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Bragesjö M, Ivanov VZ, Andersson E, Rück C. Exploring the feasibility and acceptance of huddinge online prolonged exposure therapy (HOPE) for severe and complex PTSD. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2024; 15:2320607. [PMID: 38436944 PMCID: PMC10913705 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2024.2320607] [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: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy such as prolonged exposure is considered firsthand choice for treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but is seldom available in regular care. Digital therapy is proposed to bridge this gap, but its effectiveness for severe and complex PTSD is uncertain. The primary objective of the current study was to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of digital therapist-guided prolonged exposure (Huddinge Online Prolonged Exposure; HOPE).Method: Thirty participants with moderate to severe PTSD, with the majority self-reporting complex PTSD symptoms, received HOPE over a ten-week period. Eighty percent of participants had been diagnosed with other psychiatric comorbidity by a mental health professional. Primary outcome was the feasibility and acceptability of treatment. Participants were repeatedly assessed using clinician- and self-rated outcome measures at baseline, during the treatment period, post-treatment, and at 1-month and 6-month follow-ups to estimate preliminary treatment effects. The Clinician Administered PTSD Scale version 5 (CAPS-5), administered by independent assessors, evaluated PTSD symptom severity.Results: HOPE proved feasible and effective, delivering evidence-based treatment content in a psychiatric outpatient setting with reduced therapist time. The treatment was well-tolerated, with no severe adverse events and a 17% dropout rate. Sixty-four percent completed the exposure-based portion of the treatment, and overall satisfaction measured by the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire was moderate. Furthermore, significant reductions in PTSD symptoms as assessed with the CAPS-5 (Cohen's d = 1.30 [95% CI -1.79 to -0.82]) at the primary endpoint 1 month which were sustained at the 6-month follow up.Conclusion: Altogether, this study indicate feasibility of treating severe and complex PTSD through a digital PE intervention, thereby building upon and extending previous research findings. Large-scale controlled trials are needed to further validate the specific effect and long-term benefits of HOPE.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05560854.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bragesjö
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet, & Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Volen Z. Ivanov
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet, & Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erik Andersson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Psychology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christian Rück
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet, & Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm, Sweden
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Thapar S, Nguyen M, Khan BN, Fanaieyan R, Kishimoto V, Liu R, Bolea-Alamañac B, Leon-Carlyle M, O'Riordan A, Keresteci M, Bhattacharyya O. Patient and Therapist Perceptions of a Publicly Funded Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (iCBT) Program for Ontario Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Qualitative Study. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e50113. [PMID: 38373027 PMCID: PMC10912991 DOI: 10.2196/50113] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To address the anticipated rise in mental health symptoms experienced at the population level during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ontario government provided 2 therapist-assisted internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) programs to adults free of charge at the point of service. OBJECTIVE The study aims to explore the facilitators of and barriers to implementing iCBT at the population level in Ontario, Canada, from the perspective of patients and therapists to better understand how therapist-assisted iCBT programs can be effectively implemented at the population level and inform strategies for enhancing service delivery and integration into the health care system. METHODS Using a convenience sampling methodology, semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 therapists who delivered iCBT and 20 patients who received iCBT through either of the publicly funded programs to explore their perspectives of the program. Interview data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis to generate themes. RESULTS Six salient themes were identified. Facilitators included the therapist-assisted nature of the program; the ease of registration and the lack of cost; and the feasibility of completing the psychoeducational modules given the online and self-paced nature of the program. Barriers included challenges with the online remote modality for developing the therapeutic alliance; the program's generalized nature, which limited customization to individual needs; and a lack of formal integration between the iCBT program and the health care system. CONCLUSIONS Although the program was generally well-received by patients and therapists due to its accessibility and feasibility, the digital format of the program presented both benefits and unique challenges. Strategies for improving the quality of service delivery include opportunities for synchronous communication between therapists and patients, options for increased customization, and the formal integration of iCBT into a broader stepped-care model that centralizes patient referrals between care providers and promotes continuity of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Thapar
- Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Megan Nguyen
- Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Bilal Noreen Khan
- Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Roz Fanaieyan
- Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Vanessa Kishimoto
- Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rebecca Liu
- Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Blanca Bolea-Alamañac
- Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Marisa Leon-Carlyle
- Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anne O'Riordan
- Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Patient Advisors Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Maggie Keresteci
- Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Patient Advisors Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Onil Bhattacharyya
- Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Bragesjö M, Arnberg FK, Olofsdotter Lauri K, Aspvall K, Särnholm J, Andersson E. Condensed Internet-delivered prolonged exposure provided soon after trauma: a randomised trial. Psychol Med 2023; 53:1989-1998. [PMID: 37310324 PMCID: PMC10106292 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291721003706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to trauma is common and can have a profoundly negative impact on mental health. Interventions based on trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy have shown promising results to facilitate recovery. The current trial evaluated whether a novel, scalable and digital early version of the intervention, Condensed Internet-Delivered Prolonged Exposure (CIPE), is effective in reducing post-traumatic stress symptoms. METHOD A single-site randomised controlled trial with self-referred adults (N = 102) exposed to trauma within the last 2 months. The participants were randomised to 3 weeks of CIPE or a waiting list (WL) for 7 weeks. Assessments were conducted at baseline, week 1-3 (primary endpoint), week 4-7 (secondary endpoint) and at 6-month follow-up. The primary outcome measure was PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). RESULTS The main analysis according to the intention-to-treat principle indicated statistically significant reductions in symptoms of post-traumatic stress in the CIPE group as compared to the WL group. The between-group effect size was moderate at week 3 (bootstrapped d = 0.70; 95% CI 0.33-1.06) and large at week 7 (bootstrapped d = 0.83; 95% CI 0.46-1.19). Results in the intervention group were maintained at the 6-month follow-up. No severe adverse events were found. CONCLUSIONS CIPE is a scalable intervention that may confer early benefits on post-traumatic stress symptoms in survivors of trauma. The next step is to compare this intervention to an active control group and also investigate its effects when implemented in regular care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bragesjö
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Psychology, Nobels väg 9, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Filip K. Arnberg
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, National Centre for Disaster Psychiatry, 751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
- Stress Research Institute, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Klara Olofsdotter Lauri
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Psychology, Nobels väg 9, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kristina Aspvall
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
- Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Josefin Särnholm
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Psychology, Nobels väg 9, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erik Andersson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Psychology, Nobels väg 9, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
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Sayar H, Vøllestad J, Nordgreen T. What I missed from my online therapist: A survey-based qualitative investigation of patient experiences of therapist contact in guided internet interventions. Front Psychol 2023; 14:990833. [PMID: 36818065 PMCID: PMC9932993 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.990833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The effectiveness of internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) in alleviating symptoms of psychological disorders has been demonstrated across qualitative and quantitative studies. Generally, guided ICBT is considered more effective than unguided ICBT. Yet, what therapist contact and guidance specifically add to the treatment is less clear. There is a need for more knowledge about how patients experience the relationship with their therapist in guided ICBT. The aim of the study was to explore what patients missed in the contact with their therapist in guided ICBT in routine care. Methods The study used a qualitative design to explore patients´ experiences of the therapist contact in guided ICBT for social anxiety disorder, panic disorder and major depressive disorder. Following treatment, 579 patients received a survey with the open-ended question "What did you miss in the contact with your therapist?" The responses were explored thematically using qualitative content analysis. Results A total of 608 unique responses were provided. Of these, 219 responses gave voice to some degree of perceived lack or limitation in their interaction with the therapist or the treatment in general. The analysis yielded three main categories: The first theme, Therapist-ascribed shortcomings, concerned experiences of something missing or lacking in the contact with the ICBT therapist. More specifically, the patients expressed a need for more emotionally attuned and tailored interaction. The second theme was Program obstacles, encompassing expressed wishes for increased therapist responsivity and more contact face-to-face. Self-attributed limitations, the third category, concerned patient experiences of barriers to treatment engagement as originating in themselves. Conclusion This study sheds light on what patients receiving guided ICBT in routine care missed in the contact with their therapist. The patients who expressed that something was missing in the contact with their therapist constituted a small part of the responses in the sample, even after being directly asked. The themes that emerged point to significant experiences of being inadequately related and responded to, both with potential adverse consequences for the treatment. These findings give new insights to the role of the guidance in ICBT and have implications for the training and supervision of guided ICBT therapists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Sayar
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway,*Correspondence: Hanna Sayar,
| | - Jon Vøllestad
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Tine Nordgreen
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway,Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway,Tine Nordgreen,
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GENC E. Development of Culturally Informed Trauma Therapy Approach for Muslim Refugee Families. SPIRITUAL PSYCHOLOGY AND COUNSELING 2022. [DOI: 10.37898/spiritualpc.1113571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Refugees from predominantly Muslim countries have been exposed to severe traumatic experiences in their country of origin. Further their stress continues during the resettlement process in the host country. Although the number of Muslim refugees is increasing in the U.S. and Europe, the existing literature is not adequate to derive a conclusion on treatment efficacy for specifically traumatized Muslim refugee families. An inadequate treatment approach for this population may result in negative/ineffective therapy outcomes. Thus, the aim of this study is to develop a culturally responsive treatment model. For this purpose, this study offers an integrated family-based therapy approach, which is influenced by narrative, art, and narrative exposure approaches for refugee families. This integrated family therapy model consists of 12 weekly sessions and includes 4 phases: a) diagnostic interview, b) narration of the life story, c) exposure to the trauma, and d) re-narrate and reprocessing of the traumatic events. Future studies should test the feasibility and effectiveness of the integrated model using the randomized controlled trials, as the acquisition of such treatment models is essential to the development of a culturally sensitive treatment model for Muslim refugees.
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Gawlytta R, Kesselmeier M, Scherag A, Niemeyer H, Böttche M, Knaevelsrud C, Rosendahl J. Internet-based cognitive-behavioural writing therapy for reducing post-traumatic stress after severe sepsis in patients and their spouses (REPAIR): results of a randomised-controlled trial. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e050305. [PMID: 35264337 PMCID: PMC8915321 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-050305] [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] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the efficacy, safety and applicability of internet-based, therapist-led partner-assisted cognitive-behavioural writing therapy (iCBT) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms after intensive care for sepsis in patients and their spouses compared with a waitlist (WL) control group. DESIGN Randomised-controlled, parallel group, open-label, superiority trial with concealed allocation. SETTING Internet-based intervention in Germany; location-independent via web-portal. PARTICIPANTS Patients after intensive care for sepsis and their spouses of whom at least one had a presumptive PTSD diagnosis (PTSD-Checklist (PCL-5)≥33). Initially planned sample size: 98 dyads. INTERVENTIONS ICBT group: 10 writing assignments over a 5-week period; WL control group: 5-week waiting period. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcome: pre-post change in PTSD symptom severity (PCL-5). SECONDARY OUTCOMES remission of PTSD, depression, anxiety and somatisation, relationship satisfaction, health-related quality of life, premature termination of treatment. Outcomes measures were applied pre and post treatment and at 3, 6 and 12 months follow-up. RESULTS Twenty-five dyads representing 34 participants with a presumptive PTSD diagnosis were randomised and analysed (ITT principle). There was no evidence for a difference in PCL-5 pre-post change for iCBT compared with WL (mean difference -0.96, 95% CI (-5.88 to 3.97), p=0.703). No adverse events were reported. Participants confirmed the applicability of iCBT. CONCLUSIONS ICBT was applied to reduce PTSD symptoms after intensive care for sepsis, for the first time addressing both patients and their spouses. It was applicable and safe in the given population. There was no evidence for the efficacy of iCBT on PTSD symptom severity. Due to the small sample size our findings remain preliminary but can guide further research, which is needed to determine if modified approaches to post-intensive care PTSD may be more effective. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER DRKS00010676.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romina Gawlytta
- Institute of Psychosocial Medicine, Psychotherapy and Psychooncology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- Integrated Research and Treatment Center, Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Miriam Kesselmeier
- Integrated Research and Treatment Center, Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Medical Statistics, Computer and Data Sciences, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Andre Scherag
- Integrated Research and Treatment Center, Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Medical Statistics, Computer and Data Sciences, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Helen Niemeyer
- Department of Clinical Psychological Intervention, Freie Universitat Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria Böttche
- Department of Clinical Psychological Intervention, Freie Universitat Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Zentrum ÜBERLEBEN gGmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christine Knaevelsrud
- Department of Clinical Psychological Intervention, Freie Universitat Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jenny Rosendahl
- Institute of Psychosocial Medicine, Psychotherapy and Psychooncology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- Integrated Research and Treatment Center, Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
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