert LS, Nguyen ATH, McWhirter K. Anxiety on the internet: Describing person, provider, and organization online posts. THE JOURNAL OF GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY 2024:1-26. [PMID: 38801396 DOI: 10.1080/00221309.2024.2349765] [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: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Anxiety is a pervasive phenomenon in contemporary society. With increased internet use in recent years, more people in the general population are seeking and providing help and participating in community online. The goal of our study was to evaluate the content of internet narratives among those who post about anxiety and determine what stakeholder groups are saying online. We used the bifurcated method; it is a multi-method (qualitative) approach with inductive, thematic analyses, and with quantification of content-related words via a computer program that crawls websites and counts the occurrences of specified terms (for cross-checking purposes). Themes of posts and webpages about anxiety were: using/reporting treatment strategies (83.3% saturation), providing help (77.8% saturation), telling personal stories (72.2% saturation), seeking help (61.1% saturation), and illustrating interpersonal impact (50% saturation). We argue that anxiety stakeholders may take part in health co-inquiry online (i.e., cooperating with others) in many of the same ways that they might collaborate in person. We recommend that clinicians query their clients about use of the internet in ways related to their anxiety (e.g., seeking information/treatment strategies, offering help to others, telling their personal stories, etc.) so that they might help them process what they experience online.
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Marshall P, Booth M, Coole M, Fothergill L, Glossop Z, Haines J, Harding A, Johnston R, Jones S, Lodge C, Machin K, Meacock R, Nielson K, Puddephatt JA, Rakic T, Rayson P, Robinson H, Rycroft-Malone J, Shryane N, Swithenbank Z, Wise S, Lobban F. Understanding the Impacts of Online Mental Health Peer Support Forums: Realist Synthesis. JMIR Ment Health 2024; 11:e55750. [PMID: 38722680 PMCID: PMC11117133 DOI: 10.2196/55750] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Online forums are widely used for mental health peer support. However, evidence of their safety and effectiveness is mixed. Further research focused on articulating the contexts in which positive and negative impacts emerge from forum use is required to inform innovations in implementation. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to develop a realist program theory to explain the impacts of online mental health peer support forums on users. METHODS We conducted a realist synthesis of literature published between 2019 and 2023 and 18 stakeholder interviews with forum staff. RESULTS Synthesis of 102 evidence sources and 18 interviews produced an overarching program theory comprising 22 context-mechanism-outcome configurations. Findings indicate that users' perceptions of psychological safety and the personal relevance of forum content are foundational to ongoing engagement. Safe and active forums that provide convenient access to information and advice can lead to improvements in mental health self-efficacy. Within the context of welcoming and nonjudgmental communities, users may benefit from the opportunity to explore personal difficulties with peers, experience reduced isolation and normalization of mental health experiences, and engage in mutual encouragement. The program theory highlights the vital role of moderators in creating facilitative online spaces, stimulating community engagement, and limiting access to distressing content. A key challenge for organizations that host mental health forums lies in balancing forum openness and anonymity with the need to enforce rules, such as restrictions on what users can discuss, to promote community safety. CONCLUSIONS This is the first realist synthesis of online mental health peer support forums. The novel program theory highlights how successful implementation depends on establishing protocols for enhancing safety and strategies for maintaining user engagement to promote forum sustainability. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42022352528; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=352528.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Marshall
- Spectrum Centre for Mental Health Research, Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Millissa Booth
- Spectrum Centre for Mental Health Research, Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Coole
- School of Computing and Communications, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Lauren Fothergill
- Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Zoe Glossop
- Spectrum Centre for Mental Health Research, Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Jade Haines
- IT Corporate Services, Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Berkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Harding
- Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Rose Johnston
- Spectrum Centre for Mental Health Research, Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Steven Jones
- Spectrum Centre for Mental Health Research, Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Lodge
- Spectrum Centre for Mental Health Research, Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Karen Machin
- Survivor Research Network, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Meacock
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research & Primary Care, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Kristi Nielson
- Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Jo-Anne Puddephatt
- Department of Psychology, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, United Kingdom
| | - Tamara Rakic
- Spectrum Centre for Mental Health Research, Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Rayson
- School of Computing and Communications, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Heather Robinson
- Spectrum Centre for Mental Health Research, Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Jo Rycroft-Malone
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Nick Shryane
- Social Statistics, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Zoe Swithenbank
- Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Sara Wise
- IT Corporate Services, Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Berkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona Lobban
- Spectrum Centre for Mental Health Research, Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
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Thomson M, Henderson G, Rogers T, Locke B, Vines J, MacBeth A. Digital mental health and peer support: Building a Theory of Change informed by stakeholders' perspectives. PLOS DIGITAL HEALTH 2024; 3:e0000522. [PMID: 38814923 PMCID: PMC11139267 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pdig.0000522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Digital Mental Health and Peer support has the potential to bridge gaps in support through its scalability and accessibility. Despite the increasing use of these platforms, there remains a lack of understanding of how they operate in real life, from initial engagement to longer-term impact. We aimed to explore the key inputs, processes, user interactions, assumptions, barriers, facilitators, outcomes, and impacts associated with the use of DMH and peer support platforms by developing a Theory of Change with stakeholders. Stakeholders (n = 77) contributed to the formulation of the Theory of Change through a series of online workshops, focus groups, interviews, and open-ended survey feedback. Workshops were structured to capture information related to aspects of the Theory of Change and to allow stakeholders to provide feedback to improve the diagram. A thematic framework approach was used to analyze transcripts to enable comparisons of factors reported by members, commissioners, and platform staff. Stakeholders identified a variety of factors contributing to initial inputs, processes, outcomes, and impact. Engagement emerged as the most significant barrier to the use of platforms. Motivations for use included filling in gaps in available support, connecting with others and upskilling. Different member types determined how users would interact with the platform which could influence the social response of others. Outcomes were largely positive including provision of a safe online space, improvement in wellbeing, and feeling connected to others. Stakeholders noted impact was harder to identify due to the preventative nature of these platforms but suggested this related to the knowledge of available support, reduction in waiting for support and in referrals, and increasing engagement and uptake of the platforms. Stakeholders identified assumptions regarding internet access as a significant barrier. The Theory of Change illustrated three distinct pathways in digital mental health and peer support. Further research is needed to improve engagement and factors influencing engagement, the member experience and how impact is measured.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meigan Thomson
- MRC/CSO Social & Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | - Tim Rogers
- Togetherall, 250 The Esplanade, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Benjamin Locke
- Togetherall, 250 The Esplanade, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John Vines
- School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Angus MacBeth
- School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Sullivan MO, Curtin M, Flynn R, Cronin C, Mahony JO, Trujillo J. Telehealth interventions for transition to self-management in adolescents with allergic conditions: A systematic review. Allergy 2024; 79:861-883. [PMID: 38041398 DOI: 10.1111/all.15963] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Telehealth is an emerging approach that uses technology to provide healthcare remotely. Recent publications have outlined the importance of supporting the transition to self-management of adolescents with allergic conditions. However, no synthesis of the evidence base on the use and impact of telehealth interventions for this purpose has been conducted to date. This review achieves these aims, in addition to exploring the language use surrounding these interventions, and their implementation. Four databases were searched systematically. References were independently screened by two reviewers. Methodological quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. A narrative synthesis was undertaken. Eighteen articles were included, reporting on 15 telehealth interventions. A total of 86% targeted adolescents with asthma. Mobile applications were the most common telehealth modality used, followed by video-conferencing, web-based, virtual reality and artificial intelligence. Five intervention content categories were identified; educational, monitoring, behavioural, psychosocial and healthcare navigational. Peer and/or healthcare professional interaction, gamification and tailoring may increase engagement. The studies showed positive effects of the interventions or no difference from active controls, in self-management outcomes such as knowledge, health outcomes such as quality-of-life, and economic outcomes such as healthcare utilization. The most common implementation outcomes reported were acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility and fidelity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meg O' Sullivan
- University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | | | | | | | | | - Juan Trujillo
- University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
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Hoffman V, Flom M, Mariano TY, Chiauzzi E, Williams A, Kirvin-Quamme A, Pajarito S, Durden E, Perski O. User Engagement Clusters of an 8-Week Digital Mental Health Intervention Guided by a Relational Agent (Woebot): Exploratory Study. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e47198. [PMID: 37831490 PMCID: PMC10612009 DOI: 10.2196/47198] [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: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the proliferation of digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) guided by relational agents, little is known about the behavioral, cognitive, and affective engagement components associated with symptom improvement over time. Obtaining a better understanding could lend clues about recommended use for particular subgroups of the population, the potency of different intervention components, and the mechanisms underlying the intervention's success. OBJECTIVE This exploratory study applied clustering techniques to a range of engagement indicators, which were mapped to the intervention's active components and the connect, attend, participate, and enact (CAPE) model, to examine the prevalence and characterization of each identified cluster among users of a relational agent-guided DMHI. METHODS We invited adults aged 18 years or older who were interested in using digital support to help with mood management or stress reduction through social media to participate in an 8-week DMHI guided by a natural language processing-supported relational agent, Woebot. Users completed assessments of affective and cognitive engagement, working alliance as measured by goal and task working alliance subscale scores, and enactment (ie, application of therapeutic recommendations in real-world settings). The app passively collected data on behavioral engagement (ie, utilization). We applied agglomerative hierarchical clustering analysis to the engagement indicators to identify the number of clusters that provided the best fit to the data collected, characterized the clusters, and then examined associations with baseline demographic and clinical characteristics as well as mental health outcomes at week 8. RESULTS Exploratory analyses (n=202) supported 3 clusters: (1) "typical utilizers" (n=81, 40%), who had intermediate levels of behavioral engagement; (2) "early utilizers" (n=58, 29%), who had the nominally highest levels of behavioral engagement in week 1; and (3) "efficient engagers" (n=63, 31%), who had significantly higher levels of affective and cognitive engagement but the lowest level of behavioral engagement. With respect to mental health baseline and outcome measures, efficient engagers had significantly higher levels of baseline resilience (P<.001) and greater declines in depressive symptoms (P=.01) and stress (P=.01) from baseline to week 8 compared to typical utilizers. Significant differences across clusters were found by age, gender identity, race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, education, and insurance coverage. The main analytic findings remained robust in sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS There were 3 distinct engagement clusters found, each with distinct baseline demographic and clinical traits and mental health outcomes. Additional research is needed to inform fine-grained recommendations regarding optimal engagement and to determine the best sequence of particular intervention components with known potency. The findings represent an important first step in disentangling the complex interplay between different affective, cognitive, and behavioral engagement indicators and outcomes associated with use of a DMHI incorporating a natural language processing-supported relational agent. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05672745; https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05672745.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Megan Flom
- Woebot Health, Inc., San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Timothy Y Mariano
- Woebot Health, Inc., San Francisco, CA, United States
- Rehabilitation Research & Development Service Center for Neurorestoration and Neurotechnology, Department of Veterans Affairs Providence Healthcare System, Providence, RI, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Emil Chiauzzi
- Woebot Health, Inc., San Francisco, CA, United States
| | | | | | | | - Emily Durden
- Woebot Health, Inc., San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Olga Perski
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
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Lipschitz JM, Pike CK, Hogan TP, Murphy SA, Burdick KE. The engagement problem: A review of engagement with digital mental health interventions and recommendations for a path forward. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN PSYCHIATRY 2023; 10:119-135. [PMID: 38390026 PMCID: PMC10883589 DOI: 10.1007/s40501-023-00297-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Purpose of the review Digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) are an effective and accessible means of addressing the unprecedented levels of mental illness worldwide. Currently, however, patient engagement with DMHIs in real-world settings is often insufficient to see clinical benefit. In order to realize the potential of DMHIs, there is a need to better understand what drives patient engagement. Recent findings We discuss takeaways from the existing literature related to patient engagement with DMHIs and highlight gaps to be addressed through further research. Findings suggest that engagement is influenced by patient-, intervention- and systems-level factors. At the patient-level, variables such as sex, education, personality traits, race, ethnicity, age and symptom severity appear to be associated with engagement. At the intervention-level, integrating human support, gamification, financial incentives and persuasive technology features may improve engagement. Finally, although systems-level factors have not been widely explored, the existing evidence suggests that achieving engagement will require addressing organizational and social barriers and drawing on the field of implementation science. Summary Future research clarifying the patient-, intervention- and systems-level factors that drive engagement will be essential. Additionally, to facilitate improved understanding of DMHI engagement, we propose the following: (a) widespread adoption of a minimum necessary 5-element engagement reporting framework; (b) broader application of alternative clinical trial designs; and (c) directed efforts to build upon an initial parsimonious conceptual model of DMHI engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Lipschitz
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Chelsea K Pike
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Timothy P Hogan
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA
- Peter O'Donnell School of Public Health, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | | | - Katherine E Burdick
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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Psychische Erkrankungen in der Adoleszenz – Behandlungsansätze und klinische Erfahrungen. Prax Kinderpsychol Kinderpsychiatr 2022; 71:658-676. [DOI: 10.13109/prkk.2022.71.7.658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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