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Higashi RT, Etingen B, Richardson E, Palmer J, Zocchi MS, Bixler FR, Smith B, McMahon N, Frisbee KL, Fortney JC, Turvey C, Evans J, Hogan TP. Veteran Experiences With an mHealth App to Support Measurement-Based Mental Health Care: Results From a Mixed Methods Evaluation. JMIR Ment Health 2024; 11:e54007. [PMID: 38728684 PMCID: PMC11127133 DOI: 10.2196/54007] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental health conditions are highly prevalent among US veterans. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is committed to enhancing mental health care through the integration of measurement-based care (MBC) practices, guided by its Collect-Share-Act model. Incorporating the use of remote mobile apps may further support the implementation of MBC for mental health care. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate veteran experiences with Mental Health Checkup (MHC), a VHA mobile app to support remote MBC for mental health. METHODS Our mixed methods sequential explanatory evaluation encompassed mailed surveys with veterans who used MHC and follow-up semistructured interviews with a subset of survey respondents. We analyzed survey data using descriptive statistics. We then compared responses between veterans who indicated having used MHC for ≥3 versus <3 months using χ2 tests. We analyzed interview data using thematic analysis. RESULTS We received 533 surveys (533/2631, for a 20% response rate) and completed 20 interviews. Findings from these data supported one another and highlighted 4 key themes. (1) The MHC app had positive impacts on care processes for veterans: a majority of MHC users overall, and a greater proportion who had used MHC for ≥3 months (versus <3 months), agreed or strongly agreed that using MHC helped them be more engaged in their health and health care (169/262, 65%), make decisions about their treatment (157/262, 60%), and set goals related to their health and health care (156/262, 60%). Similarly, interviewees described that visualizing progress through graphs of their assessment data over time motivated them to continue therapy and increased self-awareness. (2) A majority of respondents overall, and a greater proportion who had used MHC for ≥3 months (versus <3 months), agreed/strongly agreed that using MHC enhanced their communication (112/164, 68% versus 51/98, 52%; P=.009) and rapport (95/164, 58% versus 42/98, 43%; P=.02) with their VHA providers. Likewise, interviewees described how MHC helped focus therapy time and facilitated trust. (3) However, veterans also endorsed some challenges using MHC. Among respondents overall, these included difficulty understanding graphs of their assessment data (102/245, 42%), not receiving enough training on the app (73/259, 28%), and not being able to change responses to assessment questions (72/256, 28%). (4) Interviewees offered suggestions for improving the app (eg, facilitating ease of log-in, offering additional reminder features) and for increasing adoption (eg, marketing the app and its potential advantages for veterans receiving mental health care). CONCLUSIONS Although experiences with the MHC app varied, veterans were positive overall about its use. Veterans described associations between the use of MHC and engagement in their own care, self-management, and interactions with their VHA mental health providers. Findings support the potential of MHC as a technology capable of supporting the VHA's Collect-Share-Act model of MBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin T Higashi
- Peter O'Donnell Jr School of Public Health, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
- eHealth Partnered Evaluation Initiative, Veterans Affairs Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States
| | - Bella Etingen
- Peter O'Donnell Jr School of Public Health, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
- eHealth Partnered Evaluation Initiative, Veterans Affairs Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States
- Research and Development Service, Dallas Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Eric Richardson
- eHealth Partnered Evaluation Initiative, Veterans Affairs Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jennifer Palmer
- eHealth Partnered Evaluation Initiative, Veterans Affairs Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, United States
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Mark S Zocchi
- eHealth Partnered Evaluation Initiative, Veterans Affairs Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), Veterans Affairs Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States
| | - Felicia R Bixler
- eHealth Partnered Evaluation Initiative, Veterans Affairs Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare (CINCCH), Hines Veterans Affairs Hospital, Hines, IL, United States
| | - Bridget Smith
- eHealth Partnered Evaluation Initiative, Veterans Affairs Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare (CINCCH), Hines Veterans Affairs Hospital, Hines, IL, United States
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Nicholas McMahon
- eHealth Partnered Evaluation Initiative, Veterans Affairs Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), Veterans Affairs Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States
| | - Kathleen L Frisbee
- eHealth Partnered Evaluation Initiative, Veterans Affairs Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States
- Office of Connected Care, Veterans Health Administration, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC, United States
| | - John C Fortney
- Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States
- Division of Population Health, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Carolyn Turvey
- Center for Access & Delivery Research and Evaluation, Iowa City Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Office of Rural Health, Veterans Rural Health Resource Center - Iowa City, Iowa City Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Jennifer Evans
- Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Timothy P Hogan
- Peter O'Donnell Jr School of Public Health, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
- eHealth Partnered Evaluation Initiative, Veterans Affairs Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), Veterans Affairs Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States
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Magnusson K, Johansson F, Przybylski AK. Harmful compared to what? The problem of gaming and ambiguous causal questions. Addiction 2024. [PMID: 38698562 DOI: 10.1111/add.16516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS There has been much concern regarding potential harmful effects of video game-play in the past 40 years, but limited progress in understanding its causal role. This paper discusses the basic requirements for identifying causal effects of video game-play and argues that most research to date has focused upon ambiguous causal questions. METHODS Video games and mental health are discussed from the perspective of causal inference with compound exposures; that is, exposures with multiple relevant variants that affect outcomes in different ways. RESULTS Not only does exposure to video games encompass multiple different factors, but also not playing video games is equally ambiguous. Estimating causal effects of a compound exposure introduces the additional challenge of exposure-version confounding. CONCLUSIONS Without a comparison of well-defined interventions, research investigating the effects of video game-play will be difficult to translate into actionable health interventions. Interventions that target games should be compared with other interventions aimed at improving the same outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristoffer Magnusson
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Solna, Sweden
- Department of Health Promotion Science, Sophiahemmet University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fred Johansson
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Solna, Sweden
- Oxford Internet Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew K Przybylski
- Department of Health Promotion Science, Sophiahemmet University, Stockholm, Sweden
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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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Yeo G, Reich SM, Liaw NA, Chia EYM. The Effect of Digital Mental Health Literacy Interventions on Mental Health: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e51268. [PMID: 38421687 PMCID: PMC10941000 DOI: 10.2196/51268] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accelerated by technological advancements and the recent global pandemic, there is burgeoning interest in digital mental health literacy (DMHL) interventions that can positively affect mental health. However, existing work remains inconclusive regarding the effectiveness of DMHL interventions. OBJECTIVE This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the components and modes of DMHL interventions, their moderating factors, and their long-term impacts on mental health literacy and mental health. METHODS We used a random-effects model to conduct meta-analyses and meta-regressions on moderating effects of DMHL interventions on mental health. RESULTS Using 144 interventions with 206 effect sizes, we found a moderate effect of DMHL interventions in enhancing distal mental health outcomes (standardized mean difference=0.42, 95% CI -0.10 to 0.73; P<.001) and a large effect in increasing proximal mental health literacy outcomes (standardized mean difference=0.65, 95% CI 0.59-0.74; P<.001). Uptake of DMHL interventions was comparable with that of control conditions, and uptake of DMHL interventions did not moderate the effects on both proximal mental health literacy outcomes and distal mental health outcomes. DMHL interventions were as effective as face-to-face interventions and did not differ by platform type or dosage. DMHL plus interventions (DMHL psychoeducation coupled with other active treatment) produced large effects in bolstering mental health, were more effective than DMHL only interventions (self-help DMHL psychoeducation), and were comparable with non-DMHL interventions (treatment as usual). DMHL interventions demonstrated positive effects on mental health that were sustained over follow-up assessments and were most effective in enhancing the mental health of emerging and older adults. CONCLUSIONS For theory building, our review and meta-analysis found that DMHL interventions are as effective as face-to-face interventions. DMHL interventions confer optimal effects on mental health when DMHL psychoeducation is combined with informal, nonprofessional active treatment components such as skills training and peer support, which demonstrate comparable effectiveness with that of treatment as usual (client-professional interactions and therapies). These effects, which did not differ by platform type or dosage, were sustained over time. Additionally, most DMHL interventions are found in Western cultural contexts, especially in high-income countries (Global North) such as Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom, and limited research is conducted in low-income countries in Asia and in South American and African countries. Most of the DMHL studies did not report information on the racial or ethnic makeup of the samples. Future work on DMHL interventions that target racial or ethnic minority groups, particularly the design, adoption, and evaluation of the effects of culturally adaptive DMHL interventions on uptake and mental health functioning, is needed. Such evidence can drive the adoption and implementation of DMHL interventions at scale, which represents a key foundation for practice-changing impact in the provision of mental health resources for individuals and the community. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42023363995; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023363995.
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Affiliation(s)
- GeckHong Yeo
- N.1 Institute for Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Stephanie M Reich
- School of Education, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Nicole A Liaw
- SHINE Children and Youth Services, Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Laugharne R, Farid M, James C, Dutta A, Mould C, Molten N, Laugharne J, Shankar R. Neurotechnological solutions for post-traumatic stress disorder: A perspective review and concept proposal. Healthc Technol Lett 2023; 10:133-138. [PMID: 38111800 PMCID: PMC10725721 DOI: 10.1049/htl2.12055] [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: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety condition caused by exposure to severe trauma. It is characterised by nightmares, flashbacks, hyper-vigilance and avoidance behaviour. These all lead to impaired functioning reducing quality of life. PTSD affects 2-5% of the population globally. Most sufferers cannot access effective treatment, leading to impaired psychological functioning reducing quality of life. Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) is a non-invasive brain stimulation treatment that has shown significant clinical effectiveness in PTSD. Another treatment modality, that is, trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy is also an effective intervention. However, both evidence-based treatments are significantly resource intensive as they need trained therapists to deliver them. A concept of a neuro-digital tool for development is proposed to put to clinical practice of delivering EMDR to improve availability, efficiency and effectiveness of treatment. The evidence in using new technologies to measure sleep, geolocation and conversational analysis of social media to report objective outcome measures is explored. If achieved, this can be fed back to users with data anonymously collated to evaluate and improve the tool. Coproduction would be at the heart of product development so that the tool is acceptable and accessible to people with the condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Laugharne
- Psychoanalytica Community Interest CompanySt GermanUK
- Cornwall Intellectual Disability Equitable ResearchUniversity of Plymouth and Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation TrustTruroUK
| | - Mohsen Farid
- Data Science Research CentreUniversity of DerbyDerbyUK
| | | | - Anirban Dutta
- Biomedical Engineering DepartmentUniversity of LincolnLincolnUK
| | | | | | | | - Rohit Shankar
- Psychoanalytica Community Interest CompanySt GermanUK
- Cornwall Intellectual Disability Equitable ResearchUniversity of Plymouth and Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation TrustTruroUK
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Skeen SJ, Tokarz S, Gasik RE, Solano CM, Smith EA, Sagoe MB, Hudson LV, Steele K, Theall KP, Clum GA. A Trauma-Informed, Geospatially Aware, Just-in-Time Adaptive mHealth Intervention to Support Effective Coping Skills Among People Living With HIV in New Orleans: Development and Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e47151. [PMID: 37874637 PMCID: PMC10630874 DOI: 10.2196/47151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2020, Greater New Orleans, Louisiana, was home to 7048 people living with HIV-1083 per 100,000 residents, 2.85 times the US national rate. With Louisiana routinely ranked last in indexes of health equity, violent crime rates in Orleans Parish quintupling national averages, and in-care New Orleans people living with HIV surviving twice the US average of adverse childhood experiences, accessible, trauma-focused, evidence-based interventions (EBIs) for violence-affected people living with HIV are urgently needed. OBJECTIVE To meet this need, we adapted Living in the Face of Trauma, a well-established EBI tailored for people living with HIV, into NOLA GEM, a just-in-time adaptive mobile health (mHealth) intervention. This study aimed to culturally tailor and refine the NOLA GEM app and assess its acceptability; feasibility; and preliminary efficacy on care engagement, medication adherence, viral suppression, and mental well-being among in-care people living with HIV in Greater New Orleans. METHODS The development of NOLA GEM entailed identifying real-time tailoring variables via a geographic ecological momentary assessment (GEMA) study (n=49; aim 1) and place-based and user-centered tailoring, responsive to the unique cultural contexts of HIV survivorship in New Orleans, via formative interviews (n=12; aim 2). The iOS- and Android-enabled NOLA GEM app leverages twice-daily GEMA prompts to offer just-in-time, in-app recommendations for effective coping skills practice and app-delivered Living in the Face of Trauma session content. For aim 3, the pilot trial will enroll an analytic sample of 60 New Orleans people living with HIV individually randomized to parallel NOLA GEM (intervention) or GEMA-alone (control) arms at a 1:1 allocation for a 21-day period. Acceptability and feasibility will be assessed via enrollment, attrition, active daily use through paradata metrics, and prevalidated usability measures. At the postassessment time point, primary end points will be assessed via a range of well-validated, domain-specific scales. Care engagement and viral suppression will be assessed via past missed appointments and self-reported viral load at 30 and 90 days, respectively, and through well-demonstrated adherence self-efficacy measures. RESULTS Aims 1 and 2 have been achieved, NOLA GEM is in Beta, and all aim-3 methods have been reviewed and approved by the institutional review board of Tulane University. Recruitment was launched in July 2023, with a target date for follow-up assessment completion in December 2023. CONCLUSIONS By leveraging user-centered development and embracing principles that elevate the lived expertise of New Orleans people living with HIV, mHealth-adapted EBIs can reflect community wisdom on posttraumatic resilience. Sustainable adoption of the NOLA GEM app and a promising early efficacy profile will support the feasibility of a future fully powered clinical trial and potential translation to new underserved settings in service of holistic survivorship and well-being of people living with HIV. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05784714; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05784714. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/47151.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone J Skeen
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Center for Community-Engaged Artificial Intelligence, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Stephanie Tokarz
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Rayna E Gasik
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Chelsea McGettigan Solano
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Ethan A Smith
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Momi Binaifer Sagoe
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Lauryn V Hudson
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Kara Steele
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Katherine P Theall
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Gretchen A Clum
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
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Seegan PL, Miller MJ, Heliste JL, Fathi L, McGuire JF. Efficacy of stand-alone digital mental health applications for anxiety and depression: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 164:171-183. [PMID: 37352813 PMCID: PMC10527200 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anxiety and depressive disorders affect 20% of the population, cause functional impairment, and represent a leading cause of disability. Although evidence-based treatments exist, the shortage of trained clinicians and high demand for mental health services have resulted in limited access to evidence-based care. Digital mental health applications (DMHA) present innovative, scalable, and sustainable solutions to address disparities in mental health care. METHODS The present study used meta-analytic techniques to evaluate the therapeutic effect of DMHAs in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for individuals experiencing anxiety and/or depressive symptoms. Search terms were selected based on concepts related to digital mental health applications, mental health/wellness, intervention type, trial design, and anxiety and/or depression symptoms/diagnosis outcomes to capture all potentially eligible results. Potential demographic, DMHA, and trial design characteristics were examined as moderators of therapeutic effects. RESULTS Random effects meta-analyses found that stand-alone DMHAs produced a modest reduction in anxiety (g = 0.31) and depressive (g = 0.35) symptom severity. Several moderators influenced the therapeutic effects of DMHAs for anxiety and/or depressive symptoms including treatment duration, participant inclusion criteria, and outcome measures. LIMITATIONS Minimal information was available on DMHA usability and participant engagement with DMHAs within RCTs. CONCLUSIONS While DMHAs have the potential to be scalable and sustainable solutions to improve access and availability of evidence-based mental healthcare, moderator analyses highlight the considerations for implementation of DMHAs in practice. Further research is needed to understand factors that influence therapeutic effects of DMHAs and investigate strategies to optimize its implementation and overcome the extant research-to-practice gap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paige L Seegan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael J Miller
- Mid-Atlantic Permanente Research Institute, Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States, Rockville, MD, USA; Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer L Heliste
- Mid-Atlantic Permanente Research Institute, Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States, Rockville, MD, USA; Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Lily Fathi
- Mid-Atlantic Permanente Research Institute, Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States, Rockville, MD, USA; Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Joseph F McGuire
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Sripada RK, Smith K, Walters HM, Ganoczy D, Kim HM, Grau PP, Nahum-Shani I, Possemato K, Kuhn E, Zivin K, Pfeiffer PN, Bohnert KM, Cigrang JA, Avallone KM, Rauch SAM. Testing adaptive interventions to improve PTSD treatment outcomes in Federally Qualified Health Centers: Protocol for a randomized clinical trial. Contemp Clin Trials 2023; 129:107182. [PMID: 37044157 PMCID: PMC10349653 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2023.107182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) disproportionately affects low-income individuals and is untreated in 70% of those affected. One third of low-income Americans are treated in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), which do not have the capacity to provide all patients with first-line treatments such as Prolonged Exposure (PE). To address this problem, FQHCs could use low-intensity interventions (e.g., Clinician-Supported PTSD Coach: CS PTSD Coach) and medium-intensity interventions (e.g., PE for Primary Care: PE-PC) to treat PTSD with fewer resources. However, some patients will still require high-intensity treatments (e.g., full-length PE) for sustained clinical benefit. Thus, there is a critical need to develop stepped-care models for PTSD in FQHCs. METHOD We are conducting a Sequential, Multiple Assignment, Randomized Trial (SMART) with 430 adults with PTSD in FQHCs. Participants are initially randomized to CS PTSD Coach or PE-PC. After four sessions, early responders step down to lower frequency interaction within their assigned initial treatment strategy. Slow responders are re-randomized to either continue their initial treatment strategy or step up to Full PE for an additional eight weeks. The specific aims are to test the effectiveness of initiating treatment with PE-PC versus CS PTSD Coach in reducing PTSD symptoms and to test the effectiveness of second-stage strategies (continue versus step-up to Full PE) for slow responders. CONCLUSIONS This project will provide critical evidence to inform the development of an effective stepped-care model for PTSD. Testing scalable, sustainable sequences of PTSD treatments delivered in low-resource community health centers will improve clinical practice for PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca K Sripada
- Department of Psychiatry, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America; Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America.
| | - Kayla Smith
- Department of Psychiatry, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Heather M Walters
- Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Dara Ganoczy
- Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - H Myra Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America; Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America; Consulting for Statistics, Computing and Analytics Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Peter P Grau
- Department of Psychiatry, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America; Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Inbal Nahum-Shani
- Data-Science for Dynamic Decision-making Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Kyle Possemato
- VA Center for Integrated Healthcare, Syracuse, NY, United States of America
| | - Eric Kuhn
- National Center for PTSD, Dissemination and Training Division, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Kara Zivin
- Department of Psychiatry, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America; Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Paul N Pfeiffer
- Department of Psychiatry, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America; Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Kipling M Bohnert
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey A Cigrang
- School of Professional Psychology, College of Health Education and Human Services, Wright State University, Fairborn, OH, United States of America
| | - Kimberly M Avallone
- Department of Psychiatry, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Sheila A M Rauch
- VA Atlanta Healthcare System, Decatur, GA, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
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9
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Han HJ, Mendu S, Jaworski BK, Owen JE, Abdullah S. Preliminary Evaluation of a Conversational Agent to Support Self-management of Individuals Living With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Interview Study With Clinical Experts. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e45894. [PMID: 37247220 DOI: 10.2196/45894] [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: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious public health concern. However, individuals with PTSD often do not have access to adequate treatment. A conversational agent (CA) can help to bridge the treatment gap by providing interactive and timely interventions at scale. Toward this goal, we have developed PTSDialogue-a CA to support the self-management of individuals living with PTSD. PTSDialogue is designed to be highly interactive (eg, brief questions, ability to specify preferences, and quick turn-taking) and supports social presence to promote user engagement and sustain adherence. It includes a range of support features, including psychoeducation, assessment tools, and several symptom management tools. OBJECTIVE This paper focuses on the preliminary evaluation of PTSDialogue from clinical experts. Given that PTSDialogue focuses on a vulnerable population, it is critical to establish its usability and acceptance with clinical experts before deployment. Expert feedback is also important to ensure user safety and effective risk management in CAs aiming to support individuals living with PTSD. METHODS We conducted remote, one-on-one, semistructured interviews with clinical experts (N=10) to gather insight into the use of CAs. All participants have completed their doctoral degrees and have prior experience in PTSD care. The web-based PTSDialogue prototype was then shared with the participant so that they could interact with different functionalities and features. We encouraged them to "think aloud" as they interacted with the prototype. Participants also shared their screens throughout the interaction session. A semistructured interview script was also used to gather insights and feedback from the participants. The sample size is consistent with that of prior works. We analyzed interview data using a qualitative interpretivist approach resulting in a bottom-up thematic analysis. RESULTS Our data establish the feasibility and acceptance of PTSDialogue, a supportive tool for individuals with PTSD. Most participants agreed that PTSDialogue could be useful for supporting self-management of individuals with PTSD. We have also assessed how features, functionalities, and interactions in PTSDialogue can support different self-management needs and strategies for this population. These data were then used to identify design requirements and guidelines for a CA aiming to support individuals with PTSD. Experts specifically noted the importance of empathetic and tailored CA interactions for effective PTSD self-management. They also suggested steps to ensure safe and engaging interactions with PTSDialogue. CONCLUSIONS Based on interviews with experts, we have provided design recommendations for future CAs aiming to support vulnerable populations. The study suggests that well-designed CAs have the potential to reshape effective intervention delivery and help address the treatment gap in mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee Jeong Han
- College of Information Sciences and Technology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Sanjana Mendu
- College of Information Sciences and Technology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Beth K Jaworski
- National Center for PTSD, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Menlo Park, CA, United States
| | - Jason E Owen
- National Center for PTSD, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Menlo Park, CA, United States
| | - Saeed Abdullah
- College of Information Sciences and Technology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
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10
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Sasseville M, LeBlanc A, Tchuente J, Boucher M, Dugas M, Gisèle M, Barony R, Chouinard MC, Beaulieu M, Beaudet N, Skidmore B, Cholette P, Aspiros C, Larouche A, Chabot G, Gagnon MP. The impact of technology systems and level of support in digital mental health interventions: a secondary meta-analysis. Syst Rev 2023; 12:78. [PMID: 37143171 PMCID: PMC10157597 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-023-02241-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The majority of people with a chronic disease (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, COPD) have more than one concurrent condition and are also at higher risk for developing comorbidities in mental health, including anxiety and depression. There is an urgent need for more relevant and accurate data on digital interventions in this area to prepare for an increase demand for mental health services. The aim of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis of the digital mental health interventions for people with comorbid physical and mental chronic diseases to compare the effect of technology systems and level of support. METHODS This secondary meta-analysis follows a rapid review of systematic reviews, a virtual workshop with knowledge users to identify research questions and a modified Delphi study to guide research methods: What types of digital health interventions (according to a recognized categorization) are the most effective for the management of concomitant mental health and chronic disease conditions in adults? We conducted a secondary analysis of the primary studies identified in the rapid review. Two reviewers independently screened the titles and abstracts and applied inclusion criteria: RCT design using a digital mental health intervention in a population of adults with another chronic condition, published after 2010 in French or English, and including an outcome measurement of anxiety or depression. RESULTS Seven hundred eight primary studies were extracted from the systematic reviews and 84 primary studies met the inclusion criteria Digital mental health interventions were significantly more effective than in-person care for both anxiety and depression outcomes. Online messaging was the most effective technology to improve anxiety and depression scores; however, all technology types were effective. Interventions partially supported by healthcare professionals were more effective than self-administered. CONCLUSIONS While our meta-analysis identifies digital intervention's characteristics are associated with better effectiveness, all technologies and levels of support could be used considering implementation context and population. TRIAL REGISTRATION The protocol for this review is registered in the National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools (NCCMT) COVID-19 Rapid Evidence Service (ID 75).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Sasseville
- Université Laval-VITAM Research Center on Sustainable Health, Quebec City, Canada.
| | - Annie LeBlanc
- Université Laval-VITAM Research Center on Sustainable Health, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Jack Tchuente
- VITAM Research Center on Sustainable Health, Quebec City, Canada
| | | | - Michèle Dugas
- VITAM Research Center on Sustainable Health, Quebec City, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Nicolas Beaudet
- Université de Sherbrooke, Omnimed, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Becky Skidmore
- Université Laval-VITAM Research Center on Sustainable Health, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Pascale Cholette
- Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et de Services Sociaux de la Capitale Nationale, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Christine Aspiros
- Université Laval-VITAM Research Center on Sustainable Health, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Alain Larouche
- Université Laval-VITAM Research Center on Sustainable Health, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Guylaine Chabot
- Université Laval-VITAM Research Center on Sustainable Health, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Marie-Pierre Gagnon
- Université Laval-VITAM Research Center on Sustainable Health, Quebec City, Canada
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11
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Weingarden H, Garriga Calleja R, Greenberg JL, Snorrason I, Matic A, Quist R, Harrison O, Hoeppner SS, Wilhelm S. Characterizing observed and effective behavioral engagement with smartphone cognitive behavioral therapy for body dysmorphic disorder: A methods roadmap and use case. Internet Interv 2023; 32:100615. [PMID: 36969390 PMCID: PMC10031461 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2023.100615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Smartphone psychotherapies are growing in popularity, yet little is understood about (1) how people prefer to engage with psychotherapy apps, or (2) which engagement patterns constitute effective engagement. The present study uses secondary data from a 12-week randomized waitlist-controlled trial of smartphone-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) (N = 77) to address these aims. Additionally, using the present study as a use-case, we seek to provide a roadmap for how researchers may improve upon methodological limitations of existing smartphone psychotherapy engagement research. We measured behavioral engagement via 19 objective variables derived from phone analytics data, which we reduced via factor analysis into two factors: 1) use volume and frequency, and 2) session duration. Cluster analysis based on engagement factors yielded three engager types, which mapped onto "deep" users, "samplers," and "light" users. The clusters did not differ significantly in improvement in BDD severity across treatment, although deep users improved more than light users at a marginally significant level. Results suggest that varying patterns of preferred engagement may be efficacious. Moreover, the study's methods provide an example of how researchers can measure and study behavioral engagement comprehensively and objectively. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04034693.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilary Weingarden
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Jennifer L. Greenberg
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ivar Snorrason
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Rachel Quist
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Susanne S. Hoeppner
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sabine Wilhelm
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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12
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Reger GM, Smolenski D, Williams R, Norr AM, Foa E, Kuhn E, Schnurr PP, Weathers F, Zoellner L. Design and methods of a randomized controlled trial evaluating the effects of the PE Coach mobile application on prolonged exposure among veterans with PTSD. Contemp Clin Trials 2023; 127:107115. [PMID: 36758935 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2023.107115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the impact of mobile applications (apps) designed to support patients progressing through an evidence-based psychotherapy. Prolonged exposure (PE) is an efficacious treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and PE Coach is a treatment companion app that may increase patient engagement with the active components of PE, thereby supporting recovery. METHODS This paper describes a randomized clinical trial that will evaluate PE delivered with and without PE Coach at post-treatment, and 1-month and 4-months post-treatment. Veterans with PTSD (N = 124) will be randomized (1:1) to conditions and complete up to 15 treatment sessions based on a priori defined termination criteria. We hypothesize that compared to PE without PE Coach, PE with the app will result in greater improvements in PTSD-related social and occupational functioning (primary outcome is the PTSD-Related Functioning Inventory), quality of life, and greater reductions in functional impairment, neurobehavioral symptoms, depression, and suicidal ideation (Aim 1). We also hypothesize that including PE Coach will reduce assessor-masked PTSD symptom severity, relative to PE without the app, as assessed by the revised Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (Aim 2). We hypothesize that PE Coach will facilitate increased treatment adherence, as measured by completion of PE homework (Aim 3). We will explore the impact of PE Coach on treatment engagement, as measured by reduced treatment dropout. CONCLUSION Data on the outcomes of PE Coach can inform dissemination efforts and help evaluate the return on investment to guide future mental health app development. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ClinicalTrials.govNCT04959695.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greg M Reger
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States of America; University of Washington School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Seattle, WA, United States of America.
| | - Derek Smolenski
- Psychological Health Center of Excellence, Defense Health Agency, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
| | - Rhonda Williams
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States of America; University of Washington School of Medicine, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Aaron M Norr
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Seattle, WA, United States of America; VISN 20 Mental Illness Research Evaluation and Clinical Center, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Edna Foa
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, PA, United States of America
| | - Eric Kuhn
- Dissemination and Training Division, National Center for PTSD, Palo Alto VA Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA, United States of America; Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Paula P Schnurr
- Executive Division, National Center for PTSD, White River Junction, VT, United States of America; Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, United States of America
| | - Frank Weathers
- National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Health Care System, MA, United States of America
| | - Lori Zoellner
- University of Washington, Department of Psychology, Seattle, WA, United States of America
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13
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Hensler I, Sveen J, Cernvall M, Arnberg FK. Longitudinal follow-up of the randomized controlled trial of access to the trauma-focused self-management app PTSD coach. Internet Interv 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2023.100618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
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14
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Possemato K, Johnson E, Barrie K, Ghaus S, Noronha D, Wade M, Greenbaum MA, Rosen C, Cloitre M, Owen J, Jain S, Beehler G, Prins A, Seal K, Kuhn E. A Randomized Clinical Trial of Clinician-Supported PTSD Coach in VA Primary Care Patients. J Gen Intern Med 2023:10.1007/s11606-023-08130-6. [PMID: 36932268 PMCID: PMC10022983 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-023-08130-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common in primary care patients; however, evidence-based treatments are typically only available in specialty mental healthcare settings and often not accessed. OBJECTIVE To test the effectiveness of a brief primary care-based treatment, Clinician-Supported PTSD Coach (CS PTSD Coach) was compared with Primary Care Mental Health Integration-Treatment as Usual (PCMHI-TAU) in (1) reducing PTSD severity, (2) engaging veterans in specialty mental health care, and (3) patient satisfaction with care. DESIGN Multi-site randomized pragmatic clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS A total of 234 veterans with PTSD symptoms who were not currently accessing PTSD treatment. INTERVENTION CS PTSD Coach was designed to be implemented in Veterans Affairs PCMHI and combines mental health clinician support with the "PTSD Coach" mobile app. Four 30-min sessions encourage daily use of symptom management strategies. MAIN MEASURES PTSD severity was measured by clinician-rated interviews pre- and post-treatment (8 weeks). Self-report measures assessed PTSD, depression, and quality of life at pretreatment, posttreatment, and 16- and 24-week follow-ups, and patient satisfaction at post-treatment. Mental healthcare utilization was extracted from medical records. KEY RESULTS Clinician-rated PTSD severity did not differ by condition at post-treatment. CS PTSD Coach participants improved more on patient-reported PTSD severity at post-treatment than TAU participants (D = .28, p = .021). Coach participants who continued to have problematic PTSD symptoms at post-treatment were not more likely to engage in 2 sessions of specialty mental health treatment than TAU participants. Coach participants engaged in 74% more sessions in the intervention and reported higher treatment satisfaction than TAU participants (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS A structured 4-session intervention designed to align with patient preferences for care resulted in more patient-reported PTSD symptom relief, greater utilization of mental health treatment, and overall treatment satisfaction than TAU, but not more clinician-rated PTSD symptom relief or engagement in specialty mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Possemato
- VA Center for Integrated Healthcare, Syracuse VA Medical Center, Syracuse, NY, USA.
| | - Emily Johnson
- VA Center for Integrated Healthcare, Syracuse VA Medical Center, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Kimberly Barrie
- VA Center for Integrated Healthcare, Syracuse VA Medical Center, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Michael Wade
- VA Center for Integrated Healthcare, Syracuse VA Medical Center, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Mark A Greenbaum
- National Center for PTSD, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Craig Rosen
- National Center for PTSD, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Marylene Cloitre
- National Center for PTSD, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jason Owen
- National Center for PTSD, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Shaili Jain
- National Center for PTSD, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Gregory Beehler
- VA Center for Integrated Healthcare, Syracuse VA Medical Center, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | | | - Karen Seal
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, USA
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Eric Kuhn
- National Center for PTSD, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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15
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Biagianti B, Foti G, Di Liberto A, Bressi C, Brambilla P. CBT-informed psychological interventions for adult patients with anxiety and depression symptoms: A narrative review of digital treatment options. J Affect Disord 2023; 325:682-694. [PMID: 36690081 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.01.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Across a range of age, educational and clinical characteristics, adults experiencing depression and anxiety already use digital technology to manage their symptoms. Although several reviews and meta-analyses indicated feasibility and efficacy for adults with depression and anxiety, digital treatments are poorly accessed and disseminated. This review illustrates potentials and limitations of interventions that specifically leveraged unique features of digital technology and were grounded in the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). METHODS This systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines. An electronic database search was conducted in October 2021. Peer-reviewed, English-language studies were included if i) they reported data from RCTs for adults aged 18+ who engaged with CBT-informed digital interventions targeting primarily depression and anxiety; ii) they used at least PHQ-9 or GAD-7 as standardized and validated assessment self-report measures for depression and anxiety. RESULTS Findings from 35 RCTs examining 33 interventions (25 internet-based, 6 mobile-based, a2 mobile/web) are discussed. The quality of the evidence differed widely as many small-scale RCTs reported only short-term feasibility and preliminary efficacy. Effects of CBT-informed digital interventions were substantially larger when compared to waitlist than active control conditions. Greater therapeutic benefits were observed for interventions that offered clinical assistance or were used in combination with other treatments. CONCLUSIONS CBT-informed digital interventions have accumulated enough scientific evidence to be positioned today as: i) a low-intensity tool for those with subclinical levels of symptoms; ii) a first step in a stepped-care approach to service delivery iii) a low-cost, easily accessible option for targeted preventive programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Biagianti
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.
| | | | | | - Cinzia Bressi
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Paolo Brambilla
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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16
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Harned M, Dhami M, Reger GM. Evaluation of a Psychoeducational Group to Expand Mobile Application Knowledge and Use in a Veteran Residential Treatment Program. JOURNAL OF TECHNOLOGY IN BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE 2023; 8:118-127. [PMID: 36817623 PMCID: PMC9930040 DOI: 10.1007/s41347-023-00299-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Despite the availability of free, evidence-informed mental health mobile applications (apps) to support Veterans and Service Members, interventions are needed to ensure patients are aware of the developed resources. A psychoeducational group was developed and evaluated by a quality improvement project in the context of a Department of Veterans Affairs residential treatment program. Four weekly group sessions introduced 82 Veterans to two similarly themed apps at each group and supported Veteran installation, introduction to the clinical subject matter, app orientation and demonstration, and device/app troubleshooting. Although 94% owned a smartphone, prior to the group, seven of eight apps introduced during the group had been used by fewer than 10% of participants. Following group participation, the proportion of participants agreeing that they were comfortable using mental health apps increased from 33% at baseline to 75%. Similarly, relative to 54% of participants at baseline who agreed that they were aware of available mental health mobile applications, the proportion rose to 89% after the group. Most participants rated three apps as "helpful" or "very helpful" (Breath2Relax, Mindfulness Coach, and PTSD Coach) and most participants reported they were likely to use these apps in the future. Results and qualitative feedback identified needed improvements to the group, including the replacement of some featured apps and the inclusion of automated app usage metrics. Well-designed implementation studies of dissemination strategies are needed to inform best practices for the adoption of these promising interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Harned
- grid.413919.70000 0004 0420 6540VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, 9600 Veterans Drive, Seattle/Tacoma, 98493 WA USA
| | - Mani Dhami
- grid.413919.70000 0004 0420 6540VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, 9600 Veterans Drive, Seattle/Tacoma, 98493 WA USA
| | - Greg M. Reger
- grid.413919.70000 0004 0420 6540VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, 9600 Veterans Drive, Seattle/Tacoma, 98493 WA USA ,grid.34477.330000000122986657University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA USA
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17
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Eysenbach G, Amado S, Jasman M, Ervin A, Rhodes JE. Providing Human Support for the Use of Digital Mental Health Interventions: Systematic Meta-review. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e42864. [PMID: 36745497 PMCID: PMC9941905 DOI: 10.2196/42864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) have been increasingly deployed to bridge gaps in mental health care, particularly given their promising efficacy. Nevertheless, attrition among DMHI users remains high. In response, human support has been studied as a means of improving retention to and outcomes of DMHIs. Although a growing number of studies and meta-analyses have investigated the effects of human support for DMHIs on mental health outcomes, systematic empirical evidence of its effectiveness across mental health domains remains scant. OBJECTIVE We aimed to summarize the results of meta-analyses of human support versus no support for DMHI use across various outcome domains, participant samples, and support providers. METHODS We conducted a systematic meta-review of meta-analyses, comparing the effects of human support with those of no support for DMHI use, with the goal of qualitatively summarizing data across various outcome domains, participant samples, and support providers. We used MEDLINE, PubMed, and PsycINFO electronic databases. Articles were included if the study had a quantitative meta-analysis study design; the intervention targeted mental health symptoms and was delivered via a technology platform (excluding person-delivered interventions mediated through telehealth, text messages, or social media); the outcome variables included mental health symptoms such as anxiety, depression, stress, posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, or a number of these symptoms together; and the study included quantitative comparisons of outcomes in which human support versus those when no or minimal human support was provided. RESULTS The results of 31 meta-analyses (505 unique primary studies) were analyzed. The meta-analyses reported 45 effect sizes; almost half (n=22, 48%) of them showed that human-supported DMHIs were significantly more effective than unsupported DMHIs. A total of 9% (4/45) of effect sizes showed that unsupported DMHIs were significantly more effective. No clear patterns of results emerged regarding the efficacy of human support for the outcomes assessed (including anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, stress, and multiple outcomes). Human-supported DMHIs may be more effective than unsupported DMHIs for individuals with elevated mental health symptoms. There were no clear results regarding the type of training for those providing support. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight the potential of human support in improving the effects of DMHIs. Specifically, evidence emerged for stronger effects of human support for individuals with greater symptom severity. There was considerable heterogeneity across meta-analyses in the level of detail regarding the nature of the interventions, population served, and support delivered, making it difficult to draw strong conclusions regarding the circumstances under which human support is most effective. Future research should emphasize reporting detailed descriptions of sample and intervention characteristics and describe the mechanism through which they believe the coach will be most useful for the DMHI.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Selen Amado
- Center for Evidence-Based Mentoring, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Megyn Jasman
- Center for Evidence-Based Mentoring, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ariel Ervin
- Center for Evidence-Based Mentoring, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jean E Rhodes
- Center for Evidence-Based Mentoring, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, United States
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Leightley D, Murphy D. Personalised digital technology for mental health in the armed forces: the potential, the hype and the dangers. BMJ Mil Health 2023; 169:81-83. [PMID: 36455986 DOI: 10.1136/military-2022-002279] [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: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a digital technology revolution which included widespread use in remote healthcare settings, remote working and use of technology to support friends and family to stay in touch. The armed forces have also increased its use of digital technology, but not at the same rate, and it is important that they do not fall behind in the revolution. One area where digital technology could be helpful is the treatment and management of mental health conditions. In a civilian setting, digital technology adoption has been found to be acceptable and feasible yet there is little use in the armed forces. In this personal view, we explore the potential use of personalised digital technology for mental health, the hype surrounding it and the dangers.This paper forms part of the special issue of BMJ Military Health dedicated to personalised digital technology for mental health in the armed forces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Leightley
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, King's College London, London, UK
| | - D Murphy
- Research Department, Combat Stress, Leatherhead, UK
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19
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Mavragani A, Wielgosz J, Hallenbeck HW, Chang A, Rosen C, Owen J, Kuhn E. The PTSD Family Coach App in Veteran Family Members: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e42053. [PMID: 36602852 PMCID: PMC9893731 DOI: 10.2196/42053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among US military veterans can adversely impact their concerned significant others (CSOs; eg, family members and romantic partners). Mobile apps can be tailored to support CSO mental health through psychoeducation, coping skills, and stress monitoring. OBJECTIVE This study assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of PTSD Family Coach 1.0, a free, publicly available app that includes psychoeducation, stress management tools, self-assessments, and features for connecting to alternative supports, compared with a psychoeducation-only version of the app for cohabitating CSOs of veterans with PTSD. METHODS A total of 200 participants with an average age of 39 (SD 8.44) years, primarily female (193/200, 97%), and White (160/200, 80%) were randomized to self-guided use of either PTSD Family Coach 1.0 (n=104) or a psychoeducation-only app (n=96) for 4 weeks. Caregiver burden, stress, depression, anxiety, beliefs about treatment, CSO self-efficacy, and relationship functioning assessed using measures of dyadic adjustment, social constraints, and communication danger signs were administered via a web survey at baseline and after treatment. User satisfaction and app helpfulness were assessed after treatment. Data were analyzed using linear mixed methods. RESULTS Overall, 50.5% (101/200) of randomized participants used their allocated app. Participants found PTSD Family Coach 1.0 somewhat satisfying (mean 4.88, SD 1.11) and moderately helpful (mean 2.99, SD 0.97) to use. Linear mixed effects models revealed no significant differences in outcomes by condition for caregiver burden (P=.45; Cohen d=0.1, 95% CI -0.2 to 0.4), stress (P=.64; Cohen d=0.1, 95% CI -0.4 to 0.6), depression (P=.93; Cohen d= 0.0, 95% CI -0.3 to 0.3), anxiety (P=.55; Cohen d=-0.1, 95% CI -0.4 to 0.2), beliefs about treatment (P=.71; Cohen d=0.1, 95% CI -0.2 to 0.3), partner self-efficacy (P=.59; Cohen d=-0.1, 95% CI -0.4 to 0.2), dyadic adjustment (P=.08; Cohen d=-0.2, 95% CI -0.5 to 0.0), social constraints (P=.05; Cohen d=0.3, 95% CI 0.0-0.6), or communication danger signs (P=.90; Cohen d=-0.0, 95% CI -0.3 to 0.3). Post hoc analyses collapsing across conditions revealed a significant between-group effect on stress for app users versus nonusers (β=-3.62; t281=-2.27; P=.02). CONCLUSIONS Approximately half of the randomized participants never used their allocated app, and participants in the PTSD Family Coach 1.0 condition only opened the app approximately 4 times over 4 weeks, suggesting limitations to this app version's feasibility. PTSD Family Coach 1.0 users reported moderately favorable impressions of the app, suggesting preliminary acceptability. Regarding efficacy, no significant difference was found between PTSD Family Coach 1.0 users and psychoeducation app users across any outcome of interest. Post hoc analyses suggested that app use regardless of treatment condition was associated with reduced stress. Further research that improves app feasibility and establishes efficacy in targeting the domains most relevant to CSOs is warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02486705; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02486705.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joseph Wielgosz
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States.,National Center for PTSD, Veteran Affairs Palo Alto Healthcare System, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Haijing Wu Hallenbeck
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States.,National Center for PTSD, Veteran Affairs Palo Alto Healthcare System, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Andrew Chang
- National Center for PTSD, Veteran Affairs Palo Alto Healthcare System, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Craig Rosen
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States.,National Center for PTSD, Veteran Affairs Palo Alto Healthcare System, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Jason Owen
- National Center for PTSD, Veteran Affairs Palo Alto Healthcare System, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Eric Kuhn
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States.,National Center for PTSD, Veteran Affairs Palo Alto Healthcare System, Palo Alto, CA, United States
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20
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Flujas-Contreras JM, García-Palacios A, Gómez I. Technology in psychology: a bibliometric analysis of technology-based interventions in clinical and health psychology. Inform Health Soc Care 2023; 48:47-67. [PMID: 35353661 DOI: 10.1080/17538157.2022.2054343] [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: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to identify, synthesize, and evaluate the current state of research on the use of technology-based interventions in clinical psychology through 2017 as a recent innovative area of study. It was intended to provide a critical overview of trends in different tools and populations and identify future areas of interest. This paper focuses on studies published in psychological interventions in childhood, adolescents, adults, and geriatric populations using new technologies, including web-based intervention, virtual reality, augmented reality, mobile applications, and robotics, with particular attention to methodology. To achieve this aim, a systematic search was made in the ISI Web of Science for intervention, psychology, and the technological tools previously mentioned. The results of the study show that the use of information and communication technologies in psychology has been an innovative and growing field of study for the last 10 years. In total, 743 were included in this study. A growing trend has been observed in publications related to psychology and the use of technologies since 2007. Resea0rch topics were focused mainly on interventions on specific problems or disorders such as depression. The largest number of publications were found for the web-based intervention, in randomized clinical trials and applied to adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan M Flujas-Contreras
- Department of Psychology University of Almeria, Almería, Spain.,Health Research Centre of University of Almeria (CEINSA/ual), Almería, Spain
| | - Azucena García-Palacios
- Department of Psychology, University Jaume I, Castellon, Spain.,CIBER of Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition CIBERobn, CB06/03 Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Gómez
- Department of Psychology University of Almeria, Almería, Spain.,Health Research Centre of University of Almeria (CEINSA/ual), Almería, Spain
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21
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McLean C, Davis CA, Miller M, Ruzek J, Neri E. The Effects of an Exposure-Based Mobile App on Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Veterans: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2022; 10:e38951. [PMID: 36331540 PMCID: PMC9675013 DOI: 10.2196/38951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Barriers to accessing in-person care can prevent veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from receiving trauma-focused treatments such as exposure therapy. Mobile apps may help to address unmet need for services by offering tools for users to self-manage PTSD symptoms. Renew is a mobile mental health app that focuses on exposure therapy and incorporates a social support function designed to promote user engagement. OBJECTIVE We examined the preliminary efficacy of Renew with and without support from a research staff member compared with waitlist among 93 veterans with clinically significant PTSD symptoms. We also examined the impact of study staff support on participant engagement with the app. METHODS In a pilot randomized controlled trial, we compared Renew with and without support from a research staff member (active use condition) with waitlist (delayed use condition) over 6 weeks. Participants were recruited through online advertisements. The Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5) was used to measure PTSD symptoms at pre, post, and 6-week follow-up. Usage data were collected to assess engagement with Renew. RESULTS Results indicated a small effect size (d=-0.39) favoring those in the active use conditions relative to the delayed use condition, but the between-group difference was not significant (P=.29). There were no differences on indices of app engagement between the 2 active use conditions. Exploratory analyses found that the number of support persons users added to the app, but not the number of support messages received, was positively correlated with app engagement. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest Renew may hold promise as a self-management tool to reduce PTSD symptoms in veterans. Involving friends and family in mobile mental health apps may help bolster engagement with no additional cost to public health systems. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04155736; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04155736.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen McLean
- National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Dissemination and Training Division, Department of Veterans Affairs, Menlo Park, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - C Adrian Davis
- National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Dissemination and Training Division, Department of Veterans Affairs, Menlo Park, CA, United States
| | - Madeleine Miller
- National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Dissemination and Training Division, Department of Veterans Affairs, Menlo Park, CA, United States
| | - Josef Ruzek
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
- Department of Psychology, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
| | - Eric Neri
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
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22
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Belanger HG, Toyinbo P, Barrett B, King E, Sayer NA. Concussion coach for postconcussive symptoms: A randomized, controlled trial of a smartphone application with Afghanistan and Iraq war Veterans. Clin Neuropsychol 2022; 36:2093-2119. [PMID: 34184976 DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2021.1936188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Investigate the effectiveness of Concussion Coach, an interactive smartphone application, as a treatment for residual neurobehavioral symptoms and distress in Veterans with a history of mild traumatic brain injury (mild TBI). Methods: Veterans with mild TBI were randomized to Concussion Coach (n = 238) or Treatment-as-Usual (TAU) (n = 241) in a 3-month randomized controlled trial. Primary outcome measures included postconcussive symptom (PCS) severity as measured by the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI), and psychological distress as measured by the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18). Measures of self-efficacy, social support, and comfort with technology were administered as potential moderators and mediators. An intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis was performed (N = 461: Concussion Coach = 231 and TAU = 230) using Bayesian Network (BN)modeling. Results: The probability of decreased PCS severity was significantly greater for those assigned to Concussion Coach, .35 [.32,.37], than for TAU, .29 (.27, .32), with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.29. Also, Concussion Coach showed a significantly greater probability of increased self-efficacy (.36 [.32, .39]) than did TAU (.28 [.25, .30], OR = 1.42). In turn, self-efficacy (increased vs. decreased) showed a significantly greater probability of decreased PCS severity (.51 [.47, .54] vs. .27 [.24, .30], OR = 2.71) and decreased psychological distress (.53 [.49, .56] vs. .32 [.29, .35], OR = 2.35), suggesting that self-efficacy may have mediated Concussion Coach effects. Conclusions: Concussion Coach is effective at reducing PCS severity and psychological distress. Increased self-efficacy/perception of self-management of symptoms may be key to successful treatment of residual symptoms in those with history of concussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather G Belanger
- Research and Development Service, James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, FL, USA.,United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), Tampa, FL, USA.,Department of Psychology and Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.,St Michael's Inc, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Peter Toyinbo
- Research and Development Service, James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Blake Barrett
- Research and Development Service, James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, FL, USA
| | | | - Nina A Sayer
- Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Health Care System and Departments of Medicine and Psychiatry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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23
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Sysko R, Michaelides A, Costello K, Herron DM, Hildebrandt T. An Initial Test of the Efficacy of a Digital Health Intervention for Bariatric Surgery Candidates. Obes Surg 2022; 32:3641-3649. [PMID: 36074201 PMCID: PMC10312669 DOI: 10.1007/s11695-022-06258-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rigorous research on smartphone apps for individuals pursuing bariatric surgery is limited. A digital health intervention was recently developed using standard behavioral weight loss programs with specific modifications for bariatric surgery. The current study evaluated this intervention for improving diet, exercise, and psychosocial health over 8 weeks prior to surgery in an academic medical center. METHODS Fifty patients were randomized to receive either the digital intervention or treatment as usual prior to a surgical procedure. Measures of anxiety, depression, stress, quality of life, physical activity, and diet were administered at baseline and at 8-week follow-up. Statistical power of 80% estimated for N = 50 to detect ES = 0.68 with alpha = 0.05. RESULTS Results of intent-to-treat (N = 50 baseline, N = 36 follow-up) analyses indicated significant moderate differences in stress and anxiety (ES = - 0.58 to - 0.62) favoring the digital intervention. Effects of the program on total daily calories consumed, body mass index, quality of life, and eating disorder symptoms were small (ES = - 0.24 to 0.33) and not significant. Given small effects for these domains, the sample size of the study likely affected the ability to detect significant differences. CONCLUSIONS The digital health intervention appears to significantly impact several measures of physical activity and emotional functioning in candidates for bariatric surgery, which could augment surgical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn Sysko
- Center of Excellence for Eating and Weight Disorders, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L Levy Place, Box 1230, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
| | | | - Kayla Costello
- Center of Excellence for Eating and Weight Disorders, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L Levy Place, Box 1230, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Daniel M Herron
- Garlock Division of General Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 5 East 98th Street, 3rd Fl, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Tom Hildebrandt
- Center of Excellence for Eating and Weight Disorders, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L Levy Place, Box 1230, New York, NY, 10029, USA
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24
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Lee S, Kim H, Kong S. Associations between childhood psychological trauma, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and mental health in female college students: Mediation of coping styles. Perspect Psychiatr Care 2022; 58:1763-1775. [PMID: 34878662 DOI: 10.1111/ppc.12986] [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: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the associations between childhood psychological trauma, posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), and mental health in adulthood and to identify the mediation of active and passive coping on these associations in Korean female undergraduates. CONCLUSIONS Childhood psychological trauma had a direct association with current mental health in adulthood (β = 0.15, p < 0.001), which was mediated by PTSS (β = 0.34, p < 0.001). Each coping style partially mediated the relationship between (a) childhood psychological trauma and mental health and (b) PTSS and mental health. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS It is necessary to develop nursing interventions to enhance coping strategies in female undergraduates to ensure better mental health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangeun Lee
- College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Heejung Kim
- College of Nursing and Mo-Im Kim Nursing Research Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seongsook Kong
- School of Nursing, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan, Korea
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25
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Moral-Bofill L, López de la Llave A, Pérez-Llantada MC, Holgado-Tello FP. Development of Flow State Self-Regulation Skills and Coping With Musical Performance Anxiety: Design and Evaluation of an Electronically Implemented Psychological Program. Front Psychol 2022; 13:899621. [PMID: 35783805 PMCID: PMC9248863 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.899621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Positive Psychology has turned its attention to the study of emotions in a scientific and rigorous way. Particularly, to how emotions influence people's health, performance, or their overall life satisfaction. Within this trend, Flow theory has established a theoretical framework that helps to promote the Flow experience. Flow state, or optimal experience, is a mental state of high concentration and enjoyment that, due to its characteristics, has been considered desirable for the development of the performing activity of performing musicians. Musicians are a population prone to health problems, both psychological and physical, owing to different stressors of their training and professional activity. One of the most common problems is Musical Performance Anxiety. In this investigation, an electronic intervention program was carried out for the development of psychological self-regulation skills whose main objective was to trigger the Flow response in performing musicians and the coping mechanism for Musical Performance Anxiety. A quasi-experimental design was used with a control group in which pre- and post-measures of Flow State, Musical Performance Anxiety and, also, Social Skills were taken. Sixty-two performing musicians from different music colleges in Spain participated in the program. Results indicated that the intervention significantly improved Flow State (t = -2.41, p = 0.02, d = 0.36), and Sense of Control (t = -2.48, p = 0.02, d = 0.47), and decreased Music Performance Anxiety (t = 2.64, p = 0.01, d = 0.24), and self-consciousness (t = -3.66, p = 0.00, d = 0.70) of the participants in the EG but not CG. The changes in the EG after the program showed the inverse relationship between Flow and Anxiety. Two important theoretical factors of both variables (especially in situations of performance and public exposure), such as worry and the feeling of lack of control, could be involved. The results are under discussion and future lines of research are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Moral-Bofill
- Department of Methodology of the Behavioral Sciences, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Madrid, Spain
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26
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Yeager CM, Benight CC. Engagement, Predictors, and Outcomes of a Trauma Recovery Digital Mental Health Intervention: Longitudinal Study. JMIR Ment Health 2022; 9:e35048. [PMID: 35499857 PMCID: PMC9112079 DOI: 10.2196/35048] [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: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Worldwide, exposure to potentially traumatic events is extremely common, and many individuals develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) along with other disorders. Unfortunately, considerable barriers to treatment exist. A promising approach to overcoming treatment barriers is a digital mental health intervention (DMHI). However, engagement with DMHIs is a concern, and theoretically based research in this area is sparse and often inconclusive. OBJECTIVE The focus of this study is on the complex issue of DMHI engagement. On the basis of the social cognitive theory framework, the conceptualization of engagement and a theoretically based model of predictors and outcomes were investigated using a DMHI for trauma recovery. METHODS A 6-week longitudinal study with a national sample of survivors of trauma was conducted to measure engagement, predictors of engagement, and mediational pathways to symptom reduction while using a trauma recovery DMHI (time 1: N=915; time 2: N=350; time 3: N=168; and time 4: N=101). RESULTS Confirmatory factor analysis of the engagement latent constructs of duration, frequency, interest, attention, and affect produced an acceptable model fit (χ22=8.3; P=.02; comparative fit index 0.973; root mean square error of approximation 0.059; 90% CI 0.022-0.103). Using the latent construct, the longitudinal theoretical model demonstrated adequate model fit (comparative fit index 0.929; root mean square error of approximation 0.052; 90% CI 0.040-0.064), indicating that engagement self-efficacy (β=.35; P<.001) and outcome expectations (β=.37; P<.001) were significant predictors of engagement (R2=39%). The overall indirect effect between engagement and PTSD symptom reduction was significant (β=-.065; P<.001; 90% CI -0.071 to -0.058). This relationship was serially mediated by both skill activation self-efficacy (β=.80; P<.001) and trauma coping self-efficacy (β=.40; P<.001), which predicted a reduction in PTSD symptoms (β=-.20; P=.02). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study may provide a solid foundation for formalizing the nascent science of engagement. Engagement conceptualization comprised general measures of attention, interest, affect, and use that could be applied to other applications. The longitudinal research model supported 2 theoretically based predictors of engagement: engagement self-efficacy and outcome expectancies. A total of 2 task-specific self-efficacies-skill activation and trauma coping-proved to be significant mediators between engagement and symptom reduction. Taken together, this model can be applied to other DMHIs to understand engagement, as well as predictors and mechanisms of action. Ultimately, this could help improve the design and development of engaging and effective trauma recovery DMHIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn M Yeager
- Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
| | - Charles C Benight
- Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
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27
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Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and its associated factors among emergency department nurses in the Netherlands. Eur J Emerg Med 2022; 29:146-148. [PMID: 35210381 DOI: 10.1097/mej.0000000000000856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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28
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Fidel Kinori SG, Carot-Sans G, Cuartero A, Valero-Bover D, Roma Monfa R, Garcia E, Pérez Sust P, Blanch J, Piera-Jiménez J, Ramos-Quiroga JA. A Web-Based App for Emotional Management During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Platform Development and Retrospective Analysis of its Use Throughout Two Waves of the Outbreak in Spain. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e27402. [PMID: 35142638 PMCID: PMC9015758 DOI: 10.2196/27402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Quarantines and nationwide lockdowns implemented for containing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic may lead to distress and increase the frequency of anxiety and depression symptoms among the general population. During the nationwide lockdown of the first wave of the COVID-19 outbreak in Spain, we developed and launched a web-based app to promote emotional self-care in the general population and facilitate contact with health care professionals. Objective This study aimed to describe a web-based app and analyze its utilization pattern throughout 2 successive waves of the COVID-19 outbreak in Spain. Methods Our web-based app targeted all individuals aged 18 years or more and was designed by adapting the contents of a mobile app for adjuvant treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (ie, the PTSD Coach app) to the general population and the pandemic or lockdown scenario. We retrospectively assessed the utilization pattern of the web-based app using data systematically retrieved from Google Analytics. Data were grouped into 3 time periods, defined using Joinpoint regression analysis of COVID-19 incidence in our area: first wave, between-wave period, and second wave. Results The resulting web-based app, named gesioemocional.cat, maintains the navigation structure of the PTSD Coach app, with three main modules: tools for emotional self-care, a self-assessment test, and professional resources for on-demand contact. The self-assessment test combines the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 and the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale and offers professional contact in the advent of a high level of depression and anxiety; contact is prioritized in accordance with a screening questionnaire administered at the time of obtaining individual consent to be contacted. The tools for emotional self-care can be accessed either on-demand or symptom-driven. The utilization analysis showed a high number of weekly accesses during the first wave. In this period, press releases regarding critical events of the pandemic progression and government decisions on containment measures were followed by a utilization peak, irrespective of the sense (ie, positive or negative) of the information. Positive information pieces (eg, relaxation of containment measures due to a reduction of COVID-19 cases) resulted in a sharp increase in utilization immediately after information release, followed by a successive decline in utilization. The second wave was characterized by a lower and less responsive utilization of the web-based app. Conclusions mHealth tools may help the general population cope with stressful conditions associated with the pandemic scenario. Future studies shall investigate the effectiveness of these tools among the general population—including individuals without diagnosed mental illnesses—and strategies to reach as many people as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Guila Fidel Kinori
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBERSAM, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gerard Carot-Sans
- Information Systems Directorate, Servei Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain.,Digitalization for the Sustainability of the Healthcare System DS3, IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrés Cuartero
- Sistema d'Emergències Mèdiques, Sistema de Salut de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Damià Valero-Bover
- Information Systems Directorate, Servei Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain.,Digitalization for the Sustainability of the Healthcare System DS3, IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosa Roma Monfa
- Information Systems Directorate, Servei Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elisabet Garcia
- Information Systems Directorate, Servei Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pol Pérez Sust
- Information Systems Directorate, Servei Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain.,Information Systems Area, Departament de Salut, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Blanch
- Information Systems Directorate, Servei Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Piera-Jiménez
- Information Systems Directorate, Servei Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain.,Digitalization for the Sustainability of the Healthcare System DS3, IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain.,Faculty of Informatics, Multimedia and Telecommunications, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Antoni Ramos-Quiroga
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBERSAM, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Mavragani A, Sveen J, Cernvall M, Arnberg FK. Efficacy, Benefits, and Harms of a Self-management App in a Swedish Trauma-Exposed Community Sample (PTSD Coach): Randomized Controlled Trial. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e31419. [PMID: 35353052 PMCID: PMC9008528 DOI: 10.2196/31419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-guided interventions may complement and overcome obstacles to in-person treatment options. The efficacy of app interventions targeting posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is unclear, and results from previous studies on PTSD Coach-an app for managing trauma-related distress-are inconsistent. OBJECTIVE This study investigates whether access to the Swedish version of the PTSD Coach affects posttraumatic stress, depressive, and somatic symptoms. In addition, we aim to assess the perceived helpfulness, satisfaction, negative effects, response, and remission related to PTSD Coach. METHODS Adults who had experienced potentially traumatic events in the past 2 years were randomized (1:1) to have access to PTSD Coach (n=89) or be on the waitlist (n=90). We assessed clinical characteristics at baseline (semistructured interviews and self-rating scales) and after 3 months (self-rating scales). We analyzed the data in R software using linear mixed effects models, chi-square tests, and Fisher exact test. RESULTS Intention-to-treat analyses indicated that access to PTSD Coach decreased posttraumatic stress and depressive symptoms but not somatic symptoms. More participants who had access to PTSD Coach responded with clinically significant improvement and fewer instances of probable PTSD after 3 months compared with waitlist controls. Overall, participants found that PTSD Coach was slightly to moderately helpful and moderately satisfactory. Half of the intervention group (36/71, 51%) reported at least one negative reaction related to using PTSD Coach (eg, disappointment with the app or its results, arousal of stress, or distressing memories). CONCLUSIONS Using PTSD Coach may trigger symptoms among a few users; however, most of them perceived PTSD Coach as helpful and satisfactory. This study showed that having access to PTSD Coach helped improve psychological trauma-related symptoms. In addition, we have discussed implications for future research and clinical practice. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04094922; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04094922.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Josefin Sveen
- National Centre for Disaster Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Martin Cernvall
- Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Filip K Arnberg
- National Centre for Disaster Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Hallenbeck HW, Jaworski BK, Wielgosz J, Kuhn E, Ramsey KM, Taylor K, Juhasz K, McGee-Vincent P, Mackintosh MA, Owen JE. PTSD Coach Version 3.1: A Closer Look at the Reach, Use, and Potential Impact of This Updated Mobile Health App in the General Public. JMIR Ment Health 2022; 9:e34744. [PMID: 35348458 PMCID: PMC9006138 DOI: 10.2196/34744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With widespread smartphone ownership, mobile health apps (mHealth) can expand access to evidence-based interventions for mental health conditions, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research to evaluate new features and capabilities in these apps is critical but lags behind app development. The initial release of PTSD Coach, a free self-management app developed by the US Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense, was found to have a positive public health impact. However, major stakeholder-driven updates to the app have yet to be evaluated. OBJECTIVE We aimed to characterize the reach, use, and potential impact of PTSD Coach Version 3.1 in the general public. As part of characterizing use, we investigated the use of specific app features, which extended previous work on PTSD Coach. METHODS We examined the naturalistic use of PTSD Coach during a 1-year observation period between April 20, 2020, and April 19, 2021, using anonymous in-app event data to generate summary metrics for users. RESULTS During the observation period, PTSD Coach was broadly disseminated to the public, reaching approximately 150,000 total users and 20,000 users per month. On average, users used the app 3 times across 3 separate days for 18 minutes in total, with steep drop-offs in use over time; a subset of users, however, demonstrated high or sustained engagement. More than half of users (79,099/128,691, 61.46%) accessed one or more main content areas of the app (ie, Manage Symptoms, Track Progress, Learn, or Get Support). Among content areas, features under Manage Symptoms (including coping tools) were accessed most frequently, by over 40% of users (53,314/128,691, 41.43% to 56,971/128,691, 44.27%, depending on the feature). Users who provided initial distress ratings (56,971/128,691, 44.27%) reported relatively high momentary distress (mean 6.03, SD 2.52, on a scale of 0-10), and the use of a coping tool modestly improved momentary distress (mean -1.38, SD 1.70). Among users who completed at least one PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) assessment (17,589/128,691, 13.67%), PTSD symptoms were largely above the clinical threshold (mean 49.80, SD 16.36). Among users who completed at least two PCL-5 assessments (4989/128,691, 3.88%), PTSD symptoms decreased from the first to last assessment (mean -4.35, SD 15.29), with approximately one-third (1585/4989, 31.77%) of these users experiencing clinically significant improvements. CONCLUSIONS PTSD Coach continues to fulfill its mission as a public health resource. Version 3.1 compares favorably with version 1 on most metrics related to reach, use, and potential impact. Although benefits appear modest on an individual basis, the app provides these benefits to a large population. For mHealth apps to reach their full potential in supporting trauma recovery, future research should aim to understand the utility of individual app features and identify strategies to maximize overall effectiveness and engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijing Wu Hallenbeck
- Dissemination and Training Division, National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Beth K Jaworski
- Dissemination and Training Division, National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, United States
| | - Joseph Wielgosz
- Dissemination and Training Division, National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States.,Sierra Pacific Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Healthcare System, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Eric Kuhn
- Dissemination and Training Division, National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Kelly M Ramsey
- Dissemination and Training Division, National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, United States
| | - Katherine Taylor
- Dissemination and Training Division, National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, United States
| | - Katherine Juhasz
- Dissemination and Training Division, National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, United States
| | - Pearl McGee-Vincent
- Dissemination and Training Division, National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, United States
| | - Margaret-Anne Mackintosh
- Dissemination and Training Division, National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, United States
| | - Jason E Owen
- Dissemination and Training Division, National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, United States
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Buck B, Nguyen J, Porter S, Ben-Zeev D, Reger GM. FOCUS mHealth Intervention for Veterans With Serious Mental Illness in an Outpatient Department of Veterans Affairs Setting: Feasibility, Acceptability, and Usability Study. JMIR Ment Health 2022; 9:e26049. [PMID: 35089151 PMCID: PMC8838564 DOI: 10.2196/26049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Veterans with serious mental illnesses (SMIs) face barriers to accessing in-person evidence-based interventions that improve illness management. Mobile health (mHealth) has been demonstrated to be feasible, acceptable, effective, and engaging among individuals with SMIs in community mental health settings. mHealth for SMIs has not been tested within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). OBJECTIVE This study examines the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of an mHealth intervention for SMI in the context of VA outpatient care. METHODS A total of 17 veterans with SMIs were enrolled in a 1-month pilot trial of FOCUS, a smartphone-based self-management intervention for SMI. At baseline and posttest, they completed measures examining symptoms and functional recovery. The participants provided qualitative feedback related to the usability and acceptability of the intervention. RESULTS Veterans completed on an average of 85.0 (SD 96.1) interactions with FOCUS over the 1-month intervention period. They reported high satisfaction, usability, and acceptability, with nearly all participants (16/17, 94%) reporting that they would recommend the intervention to a fellow veteran. Clinicians consistently reported finding mHealth-related updates useful for informing their care. Qualitative feedback indicated that veterans thought mHealth complemented their existing VA services well and described potential opportunities to adapt FOCUS to specific subpopulations (eg, combat veterans) as well as specific delivery modalities (eg, groups). In the 1-month period, the participants experienced small improvements in self-assessed recovery, auditory hallucinations, and quality of life. CONCLUSIONS The FOCUS mHealth intervention is feasible, acceptable, and usable among veterans. Future work should develop and examine VA-specific implementation approaches of FOCUS for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Buck
- Behavioral Research in Technology and Engineering (BRiTE) Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Janelle Nguyen
- VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Shelan Porter
- VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Dror Ben-Zeev
- Behavioral Research in Technology and Engineering (BRiTE) Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Greg M Reger
- Behavioral Research in Technology and Engineering (BRiTE) Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle, WA, United States
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Lee P, Abernethy A, Shaywitz D, Gundlapalli AV, Weinstein J, Doraiswamy PM, Schulman K, Madhavan S. Digital Health COVID-19 Impact Assessment: Lessons Learned and Compelling Needs. NAM Perspect 2022; 2022:202201c. [PMID: 35402858 PMCID: PMC8970223 DOI: 10.31478/202201c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
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Clinical wisdom in the age of computer apps: a systematic review of four functions that may complement clinical treatment. COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPIST 2022. [DOI: 10.1017/s1754470x22000368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Mental health clinicians perform complex tasks with patients that potentially could be improved by the massive computing power available through mobile apps. This study aimed to analyse commercially available mobile and computer applications (apps) focused on treating psychiatric disorders. Apps were analysed by two independent raters for whether they took advantage of computer power to process data in a fashion that augments four main elements of clinical treatment including (1) assessment/diagnosis, (2) treatment planning, (3) treatment fidelity monitoring, and (4) outcome tracking. The evidence base for each of these apps was also explored via PsychINFO, Research Gate and Google Scholar. Searches of the Google Play Store, the Apple App Store, and the One Mind PsyberGuide found 722 apps labelled for mental health use, of which 163 apps were judged relevant to clinical work with patients with psychiatric disorders. Fifty-nine of these were determined to contain a computer-driven function for at least one of the four main elements of clinical treatment. The most common element was assessment/diagnosis (55/59 apps), followed by outcome tracking (34/59 apps). Six apps updated treatment plans using user input. Only one app tracked treatment fidelity. None of the apps contained computer-driven functions for all four elements. Twelve apps were supported in randomized clinical trials to show greater efficacy compared with either wait-list or other active treatments. Results showed that these four clinical elements can be meaningfully augmented, but the full potential of computer processing appears unreached in mental health-related apps.
Key learning aims
(1)
To understand what apps are currently available to treat clinical-level psychiatric problems.
(2)
To understand how many of the commercially available mental health-focused apps can be used for the treatment of clinical populations.
(3)
To understand how mental health services can be complemented by utilizing computer processing power within apps.
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Eklund R, Eisma MC, Boelen PA, Arnberg FK, Sveen J. Mobile app for prolonged grief among bereaved parents: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e052763. [PMID: 34876429 PMCID: PMC8655571 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-052763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bereaved parents, who have lost a child, have an elevated risk to develop mental health problems, yet, few studies have evaluated the effect of psychosocial interventions developed for bereaved parents. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), both face to face or digitally delivered, has shown to be an effective intervention for prolonged grief symptoms. Self-help mobile apps offer various advantages and studies show improved mental health after app interventions. No app has yet been evaluated targeting prolonged grief in bereaved parents. Therefore, the aim of this planned study is to develop and examine the effectiveness of a CBT-based mobile app, called My Grief, in reducing symptoms of prolonged grief, as well as other psychological symptoms, in bereaved parents. Another aim is to assess users' experiences and adverse events of My Grief. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will conduct a two-armed randomised waitlist-controlled trial. Parents living in Sweden, who lost a child between one and ten years ago, with elevated symptoms of prolonged grief, will be recruited to participate in the trial. The content of My Grief covers four main domains (Learn; Self-monitoring; Exercises; Get support) and builds on principles of CBT and the proven-effective PTSD Coach app. Participants in the intervention group will fill out online questionnaires at baseline and at 3, 6 and 12 months follow-ups, and the waitlist-controls at baseline and at 3 months. The primary outcome will be prolonged grief symptoms at the 3 months follow-up. Secondary outcomes are post-traumatic stress and depression symptoms, quality of life and cognitive behavioural variables (ie, avoidance, rumination, negative cognitions). ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval has been received from the Swedish Ethical Review Authority (project no. 2021-00770). If the app is shown to be effective, the app will be made publicly accessible on app stores, so that it can benefit other bereaved parents. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04552717.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakel Eklund
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Maarten C Eisma
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Paul A Boelen
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre, Diemen, The Netherlands
| | - Filip K Arnberg
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Josefin Sveen
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Smith SK, Somers TJ, Kuhn E, Laber E, Sung AD, Syrjala KL, Feger B, Kelleher SA, Majestic C, Gebert R, LeBlanc M, Owen JE, Applebaum AJ. A SMART approach to optimizing delivery of an mHealth intervention among cancer survivors with posttraumatic stress symptoms. Contemp Clin Trials 2021; 110:106569. [PMID: 34536584 PMCID: PMC8595815 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2021.106569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Many cancer survivors who received intensive treatment such as hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) experience posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. PTSD is associated with lower quality of life and other symptoms that require clinical treatment. The iterative treatment decisions that happen in clinical practice are not adequately represented in traditional randomized controlled trials (RCT) of PTSD treatments. The proposed stepped-care SMART design allows for evaluation of initial response to the Cancer Distress Coach mobile app; adaptive stepped-care interventions; and precision treatment strategies that tailor treatment selection to patient characteristics. METHODS/DESIGN HCT survivors (N = 400) reporting PTSD symptoms are being recruited at two cancer centers and randomly assigned to: 1) Cancer Distress Coach app or 2) Usual Care. The app includes educational and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based activities. Four weeks post-randomization, participants re-rate their PTSD symptoms and, based on intervention response, non-responders are re-randomized to receive video-conferenced sessions with a therapist: 3) coaching sessions in using the mobile app; or 4) CBT specific to HCT survivors. Participants complete outcome measures of PTSD, depression, and anxiety after Months 1, 3, and 6. Participant characteristics moderating intervention responses will be examined. CONCLUSIONS This novel adaptive trial design will afford evidence that furthers knowledge about optimizing PTSD interventions for HCT survivors. To our knowledge, this study is the first SMART design evaluating PTSD symptom management in cancer survivors. If successful, it could be used to optimize treatment among a range of cancer and other trauma survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia K Smith
- School of Nursing, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America; Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States of America.
| | - Tamara J Somers
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Eric Kuhn
- Dissemination and Training Division, National Center for PTSD, Palo Alto, CA, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Eric Laber
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Anthony D Sung
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States of America; Department of Medicine, Division of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapy, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Karen L Syrjala
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Bryan Feger
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Sarah A Kelleher
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Catherine Majestic
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Rebecca Gebert
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Matthew LeBlanc
- School of Nursing, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Jason E Owen
- Dissemination and Training Division, National Center for PTSD, Palo Alto, CA, United States of America
| | - Allison J Applebaum
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States of America; Department of Psychology in Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
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Effect of Smartphone App's Intervention on Consumers' Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, and Perception of Food Poisoning Prevention When Dining Out at Selected Rural Areas in Terengganu. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph181910294. [PMID: 34639593 PMCID: PMC8508150 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
(1) Background: Lack of food safety awareness and preventive behaviour when dining out increases the risk of food poisoning. Furthermore, food poisoning cases among rural communities have been rising in recent years. However, the health-related mobile application is a promising tool in improving food poisoning prevention knowledge, attitude, practice, and perception (KAP2) among consumers. Therefore, the current study developed a novel smartphone app, MyWarung©, and determined its efficacy in increasing awareness, attitude, practice, and perception of food poisoning and its prevention when dining out, especially among rural consumers. (2) Methods: A quasi-experimental pre-and post-intervention study with a control and intervention group were performed on 100 consumers in Terengganu. (3) Results: The intervention's inter-group outcomes were analysed using the Mann-Whitney test, while the within-group effects were ascertained using the Wilcoxon sign rank test via the SPSS software. It was found that the control group had higher median scores in knowledge (30.0, IQR 7.0), attitude (46.0, IQR 5.0), and practice (34.0, IQR 3.0) than the intervention group before intervention. After the intervention programme, the intervention group showed significant improvement in food poisoning knowledge (p = 0.000), attitude (p = 0.001), and practice (p = 0.000). However, the intervention group's perceived barriers (p = 0.129) and susceptibility (p = 0.069) and the control group's perceived barriers (p = 0.422) did not show any significant improvement. (4) Conclusion: The findings indicated that the MyWarung© mobile app usage enhanced the food poisoning knowledge, preventive attitude, and practice among consumers when dining out.
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Spanhel K, Balci S, Feldhahn F, Bengel J, Baumeister H, Sander LB. Cultural adaptation of internet- and mobile-based interventions for mental disorders: a systematic review. NPJ Digit Med 2021; 4:128. [PMID: 34433875 PMCID: PMC8387403 DOI: 10.1038/s41746-021-00498-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Providing accessible and effective healthcare solutions for people living in low- and middle-income countries, migrants, and indigenous people is central to reduce the global mental health treatment gap. Internet- and mobile-based interventions (IMI) are considered scalable psychological interventions to reduce the burden of mental disorders and are culturally adapted for implementation in these target groups. In October 2020, the databases PsycInfo, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science were systematically searched for studies that culturally adapted IMI for mental disorders. Among 9438 screened records, we identified 55 eligible articles. We extracted 17 content, methodological, and procedural components of culturally adapting IMI, aiming to consider specific situations and perspectives of the target populations. Adherence and effectiveness of the adapted IMI seemed similar to the original IMI; yet, no included study conducted a direct comparison. The presented taxonomy of cultural adaptation of IMI for mental disorders provides a basis for future studies investigating the relevance and necessity of their cultural adaptation.PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019142320.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Spanhel
- Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Sumeyye Balci
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Felicitas Feldhahn
- Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Juergen Bengel
- Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Harald Baumeister
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Lasse B Sander
- Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Riisager LHG, Christensen AB, Scharff FB, Arendt IMTP, Ismail I, Lau ME, Moeller SB. Patients' Experiences of Using a Self-help App for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Qualitative Study. JMIR Form Res 2021; 5:e26852. [PMID: 34346896 PMCID: PMC8374664 DOI: 10.2196/26852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common disorder that requires more treatment options. Mobile health (mHealth) app interventions are promising for patients with PTSD, as they can provide easily accessible support, strategies, and information. However, knowledge about mHealth interventions is sparse and primarily based on quantitative studies. Objective The aim of this study is to qualitatively explore the experiences of patients with PTSD with regard to using an mHealth app as a stand-alone intervention before commencing psychotherapeutic treatment. Methods We conducted semistructured interviews with 14 participants 6 weeks after they received the app. The participants were all referred to PTSD treatment and were waiting to commence psychotherapeutic treatment. During this waiting time, the participants had no contact with the health staff. Interviews were transcribed and were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results A total of 3 themes were identified—the use of app, being a patient, and the overall evaluation of the app. The use of the app was described with the subtheme of habits, and the theme of being a patient included the subthemes of having negative experiences with the app and being a part of a research project. The use of the app encompassed how psychological factors and technical problems could interfere with the use of the app. The theme of being a patient depicted that the waiting time before starting treatment was long, and a subgroup of patients experienced feeling worse during this time, which they partly attributed to using the app. Several suggestions for change have been described in the overall evaluation of the app. Conclusions The findings in this study revealed that emotional arousal influenced the use of the app and that it was difficult for participants to establish a habit of using the app, thus reflecting the importance of supporting habit formation when implementing an mHealth app in mental health care services. This study makes an important contribution to the field of mHealth research, as it revealed that some participants had negative experiences resulting from using the app, thus reflecting the potential harm of having an mHealth app without the support of a clinician. It is therefore recommended to use a blended care treatment or an approach in which mental health care professionals prescribe an mHealth app for relevant patients to avoid increased suicidal risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa H G Riisager
- Unit for Psychotherapy Research, Stolpegaard Psychotherapy Centre, Mental Health Services Capital Region of Denmark, Gentofte, Denmark.,Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Anne Bryde Christensen
- Research Unit for Psychotherapy & Psychopathology, Mental Health Services West, Region Zealand, Slagelse, Denmark
| | - Frederik Bernt Scharff
- Unit for Psychotherapy Research, Stolpegaard Psychotherapy Centre, Mental Health Services Capital Region of Denmark, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Ida-Marie T P Arendt
- Unit for Psychotherapy Research, Stolpegaard Psychotherapy Centre, Mental Health Services Capital Region of Denmark, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Israa Ismail
- Unit for Psychotherapy Research, Stolpegaard Psychotherapy Centre, Mental Health Services Capital Region of Denmark, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Marianne Engelbrecht Lau
- Unit for Psychotherapy Research, Stolpegaard Psychotherapy Centre, Mental Health Services Capital Region of Denmark, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Stine Bjerrum Moeller
- Unit for Psychotherapy Research, Stolpegaard Psychotherapy Centre, Mental Health Services Capital Region of Denmark, Gentofte, Denmark.,Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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McGee-Vincent P, Juhasz K, Jamison AL, Avery TJ, Owen JE, Jaworski BK, Blonigen DM. Mobile Mental Health Apps from the National Center for PTSD: Digital Self-Management Tools for Co-Occurring Disorders. J Dual Diagn 2021; 17:181-192. [PMID: 34152258 DOI: 10.1080/15504263.2021.1939919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Mobile mental health apps can help bridge gaps in access to care for those with substance use disorders and dual diagnoses. The authors describe a portfolio of free, publicly available mobile mental health apps developed by the National Center for PTSD. The authors also demonstrate how this suite of primarily non-substance use disorder-specific mobile mental health apps may support the active ingredients of substance use disorder treatment or be used for self-management of substance use disorder and related issues. The potential advantages of these apps, as well as limitations and considerations for future app development, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pearl McGee-Vincent
- National Center for PTSD, Dissemination and Training Division, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California, USA
| | - Katherine Juhasz
- National Center for PTSD, Dissemination and Training Division, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California, USA
| | - Andrea L Jamison
- National Center for PTSD, Dissemination and Training Division, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California, USA
| | - Timothy J Avery
- National Center for PTSD, Dissemination and Training Division, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California, USA
| | - Jason E Owen
- National Center for PTSD, Dissemination and Training Division, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California, USA
| | - Beth K Jaworski
- National Center for PTSD, Dissemination and Training Division, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California, USA
| | - Daniel M Blonigen
- HSR&D Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System; Menlo Park, California, USA.,Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
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Fitzpatrick S, Wagner AC, Crenshaw AO, Varma S, Whitfield KM, Valela R, Di Bartolomeo AA, Fulham L, Martin-Newnham C, Mensah DH, Collins A, Landy MS, Morland L, Doss BD, Monson CM. Initial outcomes of couple HOPES: A guided online couple intervention for PTSD and relationship enhancement. Internet Interv 2021; 25:100423. [PMID: 34401382 PMCID: PMC8350611 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2021.100423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Couple HOPES (Helping Overcome PTSD and Enhance Satisfaction) is a guided, online couple intervention adapted from Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It was created to overcome a range of barriers to accessing evidence-based treatments for PTSD and the intimate relationship problems associated with it. This manuscript describes initial outcomes of the intervention in a series of 10 couples. Participants were military, veteran and first responders with probable PTSD and their intimate partners. Couples completed the program and measurements of PTSD, relationship satisfaction, and secondary outcomes at pre-, mid-, and post-intervention. Mean satisfaction for the program was high and it was completed by seven of ten couples. Participants with PTSD evidenced significant and large pre- to post-intervention effect size improvements in PTSD symptoms (g = 0.80) and perceived health (g = 1.13). They also exhibited non-significant but medium effect size pre- to post-intervention improvements in quality of life (g = 0.62), and depression (g = 0.53), and small effect size pre- to post-intervention improvements in argumentativeness (g = 0.43), anger (g = 0.31), and anxiety (g = 0.31). Partners reported significant and moderate pre- to post-intervention effect size improvements in relationship satisfaction (g = 0.68), and medium but not significant effect size improvements in accommodation of PTSD (g = 0.56). Results provide initial support for the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of Couple HOPES for improving PTSD and relationship satisfaction. However, more testing in larger samples, including with randomized controlled designs, is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Skye Fitzpatrick
- Department of Psychology, York University, 4700 Keele St., Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada,Corresponding author at: Department of Psychology, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario M3J 1P3, Canada.
| | - Anne C. Wagner
- Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria St., Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada,Remedy, 703 Bloor St. W, #201, Toronto, ON M6G 1L5, Canada
| | - Alexander O. Crenshaw
- Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria St., Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada
| | - Sonya Varma
- Department of Psychology, York University, 4700 Keele St., Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Kristen M. Whitfield
- Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria St., Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada
| | - Robert Valela
- Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria St., Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada
| | | | - Lindsay Fulham
- Department of Psychology, York University, 4700 Keele St., Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Cait Martin-Newnham
- Department of Psychology, York University, 4700 Keele St., Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Desiree H. Mensah
- Department of Psychology, York University, 4700 Keele St., Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Alexis Collins
- Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria St., Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada
| | - Meredith S.H. Landy
- Remedy, 703 Bloor St. W, #201, Toronto, ON M6G 1L5, Canada,MindBeacon, 175 Bloor St. E., Toronto, ON M4W 358, Canada
| | - Leslie Morland
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA and University of California San Diego, La Jolla, 3350 La Jolla Village Dr., San Diego, CA 92161, United States of America
| | - Brian D. Doss
- University of Miami, 1320 S Dixie Hwy, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States of America
| | - Candice M. Monson
- Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria St., Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada
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Goldberg SB, Bolt DM, Davidson RJ. Data Missing Not at Random in Mobile Health Research: Assessment of the Problem and a Case for Sensitivity Analyses. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e26749. [PMID: 34128810 PMCID: PMC8277392 DOI: 10.2196/26749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Missing data are common in mobile health (mHealth) research. There has been little systematic investigation of how missingness is handled statistically in mHealth randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Although some missing data patterns (ie, missing at random [MAR]) may be adequately addressed using modern missing data methods such as multiple imputation and maximum likelihood techniques, these methods do not address bias when data are missing not at random (MNAR). It is typically not possible to determine whether the missing data are MAR. However, higher attrition in active (ie, intervention) versus passive (ie, waitlist or no treatment) conditions in mHealth RCTs raise a strong likelihood of MNAR, such as if active participants who benefit less from the intervention are more likely to drop out. Objective This study aims to systematically evaluate differential attrition and methods used for handling missingness in a sample of mHealth RCTs comparing active and passive control conditions. We also aim to illustrate a modern model-based sensitivity analysis and a simpler fixed-value replacement approach that can be used to evaluate the influence of MNAR. Methods We reanalyzed attrition rates and predictors of differential attrition in a sample of 36 mHealth RCTs drawn from a recent meta-analysis of smartphone-based mental health interventions. We systematically evaluated the design features related to missingness and its handling. Data from a recent mHealth RCT were used to illustrate 2 sensitivity analysis approaches (pattern-mixture model and fixed-value replacement approach). Results Attrition in active conditions was, on average, roughly twice that of passive controls. Differential attrition was higher in larger studies and was associated with the use of MAR-based multiple imputation or maximum likelihood methods. Half of the studies (18/36, 50%) used these modern missing data techniques. None of the 36 mHealth RCTs reviewed conducted a sensitivity analysis to evaluate the possible consequences of data MNAR. A pattern-mixture model and fixed-value replacement sensitivity analysis approaches were introduced. Results from a recent mHealth RCT were shown to be robust to missing data, reflecting worse outcomes in missing versus nonmissing scores in some but not all scenarios. A review of such scenarios helps to qualify the observations of significant treatment effects. Conclusions MNAR data because of differential attrition are likely in mHealth RCTs using passive controls. Sensitivity analyses are recommended to allow researchers to assess the potential impact of MNAR on trial results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon B Goldberg
- Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, United States.,Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Daniel M Bolt
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Richard J Davidson
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, United States.,Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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Hensler I, Sveen J, Cernvall M, Arnberg FK. Ecological momentary assessment of self-rated health, daily strategies and self-management app use among trauma-exposed adults. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2021; 12:1920204. [PMID: 34104354 PMCID: PMC8168782 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2021.1920204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The process whereby trauma-exposed people benefit from self-management apps to increase health is poorly understood. Objective: We investigated whether access to a self-management smartphone app for posttraumatic stress (PTSD Coach) improved momentary self-rated health (SRH) and if use of a self-management app or specific strategies related to SRH. Method: Participants were 179 adults in Sweden with trauma exposure in the past 2 years who were enrolled in a randomized trial of PTSD Coach versus waitlist. Ecological momentary assessments (EMA) were collected twice daily during 21 consecutive days from participants in both groups, with questions about momentary SRH as well as self-management app use and use of strategies (social support, distress management, monitoring of discomfort and seeking information) in the preceding 12 hours. Results: Overall, neither access to PTSD Coach nor reported use of an app in the preceding hours was related to SRH. Even so, people with access to PTSD Coach reported using more social support over time. Socializing and use of social support predicted greater SRH. Use of other strategies was associated with worse short-term SRH. Conclusions: Momentarily improved health relates to utilization of social support. However, the directionality of the day-to-day associations is unclear; uncertainty remains around the timing for assessing these relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Hensler
- National Centre for Disaster Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Josefin Sveen
- National Centre for Disaster Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Martin Cernvall
- Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Filip K Arnberg
- National Centre for Disaster Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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43
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Simon N, Robertson L, Lewis C, Roberts NP, Bethell A, Dawson S, Bisson JI. Internet-based cognitive and behavioural therapies for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021; 5:CD011710. [PMID: 34015141 PMCID: PMC8136365 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011710.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Therapist-delivered trauma-focused psychological therapies are effective for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and have become the accepted first-line treatments. Despite the established evidence-base for these therapies, they are not always widely available or accessible. Many barriers limit treatment uptake, such as the number of qualified therapists available to deliver the interventions; cost; and compliance issues, such as time off work, childcare, and transportation, associated with the need to attend weekly appointments. Delivering Internet-based cognitive and behavioural therapy (I-C/BT) is an effective and acceptable alternative to therapist-delivered treatments for anxiety and depression. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of I-C/BT for PTSD in adults. SEARCH METHODS We searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to June 2020. We also searched online clinical trial registries and reference lists of included studies and contacted the authors of included studies and other researchers in the field to identify additional and ongoing studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We searched for RCTs of I-C/BT compared to face-to-face or Internet-based psychological treatment, psychoeducation, wait list, or care as usual. We included studies of adults (aged over 16 years), in which at least 70% of the participants met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) or the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently assessed abstracts, extracted data, and entered data into Review Manager 5. The primary outcomes were severity of PTSD symptoms and dropouts. Secondary outcomes included diagnosis of PTSD after treatment, severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms, cost-effectiveness, adverse events, treatment acceptability, and quality of life. We analysed categorical outcomes as risk ratios (RRs), and continuous outcomes as mean differences (MD) or standardised mean differences (SMDs), with 95% confidence intervals (CI). We pooled data using a fixed-effect meta-analysis, except where heterogeneity was present, in which case we used a random-effects model. We independently assessed the included studies for risk of bias and we evaluated the certainty of available evidence using the GRADE approach; we discussed any conflicts with at least one other review author, with the aim of reaching a unanimous decision. MAIN RESULTS We included 13 studies with 808 participants. Ten studies compared I-C/BT delivered with therapist guidance to a wait list control. Two studies compared guided I-C/BT with I-non-C/BT. One study compared guided I-C/BT with face-to-face non-C/BT. There was substantial heterogeneity among the included studies. I-C/BT compared with face-to-face non-CBT Very low-certainty evidence based on one small study suggested face-to-face non-CBT may be more effective than I-C/BT at reducing PTSD symptoms post-treatment (MD 10.90, 95% CI 6.57 to 15.23; studies = 1, participants = 40). There may be no evidence of a difference in dropout rates between treatments (RR 2.49, 95% CI 0.91 to 6.77; studies = 1, participants = 40; very low-certainty evidence). The study did not measure diagnosis of PTSD, severity of depressive or anxiety symptoms, cost-effectiveness, or adverse events. I-C/BT compared with wait list Very low-certainty evidence showed that, compared with wait list, I-C/BT may be associated with a clinically important reduction in PTSD post-treatment (SMD -0.61, 95% CI -0.93 to -0.29; studies = 10, participants = 608). There may be no evidence of a difference in dropout rates between the I-C/BT and wait list groups (RR 1.25, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.60; studies = 9, participants = 634; low-certainty evidence). I-C/BT may be no more effective than wait list at reducing the risk of a diagnosis of PTSD after treatment (RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.28 to 1.00; studies = 1, participants = 62; very low-certainty evidence). I-C/BT may be associated with a clinically important reduction in symptoms of depression post-treatment (SMD -0.51, 95% CI -0.97 to -0.06; studies = 7, participants = 473; very low-certainty evidence). Very low-certainty evidence also suggested that I-C/BT may be associated with a clinically important reduction in symptoms of anxiety post-treatment (SMD -0.61, 95% CI -0.89 to -0.33; studies = 5, participants = 345). There were no data regarding cost-effectiveness. Data regarding adverse events were uncertain, as only one study reported an absence of adverse events. I-C/BT compared with I-non-C/BT There may be no evidence of a difference in PTSD symptoms post-treatment between the I-C/BT and I-non-C/BT groups (SMD -0.08, 95% CI -0.52 to 0.35; studies = 2, participants = 82; very low-certainty evidence). There may be no evidence of a difference between dropout rates from the I-C/BT and I-non-C/BT groups (RR 2.14, 95% CI 0.97 to 4.73; studies = 2, participants = 132; I² = 0%; very low-certainty evidence). Two studies found no evidence of a difference in post-treatment depressive symptoms between the I-C/BT and I-non-C/BT groups (SMD -0.12, 95% CI -0.78 to 0.54; studies = 2, participants = 84; very low-certainty evidence). Two studies found no evidence of a difference in post-treatment symptoms of anxiety between the I-C/BT and I-non-C/BT groups (SMD 0.08, 95% CI -0.78 to 0.95; studies = 2, participants = 74; very low-certainty evidence). There were no data regarding cost-effectiveness. Data regarding adverse effects were uncertain, as it was not discernible whether adverse effects reported were attributable to the intervention. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS While the review found some beneficial effects of I-C/BT for PTSD, the certainty of the evidence was very low due to the small number of included trials. This review update found many planned and ongoing studies, which is encouraging since further work is required to establish non-inferiority to current first-line interventions, explore mechanisms of change, establish optimal levels of guidance, explore cost-effectiveness, measure adverse events, and determine predictors of efficacy and dropout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Simon
- Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Lindsay Robertson
- Cochrane Common Mental Disorders, University of York, York, UK
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Catrin Lewis
- Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Neil P Roberts
- Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- Psychology & Psychological Therapies Directorate, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Cardiff, UK
| | - Andrew Bethell
- Institute of Psychology, Health and Society, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Changing Minds UK, Warrington, UK
| | - Sarah Dawson
- Cochrane Common Mental Disorders, University of York, York, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jonathan I Bisson
- Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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Wang Y, Yang X, Chen H, Xu Y. Effect of smartphone app on post-traumatic stress disorder in COVID-19 convalescent patients: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e25479. [PMID: 33832166 PMCID: PMC8036085 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000025479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) seriously affects humans' health worldwide physically and mentally. Studies revealed that the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) increased under this condition. PTSD can change the structure of patients' central nervous system, and increase the risk of anxiety or depression, thus greatly affecting the quality of patients' life and their families. PTSD is preventable, and the effects of early prevention are better. Non-drug intervention can prevent or reduce the psychological sequelae after hospitalization, help patients understand the experience during hospitalization, and be beneficial to their psychological rehabilitation. Whether smartphone app based intervention can be an alternative therapy for PTSD in terms of COVID-19 convalescent patients is still controversial. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis and systematic review to evaluate the effects of smartphone app based intervention on PTSD in COVID-19 convalescent patients, so as to provide some guidance for clinical application. METHODS The literatures that are related to the smartphone app based intervention and PTSD in COVID-19 convalescent patients from inception to February 2021 will be searched. The following databases are our focused areas: ClinicalTrials.gov, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials repositories, PubMed, EmBase, and Web of Science databases. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 2 investigators would independently screen the literature extract data and evaluate the risk of bias in the included studies. Meta-analysis was performed with RevMan5.3 software. RESULTS The results of this meta-analysis will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication. CONCLUSION The conclusion of our study could provide evidence for the judgment of whether smartphone app based intervention is an effective intervention on PTSD in COVID-19 convalescent patients. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42021240340.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yanfang Xu
- Department of Pneumology, The Sixth People's Hospital of KunShan, KunShan 215321, Jiangsu Province, China
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45
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Jaworski BK, Taylor K, Ramsey KM, Heinz A, Steinmetz S, Pagano I, Moraja G, Owen JE. Exploring Usage of COVID Coach, a Public Mental Health App Designed for the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evaluation of Analytics Data. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e26559. [PMID: 33606656 PMCID: PMC7924218 DOI: 10.2196/26559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted mental health and well-being. Mobile mental health apps can be scalable and useful tools in large-scale disaster responses and are particularly promising for reaching vulnerable populations. COVID Coach is a free, evidence-informed mobile app designed specifically to provide tools and resources for addressing COVID-19–related stress. Objective The purpose of this study was to characterize the overall usage of COVID Coach, explore retention and return usage, and assess whether the app was reaching individuals who may benefit from mental health resources. Methods Anonymous usage data collected from COVID Coach between May 1, 2020, through October 31, 2020, were extracted and analyzed for this study. The sample included 49,287 unique user codes and 3,368,931 in-app events. Results Usage of interactive tools for coping and stress management comprised the majority of key app events (n=325,691, 70.4%), and the majority of app users tried a tool for managing stress (n=28,009, 58.8%). COVID Coach was utilized for ≤3 days by 80.9% (n=34,611) of the sample whose first day of app use occurred within the 6-month observation window. Usage of the key content in COVID Coach predicted returning to the app for a second day. Among those who tried at least one coping tool on their first day of app use, 57.2% (n=11,444) returned for a second visit; whereas only 46.3% (n=10,546) of those who did not try a tool returned (P<.001). Symptoms of anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were prevalent among app users. For example, among app users who completed an anxiety assessment on their first day of app use (n=4870, 11.4% of users), 55.1% (n=2680) reported levels of anxiety that were moderate to severe, and 29.9% (n=1455) of scores fell into the severe symptom range. On average, those with moderate levels of depression on their first day of app use returned to the app for a greater number of days (mean 3.72 days) than those with minimal symptoms (mean 3.08 days; t1=3.01, P=.003). Individuals with significant PTSD symptoms on their first day of app use utilized the app for a significantly greater number of days (mean 3.79 days) than those with fewer symptoms (mean 3.13 days; t1=2.29, P=.02). Conclusions As the mental health impacts of the pandemic continue to be widespread and increasing, digital health resources, such as apps like COVID Coach, are a scalable way to provide evidence-informed tools and resources. Future research is needed to better understand for whom and under what conditions the app is most helpful and how to increase and sustain engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth K Jaworski
- National Center for PTSD, Dissemination & Training Division, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Menlo Park, CA, United States
| | - Katherine Taylor
- National Center for PTSD, Dissemination & Training Division, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Menlo Park, CA, United States
| | - Kelly M Ramsey
- National Center for PTSD, Dissemination & Training Division, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Menlo Park, CA, United States
| | - Adrienne Heinz
- National Center for PTSD, Dissemination & Training Division, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Menlo Park, CA, United States.,School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Sarah Steinmetz
- National Center for PTSD, Dissemination & Training Division, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Menlo Park, CA, United States
| | - Ian Pagano
- University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | | | - Jason E Owen
- National Center for PTSD, Dissemination & Training Division, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Menlo Park, CA, United States
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Meyer A, Wisniewski H, Torous J. Coaching to Support Mental Health Apps: An Exploratory Narrative Review (Preprint). JMIR Hum Factors 2021; 9:e28301. [PMID: 35258468 PMCID: PMC8941429 DOI: 10.2196/28301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Meyer
- Division of Digital Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Hannah Wisniewski
- Division of Digital Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - John Torous
- Division of Digital Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
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47
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Miller-Graff L, Ellis K, Hosny N. PTSD Coach Online-Arabic: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial to Examine Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Effectiveness. J Trauma Stress 2021; 34:23-34. [PMID: 33159373 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The Egyptian Revolution of 2011 resulted in high-level exposure to sociopolitical violence, placing a large burden on the mental health care system that cannot be effectively met given the small number of available providers in Egypt. We conducted a nonblinded, randomized controlled pilot trial of an online, self-directed tool for managing posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). The study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of the PTSD Coach Online-Arabic. Trauma-exposed Egyptian adults with clinically significant PTSS (N = 87; intervention group: n = 41) completed assessments at baseline, weekly over the treatment period, posttest, and 3-month follow-up. Of participants who completed weekly surveys, 88.9% used the program; 22.0% of participants reported regular, weekly use. Most tools received good likeability and perceived benefit scores, but lower perceived benefit scores on three tools suggest that some content may require additional adaptation. Intent-to-treat analyses using multilevel modeling with multiple imputation to account for missing data were conducted. Effect sizes for PTSS were below the cutoff for small effects at posttest, d = -0.14, but demonstrated a small positive effect at 3-months, d = -0.25. There was a small positive effect of treatment on anxiety at posttest, d = -0.37, and a medium effect at 3-month follow-up, d = -0.49. Treatment effects for depressed mood were below the cutoff for small effects at posttest and 3-months, ds = -0.14 and -0.18. These findings suggest that the PTSD Coach Online-Arabic may be a promising supplemental resource for support in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Miller-Graff
- Department of Psychology, Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Kate Ellis
- Department of Psychology, The American University in Cairo, New Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nadine Hosny
- Department of Psychology, The American University in Cairo, New Cairo, Egypt
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48
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Lord SE, Campbell ANC, Brunette MF, Cubillos L, Bartels SM, Torrey WC, Olson AL, Chapman SH, Batsis JA, Polsky D, Nunes EV, Seavey KM, Marsch LA. Workshop on Implementation Science and Digital Therapeutics for Behavioral Health. JMIR Ment Health 2021; 8:e17662. [PMID: 33507151 PMCID: PMC7878106 DOI: 10.2196/17662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Digital therapeutics can overcome many of the barriers to translation of evidence-based treatment for substance use, mental health, and other behavioral health conditions. Delivered via nearly ubiquitous platforms such as the web, smartphone applications, text messaging, and videoconferencing, digital therapeutics can transcend the time and geographic boundaries of traditional clinical settings so that individuals can access care when and where they need it. There is strong empirical support for digital therapeutic approaches for behavioral health, yet implementation science with regard to scaling use of digital therapeutics for behavioral health is still in its early stages. In this paper, we summarize the proceedings of a day-long workshop, "Implementation Science and Digital Therapeutics," sponsored and hosted by the Center for Technology and Behavioral Health at Dartmouth College. The Center for Technology and Behavioral Health is an interdisciplinary P30 Center of Excellence funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, with the mission of promoting state-of-the-technology and state-of-the-science for the development, evaluation, and sustainable implementation of digital therapeutic approaches for substance use and related conditions. Workshop presentations were grounded in current models of implementation science. Directions and opportunities for collaborative implementation science research to promote broad adoption of digital therapeutics for behavioral health are offered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Lord
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, United States
| | - Aimee N C Campbell
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Mary F Brunette
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, United States
| | - Leonardo Cubillos
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, United States
| | - Sophia M Bartels
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, United States
| | - William C Torrey
- Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, United States
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, United States
| | - Ardis L Olson
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, United States
| | - Steven H Chapman
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, United States
| | - John A Batsis
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, United States
- Department of Medicine, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, United States
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, United States
| | - Daniel Polsky
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Edward V Nunes
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Katherine M Seavey
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, United States
| | - Lisa A Marsch
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, United States
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, United States
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Aalaei S, Khoshrounejad F, Saleh LA, Amini M. Design of a Mobile Application and Evaluation of Its Effects on Psychological Parameters of Covid-19 Inpatients: A Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:612384. [PMID: 34108892 PMCID: PMC8180579 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.612384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Panic of the disease and the associated concerns can lower the quality of life and physical performance. As long as the COVID-19 pandemic is ever on the rise, the psychological pandemic of the disease is on the rise, too. The high prevalence of COVID-19 has further increased physicians' work pressure. Patients' needs are not met adequately by physicians. It seems essential to use aids to monitor patients' needs and serve them properly. Thus, in the present research, suggestions are made on how to evaluate patients' physical and psychological conditions during the treatment via a mobile application. Methods and Analysis: The present research is a randomized, two parallel-group, controlled trial. One-hundred-twelve inpatients diagnosed with the coronavirus will be assigned randomly to the control and intervention groups. In the intervention group, a mobile application will be provided to educate patients, establish two-way interactions between patients and care providers and record patients' symptoms. Those in the control group will receive the usual care. The primary outcome is the change to the depression anxiety stress scales-21 (DASS-21) score from the baseline to 2 weeks after discharge from hospital. It will be measured at the baseline, at the time of discharge, and two weeks later. Ethics and Dissemination: The Ethics committee of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences' approval date was 2020-04-19 with IR.MUMS.REC.1399.118 reference code. Thus far, participants' recruitment has not been completed and is scheduled to end in March 2021. The results will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal. Trial Registration: IRCT20170922036314N4 (https://www.irct.ir/trial/47383).
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Affiliation(s)
- Shokoufeh Aalaei
- Department of Medical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Farnaz Khoshrounejad
- Department of Medical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Lahya Afshari Saleh
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahnaz Amini
- Lung Diseases Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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50
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An Introduction to Core Competencies for the Use of Mobile Apps in Cognitive and Behavioral Practice. COGNITIVE AND BEHAVIORAL PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpra.2020.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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