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Aafjes-van Doorn K, Spina DS, Horne SJ, Békés V. The association between quality of therapeutic alliance and treatment outcomes in teletherapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Psychol Rev 2024; 110:102430. [PMID: 38636207 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2024.102430] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The strength of the therapeutic alliance is widely understood to impact treatment outcomes, however, the alliance-outcome relationship in teletherapy has remained relatively unexamined. The aim of this meta-analysis is to systematically summarize the relationship between therapeutic alliance and treatment outcomes in teletherapy with adult patients conducted via videoconferencing or telephone. METHODS We conducted a systematic search of the databases PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, ProQuest Dissertation Databases, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and PubMed for studies published before June 26, 2023. We identified 31 studies with 34 independent samples (4862 participants). RESULTS The average weighted effect size was 0.15, p = .001, 95% CI [0.07, 0.24], k = 34. reflecting a small effect of therapeutic alliance on mental health outcomes. There was significant heterogeneity in the effect sizes, which was driven by between-study differences in the alliance-outcome correlation. The alliance-outcome effect was larger when the alliance was measured late in treatment and when the outcome was measured from the patient's perspective. CONCLUSION Very few teletherapy treatment studies were identified that initially reported on alliance-outcome associations, underlining that this is an under-researched area. The association between alliance-teletherapy outcomes in this meta-analysis was small but significant, and somewhat weaker than the alliance-outcome associations reported for in-person treatments and other online interventions. This might indicate that there are other processes at play in teletherapy that explain variance of treatment outcomes, or that the therapist (and the relationship) has less influence on the treatment outcomes than in in-person therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel S Spina
- Pennsylvania State University, Psychology Department, PA, USA
| | - Sarah J Horne
- Yeshiva University, Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, New York, USA
| | - Vera Békés
- Yeshiva University, Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, New York, USA
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2
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Neumann I, Andreatta M, Pauli P, Käthner I. Social support of virtual characters reduces pain perception. Eur J Pain 2024; 28:806-820. [PMID: 38088523 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.2220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychosocial factors, such as social support, can reduce pain. Virtual reality (VR) is a powerful tool to decrease pain, but social factors in VR-based pain analgesia have rarely been studied. Specifically, it is unclear whether social support by virtual characters can reduce pain and whether the perceived control behind virtual characters (agency) and varying degrees of social cues impact pain perception. METHODS Healthy participants (N = 97) received heat pain stimulation while undergoing four within-subject conditions in immersive VR: (1) virtual character with a low number of social cues (virtual figure) provided verbal support, (2) virtual character with a high number of social cues (virtual human) provided verbal support, (3) no social support (hearing neutral words), (4) no social support. Perceived agency of the virtual characters served as between-subjects factor. Participants in the avatar group were led to believe that another participant controlled the virtual characters. Participants in the agent group were told they interacted with a computer. However, in both conditions, virtual characters were computer-controlled. Pain ratings, psychophysiological measurements and presence ratings were recorded. RESULTS Virtual social support decreased pain intensity and pain unpleasantness ratings but had no impact on electrodermal activity nor heart rate. A virtual character with a high number of social cues led to lower pain unpleasantness and higher feelings of presence. Agency had no significant impact. CONCLUSIONS Virtual characters providing social support can reduce pain independent of perceived agency. A more human visual appearance can have beneficial effects on social pain modulation by virtual characters. SIGNIFICANCE Social influences are important factors in pain modulation. The current study demonstrated analgesic effects through verbal support provided by virtual characters and investigated modulating factors. A more human appearance of a virtual character resulted in a higher reduction of pain unpleasantness. Importantly, agency of the virtual characters had no impact. Given the increasing use of digital health interventions, the findings suggest a positive impact of virtual characters for digital pain treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Neumann
- Department of Biological Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - M Andreatta
- Department of Biological Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - P Pauli
- Department of Biological Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Center of Mental Health, Medical Faculty, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - I Käthner
- Department of Biological Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Physiological Psychology, University of Bamberg, Bamberg, Germany
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3
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Dhaliwal R, Yap S, Talarico F, Al-Shamali H, Mcweeny R, Reeson M, Shalaby R, Chen T, Spronk E, Snodgrass R, Tu E, Erick T, Marshall T, Kennedy M, Greenshaw AJ, Winkler O, Burback L. Synchronous Web-Based Psychotherapy for Mental Disorders From a Health Quality Perspective: Scoping Review. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e40710. [PMID: 37921863 PMCID: PMC10656669 DOI: 10.2196/40710] [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: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated rapid changes to health care delivery, including a shift from in-person to digitally delivered psychotherapy. While these changes helped ensure timely psychotherapy provision, many concerns exist, including clinical, cultural, practical, privacy, and security issues. OBJECTIVE This scoping review systematically mapped existing peer-reviewed research on synchronous, therapist-delivered web-based psychotherapy for individuals with a diagnosed mental illness. Data were analyzed through the lens of the Alberta Quality Matrix for Health (AQMH) to assess to what degree this literature addresses key indicators of health care quality. This analysis aided in the identification and organization of knowledge gaps with regard to web-based psychotherapies, highlighting potential disparities between previously prioritized dimensions of care and those requiring further attention. METHODS This review adhered to the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. We included peer-reviewed primary research studies in the English language investigating synchronous, therapist-delivered remote psychotherapy delivered to adults (aged 18 years and older) with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or International Statistical Classification of Diseases diagnosed mental illness. All other citations were excluded. Relevant studies were identified through MEDLINE, APA PsycINFO, Embase (OVID), Web of Science: Core Collection (Clarivate), Cochrane Library (Wiley), and Scopus (Elsevier) databases. Databases were searched on March 18, 2021. For every publication that was taken into consideration, the data were charted independently by 2 reviewers, and in the event of a discrepancy, the principal investigator validated the choice of either extractor. Results were thematically described according to the 6 AQMH dimensions: acceptability, accessibility, appropriateness, effectiveness, efficiency, and safety. RESULTS From 13,209 publications, 48 articles were included, largely from North American studies. Most studies measured treatment effectiveness (n=48, 100%) and acceptability (n=29, 60%) health quality dimensions. Over 80% (40/48) of studies investigated either a cognitive or exposure intervention for either posttraumatic stress disorder or a mood or anxiety disorder, generally indicating comparable results to in-person therapy. Safety (n=5, 10%) was measured in fewer studies, while treatment accessibility, appropriateness, and efficiency were not explicitly measured in any study, although these dimensions were mentioned as a future direction, hypothesis, or potential outcome. CONCLUSIONS In relation to web-based therapist-delivered psychotherapies for those with a diagnosed mental illness, important aspects of health care quality (accessibility, appropriateness, efficiency, and safety) have received little scientific examination, underscoring a need to address these gaps. There are also significant issues related to the generalizability of this literature, including the underrepresentation of many geographic regions, cultures, populations, clinical contexts, and psychotherapy modalities. Qualitative research in underrepresented populations and settings may uncover important patient and contextual factors important for the future implementation of quality web-based psychotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raman Dhaliwal
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Sidney Yap
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Fernanda Talarico
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Huda Al-Shamali
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Robert Mcweeny
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Matthew Reeson
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Reham Shalaby
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Teresa Chen
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Elena Spronk
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Rayven Snodgrass
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Eileen Tu
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Taylor Erick
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Tyler Marshall
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Megan Kennedy
- Geoffrey and Robyn Sperber Health Sciences Library, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Andrew J Greenshaw
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Olga Winkler
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Lisa Burback
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Erdogan Kaya A, Erdogan Akturk B. Quality and Content Analysis: Can YouTube Videos on Agoraphobia Be Considered a Reliable Source? Cureus 2023; 15:e43318. [PMID: 37577273 PMCID: PMC10423072 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.43318] [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] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND YouTube, known as an online video platform, is one of the most popular and dynamic video platforms in the world. it provides access to videos with a variety of content, both in health and many other areas. The fact that it is accessible to everyone and free of charge makes it frequently preferred by individuals. The effectiveness of social media platforms on the thoughts and behaviors of individuals has caused YouTube and other similar platforms to be the subject of health research in recent years. Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by an intense fear of feeling trapped somewhere. Agoraphobia is a common type of anxiety disorder in society, and cognitive behavioral and psychopharmacological agents are used in its treatment. Our aim in this research is to examine YouTubeTM videos on agoraphobia in terms of reliability and quality. METHODS The first 50 videos related to agoraphobia were included in the analysis, and the duration (minutes), video content, institutions/individuals who uploaded the video, the time elapsed since uploading, total views, and likes were recorded. In addition, all videos were evaluated on two different scales: Quality Criteria for Consumer Health Information (DISCERN) and the Global Quality Scale (GQS). The obtained data were analyzed statistically. RESULTS The mean video duration was 11.4±9.38 minutes, the mean views count was 113299.5±333091, and the mean like count was 8512.76±31429.37. Videos were evaluated in terms of content; 50% included general information, 28% agoraphobia experience, and 22% information about overcoming agoraphobia. The GQS and DISCERN scores were significantly higher in professional videos than in non-professionals (p<0.005). CONCLUSION As a result of the evaluation of YouTubeTM videos about agoraphobia in terms of quality and content, it has been determined that it is necessary to increase the rate of videos prepared by mental health professionals. Psychiatrists and other healthcare professionals working in the field of anxiety should be encouraged to provide videos with scientific and reliable content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayse Erdogan Kaya
- Psychiatry, Hittite University Çorum Training and Research Hospital, Çorum, TUR
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Rutkowska E, Furmańska J, Lane H, Marques CC, Martins MJ, Sahar NU, Meixner J, Tullio V, Argo A, Bermeo Barros DM. Determinants of psychotherapists' attitudes to online psychotherapy. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1196907. [PMID: 37426099 PMCID: PMC10324565 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1196907] [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: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Online psychotherapy is a form of work that is becoming more and more popular. Public health problems, such as COVID-19, forced mental health professionals and patients to incorporate new methodologies such as the use of electronic media and internet to provide follow-up, treatment and also supervision. The aim of this study was to investigate which factors shape the therapists' attitudes toward online psychotherapy during a pandemic taking into account: (1) attitudes toward the COVID-19 pandemic (fear of contagion, pandemic fatigue, etc.), (2) personal characteristics of the psychotherapists (age, gender, feeling of efficacy, anxiety, depression, etc.), and (3) characteristics of the psychotherapeutic practice (guideline procedure, client age group, professional experience, etc). Materials and methods Study participants were 177 psychotherapists from four European countries: Poland (n = 48), Germany (n = 44), Sweden (n = 49), and Portugal (n = 36). Data were collected by means of an individual online survey through the original questionnaire and the standardized scales: a modified version of the Attitudes toward Psychological Online Interventions Scale (APOI), Fear of Contagion by COVID-19 Scale (FCS COVID-19), Pandemic Fatigue Scale (PFS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Social Support Questionnaire (F-SozU K-14), and the Sense of Efficiency Test (SET). Results Determinants that impacted psychotherapists' attitudes toward online therapy were: COVID-19 belief in prevention-keeping distance and hand disinfection, pandemic behavioral fatigue, previous online therapy experience (including voice call), working with youth and adults. Our study showed that belief in the sense of prevention in the form of taking care of hand disinfection before the session, pandemic behavioral fatigue and experience in working with adults were significant predictors of negative attitudes of therapists toward online psychological interventions. On the other hand, belief in the sense of prevention in the form of keeping distance during the session had a positive effect on general attitudes toward therapy conducted via the internet. Discussion The online therapy boom during the COVID-19 pandemic has spawned a powerful tool for psychotherapists. More research in this area and training of psychotherapists are needed for online psychological interventions to become an effective therapy format that is accepted by patients and therapists alike.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Rutkowska
- Institute of Psychology, University of Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Joanna Furmańska
- Institute of Psychology, University of Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Hakan Lane
- Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Brandenburg an der Havel, Brandenburg, Germany
| | - Cristiana C. Marques
- Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria João Martins
- Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- University of Coimbra Health Services, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Najam us Sahar
- Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Johannes Meixner
- Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Brandenburg an der Havel, Brandenburg, Germany
| | - Valeria Tullio
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Child Care, “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Palermo, Sicily, Italy
| | - Antonina Argo
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Child Care, “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy, University of Palermo, Palermo, Sicily, Italy
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Stadler M, Jesser A, Humer E, Haid B, Stippl P, Schimböck W, Maaß E, Schwanzar H, Leithner D, Pieh C, Probst T. Remote Psychotherapy during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Methods Study on the Changes Experienced by Austrian Psychotherapists. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13020360. [PMID: 36836720 PMCID: PMC9961677 DOI: 10.3390/life13020360] [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: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated measures to contain the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus required a change in treatment format from face-to-face to remote psychotherapy. This study investigated the changes experienced by Austrian therapists when switching to psychotherapy at a distance. A total of 217 therapists participated in an online survey on changes experienced when switching settings. The survey was open from 26 June until 3 September 2020. Several open questions were evaluated using qualitative content analysis. The results show that the setting at a distance was appreciated by the therapists as a possibility to continue therapy even during an exceptional situation. Moreover, remote therapy offered the respondents more flexibility in terms of space and time. Nevertheless, the therapists also reported challenges of remote therapy, such as limited sensory perceptions, technical problems and signs of fatigue. They also described differences in terms of the therapeutic interventions used. There was a great deal of ambivalence in the data regarding the intensity of sessions and the establishment and/or maintenance of a psychotherapeutic relationship. Overall, the study shows that remote psychotherapy seems to have been well accepted by Austrian psychotherapists in many settings and can offer benefits. Clinical studies are also necessary to investigate in which contexts and for which patient groups the remote setting is suitable and where it is potentially contraindicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Stadler
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University for Continuing Education Krems, 3500 Krems, Austria
| | - Andrea Jesser
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University for Continuing Education Krems, 3500 Krems, Austria
- Correspondence:
| | - Elke Humer
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University for Continuing Education Krems, 3500 Krems, Austria
| | - Barbara Haid
- Austrian Federal Association for Psychotherapy, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Stippl
- Austrian Federal Association for Psychotherapy, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Elisabeth Maaß
- Österreichische Gesellschaft Für Wissenschaftliche, Klientenzentrierte Psychotherapie und Personorientierte Gesprächsführung (ÖGWG), 4020 Linz, Austria
| | - Helmut Schwanzar
- Österreichische Gesellschaft Für Wissenschaftliche, Klientenzentrierte Psychotherapie und Personorientierte Gesprächsführung (ÖGWG), 4020 Linz, Austria
| | - Daniela Leithner
- Österreichische Gesellschaft Für Wissenschaftliche, Klientenzentrierte Psychotherapie und Personorientierte Gesprächsführung (ÖGWG), 4020 Linz, Austria
| | - Christoph Pieh
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University for Continuing Education Krems, 3500 Krems, Austria
| | - Thomas Probst
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University for Continuing Education Krems, 3500 Krems, Austria
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Békés V, Belleville G, Lebel J, Ouellet MC, Chen Z, Morin CM, Bergeron N, Campbell TS, Ghosh S, Bouchard S, Guay S, MacMaster FP. Trainee Therapists’ Perceptions of a Blended Intervention to Promote Resilience after a Natural Disaster: A Qualitative Case Study. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11154361. [PMID: 35955982 PMCID: PMC9369013 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11154361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Natural disasters happen in an increased frequency, and telemental health interventions could offer easily accessible help to reduce mental health symptoms experienced by survivors. However, there are very few programs offered to natural disaster survivors, and no research exists on therapists’ experiences with providing blended interventions for natural disaster survivors. Aims: Our qualitative case study aims to describe psychologists’ experiences with an online, therapist-assisted blended intervention for survivors of the Fort McMurray wildfires in Alberta, Canada. Method: The RESILIENT intervention was developed in the frames of a randomized controlled trial to promote resilience after the Fort McMurray wildfires by providing survivors free access to a 12-module, therapist-assisted intervention, aiming to improve post-traumatic stress, insomnia, and depression symptoms. A focus group design was used to collect data from the therapists, and emerging common themes were identified by thematic analysis. Results: Therapists felt they could build strong alliances and communicate emotions and empathy effectively, although the lack of nonverbal cues posed some challenges. The intervention, according to participating therapists, was less suitable for participants in high-stress situations and in case of discrepancy between client expectations and the intervention content. Moreover, the therapists perceived specific interventions as easy-to-use or as more challenging based on their complexity and on the therapist support needed for executing them. Client engagement in the program emerged as an underlying theme that had fundamental impact on alliance, communication, and ultimately, treatment efficiency. Therapist training and supervision was perceived as crucial for the success of the program delivery. Conclusions: Our findings provided several implications for the optimalization of blended interventions for natural disaster survivors from our therapists’ perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Békés
- Ferkauf Graduate School, Yeshiva University, 1165 Morris Park Ave, The Bronx, NY 10461, USA;
- Correspondence:
| | - Geneviève Belleville
- School of Psychology, Laval University, 2325 Rue de l’Université, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (G.B.); (J.L.); (M.-C.O.); (C.M.M.)
| | - Jessica Lebel
- School of Psychology, Laval University, 2325 Rue de l’Université, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (G.B.); (J.L.); (M.-C.O.); (C.M.M.)
| | - Marie-Christine Ouellet
- School of Psychology, Laval University, 2325 Rue de l’Université, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (G.B.); (J.L.); (M.-C.O.); (C.M.M.)
| | - Zhaoyi Chen
- Ferkauf Graduate School, Yeshiva University, 1165 Morris Park Ave, The Bronx, NY 10461, USA;
| | - Charles M. Morin
- School of Psychology, Laval University, 2325 Rue de l’Université, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (G.B.); (J.L.); (M.-C.O.); (C.M.M.)
| | - Nicolas Bergeron
- Département de Psychiatrie, Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, 1000 Rue St-Denis, Montréal, QC H2X 0C1, Canada;
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, University of Montreal, 2900 Edouard Montpetit Blvd., Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada;
| | - Tavis S. Campbell
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada;
| | - Sunita Ghosh
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, 116 St & 85 Ave, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada;
| | - Stephane Bouchard
- Département de Psychoéducation et de Psychologie, Université du Québec en Outaouais, CISSS de l’Outaouais, 283 Alexandre-Taché Blvd., Gatineau, QC J8X 3X7, Canada;
| | - Stéphane Guay
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, University of Montreal, 2900 Edouard Montpetit Blvd., Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada;
- School of Criminology, University of Montreal, 2900 Edouard Montpetit Blvd., Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Frank P. MacMaster
- Addictions and Mental Health Strategic Clinical Network, Alberta Children’s Hospital, 28 Oki Drive NW, Calgary, AB T3B 6A8, Canada;
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Békés V, Aafjes-Van Doorn K. Patients’ attachment avoidance and their perceived quality of the real relationship predict patients’ attitudes towards telepsychotherapy. COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY QUARTERLY 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/09515070.2022.2075324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vera Békés
- Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, New York, USA
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Leuchtenberg S, Gromer D, Käthner I. Videoconferencing versus
face‐to‐face
psychotherapy: Insights from patients and psychotherapists about comparability of therapeutic alliance, empathy and treatment characteristics. COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/capr.12538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Leuchtenberg
- Department of Psychology I, Biological Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy University of Würzburg Würzburg Germany
| | - Daniel Gromer
- Department of Psychology I, Biological Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy University of Würzburg Würzburg Germany
| | - Ivo Käthner
- Department of Psychology I, Biological Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy University of Würzburg Würzburg Germany
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10
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Milosevic I, Cameron DH, Milanovic M, McCabe RE, Rowa K. Face-to-face versus Video Teleconference Group Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Anxiety and Related Disorders: A Preliminary Comparison. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2022; 67:391-402. [PMID: 34159838 PMCID: PMC9065489 DOI: 10.1177/07067437211027319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Telehealth is being increasingly incorporated into the delivery of mental health care and has received widespread attention during the COVID-19 pandemic for its ability to facilitate care during physical distancing restrictions. Videoconferencing is a common telehealth modality for delivering psychotherapy and has demonstrated similar outcomes to those of face-to-face therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is the most common psychotherapy evaluated across various telehealth modalities; however, studies on CBT delivered via videoconference, particularly in a group therapy format, are lacking. Further, little research exists on videoconference group CBT for anxiety disorders. Accordingly, the present study compared the outcomes of group CBT for anxiety and related disorders delivered via videoconference versus face-to-face. METHOD Using a non-randomized design, data on attendance, dropout, clinical outcomes, and functional impairment were collected from 413 adult outpatients of a tertiary care anxiety disorders clinic who attended a CBT group for panic disorder/agoraphobia, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), or obsessive-compulsive disorder delivered either face-to-face (pre-COVID-19 pandemic) or via videoconference (since the onset of COVID-19 pandemic). Outcomes were assessed using well-validated self-report measures. Data were collected pre-treatment, across 12 weekly sessions, and post-treatment. Intent-to-treat analyses were applied to symptom outcome measures. RESULTS Face-to-face CBT conferred only a slight benefit over videoconference CBT for symptom outcomes across all groups, but when assessed individually, only the GAD group showed greater symptom improvement in the face-to-face format. Effect sizes for significant differences between the delivery formats were small. Participants in videoconference groups tended to have slightly higher attendance rates in some instances, whereas functional improvement and treatment dropout were comparable across the delivery formats. CONCLUSIONS Results provide preliminary evidence that videoconference group CBT for anxiety and related disorders may be a promising and effective alternative to face-to-face CBT. Additional research is needed to establish equivalence between these delivery formats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irena Milosevic
- Anxiety Treatment and Research Clinic, 25479St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Duncan H Cameron
- Anxiety Treatment and Research Clinic, 25479St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Melissa Milanovic
- Anxiety Treatment and Research Clinic, 25479St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Randi E McCabe
- Anxiety Treatment and Research Clinic, 25479St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Karen Rowa
- Anxiety Treatment and Research Clinic, 25479St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Li H, Glecia A, Kent-Wilkinson A, Leidl D, Kleib M, Risling T. Transition of Mental Health Service Delivery to Telepsychiatry in Response to COVID-19: A Literature Review. Psychiatr Q 2022; 93:181-197. [PMID: 34101075 PMCID: PMC8185490 DOI: 10.1007/s11126-021-09926-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Due to COVID-19, face-to-face mental health service delivery has been interrupted by social distancing and stay-at-home orders. To abridge physical distance between patients and healthcare providers, while limiting exposure to COVID-19, telepsychiatry has been widely adopted to provide services to patients with pre-existing mental health disorders. Though telepsychiatry has become more mainstream in delivering mental health services during COVID-19, evaluation studies of the rapid conversion of care delivery from face-to-face to telepsychiatry have been limited. The aim of this study was to review the literature on the transition of mental health service delivery to telepsychiatry during COVID-19. The findings of the current review showed that a majority of patients and healthcare providers were satisfied with telepsychiatry services, and suggest that telepsychiatry is feasible and appropriate for supporting patients and healthcare providers during COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Li
- College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, Health Sciences Building, E-Wing, 104 Clinic Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 2Z4 Canada
| | - Alana Glecia
- Department of Sociology, University of Saskatchewan, Arts Building, 9 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A5 Canada
| | - Arlene Kent-Wilkinson
- College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, Health Sciences Building, E-Wing, 104 Clinic Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 2Z4 Canada
| | - Donald Leidl
- College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, Health Sciences Building, E-Wing, 104 Clinic Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 2Z4 Canada
| | - Manal Kleib
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta 5-112 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9 Canada
| | - Tracie Risling
- College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, Health Sciences Building, E-Wing, 104 Clinic Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 2Z4 Canada
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12
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Ellis LA, Meulenbroeks I, Churruca K, Pomare C, Hatem S, Harrison R, Zurynski Y, Braithwaite J. The Application of e-Mental Health in Response to COVID-19: Scoping Review and Bibliometric Analysis. JMIR Ment Health 2021; 8:e32948. [PMID: 34666306 PMCID: PMC8651237 DOI: 10.2196/32948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic and its mitigation measures and impacts, such as shelter-in-place orders, social isolation, restrictions on freedoms, unemployment, financial insecurity, and disrupted routines, have led to declines in mental health worldwide and concomitant escalating demands for mental health services. Under the circumstances, electronic mental health (e-mental health) programs and services have rapidly become the "new normal." OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess key characteristics and evidence gaps in the e-mental health literature published in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic via a scoping review and bibliometric analysis. METHODS We conducted a search of four academic databases (ie, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo, and CINAHL) for documents published from December 31, 2019, to March 31, 2021, using keywords for e-mental health and COVID-19. Article information was extracted that was relevant to the review objective, including journal, type of article, keywords, focus, and corresponding author. Information was synthesized by coding these attributes and was then summarized through descriptive statistics and narrative techniques. Article influence was examined from Altmetric and CiteScore data, and a network analysis was conducted on article keywords. RESULTS A total of 356 publications were included in the review. Articles on e-mental health quickly thrived early in the pandemic, with most articles being nonempirical, chiefly commentaries or opinions (n=225, 63.2%). Empirical publications emerged later and became more frequent as the pandemic progressed. The United States contributed the most articles (n=160, 44.9%), though a notable number came from middle-income countries (n=59, 16.6%). Articles were spread across 165 journals and had above-average influence (ie, almost half of the articles were in the top 25% of output scores by Altmetric, and the average CiteScore across articles was 4.22). The network analysis of author-supplied keywords identified key topic areas, including specific mental disorders, eHealth modalities, issues and challenges, and populations of interest. These were further explored via full-text analysis. Applications of e-mental health during the pandemic overcame, or were influenced by, system, service, technology, provider, and patient factors. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 has accelerated applications of e-mental health. Further research is needed to support the implementation of e-mental health across system and service infrastructures, alongside evidence of the relative effectiveness of e-mental health in comparison to traditional modes of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise A Ellis
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
- National Health and Medical Research Council Partnership Centre for Health System Sustainability, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Isabelle Meulenbroeks
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
- National Health and Medical Research Council Partnership Centre for Health System Sustainability, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kate Churruca
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Chiara Pomare
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sarah Hatem
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Reema Harrison
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Yvonne Zurynski
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
- National Health and Medical Research Council Partnership Centre for Health System Sustainability, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Braithwaite
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
- National Health and Medical Research Council Partnership Centre for Health System Sustainability, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
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13
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Békés V, Aafjes-van Doorn K, Zilcha-Mano S, Prout T, Hoffman L. Psychotherapists' acceptance of telepsychotherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic: A machine learning approach. Clin Psychol Psychother 2021; 28:1403-1415. [PMID: 34723404 PMCID: PMC8652775 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to develop predictive models of three aspects of psychotherapists' acceptance of telepsychotherapy (TPT) during the COVID‐19 pandemic, attitudes towards TPT technology, concerns about using TPT technology and intention to use TPT technology in the future. Method Therapists (n = 795) responded to a survey about their TPT experiences during the pandemic, including quality of the therapeutic relationship, professional self‐doubt, vicarious trauma and TPT acceptance. Regression decision tree machine learning analyses were used to build prediction models for each of three aspects of TPT acceptance in a training subset of the data and subsequently tested in the remaining subset of the total sample. Results Attitudes towards TPT were most positive for therapists who reported a neutral or strong online working alliance with their patients, especially if they experienced little professional self‐doubt and were younger than 40 years old. Therapists who were most concerned about TPT were those who reported higher levels of professional self‐doubt, particularly if they also reported vicarious trauma experiences. Therapists who reported low working alliance with their patients were least likely to use TPT in the future. Performance metrics for the decision trees indicated that these three models held up well in an out‐of‐sample dataset. Conclusions Therapists' professional self‐doubt and the quality of their working alliance with their online patients appear to be the most pertinent factors associated with therapists' acceptance of TPT technology during COVID‐19 and should be addressed in future training and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Békés
- Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, New York, New York, USA
| | | | | | - Tracy Prout
- Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Leon Hoffman
- New York Psychoanalytic Institute, New York, New York, USA
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14
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COVID-19 Related Traumatic Distress in Psychotherapy Patients during the Pandemic: The Role of Attachment, Working Alliance, and Therapeutic Agency. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11101288. [PMID: 34679353 PMCID: PMC8533688 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11101288] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The early months of the COVID-19 pandemic have been a challenging time for many psychotherapy patients. To understand why certain patients were more resilient, we examined the role of patients' attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance, as well as collaborative therapy experiences (perceived working alliance and therapeutic agency) in their online sessions on their COVID-related traumatic distress over a three-month period. A total of 466 patients in online psychotherapy completed a survey during the first weeks of the pandemic, and 121 of those completed a follow-up survey three months later. Lower distress at follow-up was predicted by patients' lower attachment anxiety and higher therapeutic agency in their online sessions after controlling for baseline distress and time of survey completion. Higher working alliance predicted less distress at follow-up only for patients with high attachment anxiety. For patients with low attachment avoidance (i.e., more securely attached), higher therapeutic agency predicted less distress. These findings suggest that patients' attachment anxiety and therapeutic agency may play significant roles also in online therapy during COVID-19 in patient's experienced traumatic distress, and that working alliance and therapeutic agency may be differentially important for patients with different levels of attachment anxiety and avoidance.
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15
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Békés V, Aafjes-van Doorn K, Luo X, Prout TA, Hoffman L. Psychotherapists' Challenges With Online Therapy During COVID-19: Concerns About Connectedness Predict Therapists' Negative View of Online Therapy and Its Perceived Efficacy Over Time. Front Psychol 2021; 12:705699. [PMID: 34367030 PMCID: PMC8339462 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.705699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapists' forced transition to provide psychotherapy remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic offers a unique opportunity to examine therapists' views and challenges with online therapy. This study aimed to investigate the main challenges experienced by therapists during the transition from in-person to online therapy at the beginning of the pandemic and 3 months later, and the association between these challenges and therapists' perception of the quality of the relationship with their online patients, and therapists' attitudes and views about online therapy and its efficacy at these two timepoints. As part of a large-scale international longitudinal survey, we collected data from 1,257 therapists at two timepoints: at the start of COVID-19, when many therapists switched from providing in-person therapy to online therapy, as well as 3 months later, when they had had the opportunity to adjust to the online therapy format. At both timepoints, therapists reported on perceived challenges, quality of working alliance and real relationship, attitudes toward online therapy, and their views on online therapy's efficacy compared to in-person therapy. Factor analysis of individual survey items at both timepoints identified four different types of challenges among this therapist sample: Emotional connection (feeling connected with patients, reading emotions, express or feel empathy), Distraction during sessions (therapist or patient), Patients' privacy (private space, confidentiality), and Therapists' boundaries (professional space, boundary setting). Older and more experienced therapists perceived fewer challenges in their online sessions. At baseline, all four types of challenges were associated with lower perceived quality of the therapeutic relationship (working alliance and real relationship), and more negative attitudes toward online therapy and its efficacy. After 3 months, perceived challenges with three domains - Emotional connection, Patients' privacy, and Therapists' boundaries significantly decreased - whereas challenges in the fourth domain - Distraction - increased. In our study, therapists' concerns about being able to connect with patients online appeared to be the most impactful, in that it predicted negative attitudes toward online therapy and its perceived efficacy 3 months later, above and beyond the effect of therapists' age and clinical experience. Clinical and training implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Békés
- Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY, United States
| | | | - Xiaochen Luo
- Department of Counseling Psychology, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA, United States
| | - Tracy A. Prout
- Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Leon Hoffman
- New York Psychoanalytic Society & Institute, New York, NY, United States
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16
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Classen B, Tudor K, du Preez E, Day E, Ioane J, Rodgers B. An Integrative Review of Contemporary Perspectives on Videoconference-Based Therapy-Prioritising Indigenous and Ethnic Minority Populations in the Global South. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 6:545-558. [PMID: 33898737 PMCID: PMC8058578 DOI: 10.1007/s41347-021-00209-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
An integrative literature review was undertaken as a means of drawing together contemporary perspectives on the outcomes and affordances of videoconference-based therapy. This review was conducted in a way which placed emphasis on the need for mental healthcare strategies which are mindful of the cultural and social needs of indigenous and ethnic minority populations, particularly those situated in the Global South. The review was undertaken using an inverse funnelling approach which sought to prioritise literature on videoconference-based therapy literature which specifically focused on indigenous and ethnic minority populations. A series of general and population specific searches across relevant health databases were supplemented by a simultaneous search of Google Scholar. The PICOS search tool was used in developing the search terms, and data was processed using an inductive approach to thematic analysis. A final dataset of 43 articles were included in the review. This body of literature encompassed an international range of studies and included perspectives informed by quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods research. Four key themes were identified across the reviewed literature: indigenous and ethnic minority populations, therapeutic relationships, clinical outcomes and technical and logistical considerations. Based on our findings, there is reason to believe that videoconference-based therapy can be made to be just as effective as offline, face-to-face modes of delivery. However, research into the efficacy, impact and cultural implications of this technology in relation to indigenous and ethnic minority populations represents a significant gap within contemporary literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Classen
- Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Keith Tudor
- Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Elizabeth Day
- Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Julia Ioane
- Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Brian Rodgers
- Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
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17
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Marcotte-Beaumier G, Bouchard S, Gosselin P, Langlois F, Belleville G, Marchand A, Dugas MJ. The Role of Intolerance of Uncertainty and Working Alliance in the Outcome of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder Delivered by Videoconference: Mediation Analysis. JMIR Ment Health 2021; 8:e24541. [PMID: 33720024 PMCID: PMC8077936 DOI: 10.2196/24541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous meta-analyses have shown a significant relationship between working alliance and treatment outcome in general. Some studies have examined the relationship between working alliance and treatment outcome during telepsychotherapy, but to the best of our knowledge, no study has examined the mediating role of individual components of the working alliance. OBJECTIVE As part of a clinical trial of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) delivered by videoconference (VC), the aim of this study is to examine the mediating role of intolerance of uncertainty on the relationship between the components of the working alliance and treatment outcome. METHODS A sample of 46 adults with primary GAD received 15 sessions of CBT for GAD delivered over VC. Participants completed the measure of working alliance immediately after the fifth therapy session. The degree of change in intolerance of uncertainty (a key psychological process) was assessed from pre- to posttreatment. Treatment outcome was assessed via changes in GAD symptoms from pretreatment to the 6-month follow-up. RESULTS The results revealed that the therapeutic bond did not predict treatment outcome (r=-0.23; P=.12). However, agreement on therapeutic goals and tasks did predict treatment outcome (r=-0.42; P=.004 and r=-0.37; P=.01, respectively). In addition, the relationship between consensus on therapeutic tasks and treatment outcome was completely mediated by changes in intolerance of uncertainty (unstandardized β=-0.03; r2=0.12), whereas consensus relative to treatment goals had a direct impact on treatment outcome. CONCLUSIONS These results provide a better understanding of the differential role of the components of the working alliance in telepsychotherapy as a facilitative factor for changes in key cognitive processes, leading to therapeutic change. TRIAL REGISTRATION International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN): 12662027; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN12662027.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Marcotte-Beaumier
- Département de psychoéducation et de psychologie, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
- Département de psychologie, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Stéphane Bouchard
- Département de psychoéducation et de psychologie, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche du Centre Intégré de Santé et de Services Sociaux de l'Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
| | - Patrick Gosselin
- Département de psychologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Frédéric Langlois
- Département de psychologie, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | | | - André Marchand
- Département de psychologie, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Michel J Dugas
- Département de psychoéducation et de psychologie, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche du Centre Intégré de Santé et de Services Sociaux de l'Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
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18
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Fernández-Álvarez J, Fernández-Álvarez H. Videoconferencing Psychotherapy During the Pandemic: Exceptional Times With Enduring Effects? Front Psychol 2021; 12:589536. [PMID: 33679513 PMCID: PMC7933024 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.589536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
With the advent of COVID-19, a sudden, unexpected, and forced shift has been produced in the field of psychotherapy. Worldwide, many therapists closed their offices and started to deliver psychotherapy online through a screen. Although different media started to be incorporated, videoconferencing is undoubtedly the most common way in which therapists are doing therapy these days. This is catalyzing a rapid change in the practice of psychotherapy with probable lasting effects and deserves to be carefully reflected upon. Therefore, in this paper our aim is to outline the main challenges for a medium that may have arrived to stay. In that sense, we review the literature to describe the state-of-the-art regarding the main aspects of videoconferencing psychotherapy as well as to suggest possible avenues for future research and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Fernández-Álvarez
- Department of Basic Psychology, Clinical and Psychobiology, Jaume I University, Castellón de la Plana, Spain
- Asociación Aiglé, Valencia, Spain
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19
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Probst T, Haid B, Schimböck W, Reisinger A, Gasser M, Eichberger-Heckmann H, Stippl P, Jesser A, Humer E, Korecka N, Pieh C. Therapeutic interventions in in-person and remote psychotherapy: Survey with psychotherapists and patients experiencing in-person and remote psychotherapy during COVID-19. Clin Psychol Psychother 2021; 28:988-1000. [PMID: 33448499 PMCID: PMC8013388 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Objective First, to investigate how psychotherapists and patients experience the change from in‐person to remote psychotherapy or vice versa during COVID‐19 regarding the therapeutic interventions used. Second, to explore the influence of therapeutic orientations on therapeutic interventions in in‐person versus remote psychotherapy. Method Psychotherapists (N = 217) from Austria were recruited, who in turn recruited their patients (N = 133). The therapeutic orientation of the therapists was psychodynamic (22.6%), humanistic (46.1%), systemic (20.7%) or behavioural (10.6%). All the data were collected remotely via online surveys. Therapists and patients completed two versions of the ‘Multitheoretical List of Therapeutic Interventions’ (MULTI‐30) (version 1: in‐person; version 2: remote) to investigate differences between in‐person and remote psychotherapy in the following therapeutic interventions: psychodynamic, common factors, person‐centred, process‐experiential, interpersonal, cognitive, behavioural and dialectical‐behavioural. Results Therapists rated all examined therapeutic interventions as more typical for in‐person than for remote psychotherapy. For patients, three therapeutic interventions (psychodynamic, process‐experiential, cognitive interventions) were more typical for in‐person than for remote psychotherapy after correcting for multiple testing. For two therapeutic interventions (behavioural, dialectical‐behavioural), differences between the four therapeutic orientations were more consistent for in‐person than for remote psychotherapy. Conclusions Therapeutic interventions differed between in‐person and remote psychotherapy and differences between therapeutic orientations in behavioural‐oriented interventions become indistinct in remote psychotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Probst
- Department for Psychotherapy and Biopsychosocial Health, Danube University Krems, Krems an der Donau, Austria
| | - Barbara Haid
- Austrian Federal Association for Psychotherapy, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Marion Gasser
- Austrian Federal Association for Psychotherapy, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Peter Stippl
- Austrian Federal Association for Psychotherapy, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrea Jesser
- Department for Psychotherapy and Biopsychosocial Health, Danube University Krems, Krems an der Donau, Austria
| | - Elke Humer
- Department for Psychotherapy and Biopsychosocial Health, Danube University Krems, Krems an der Donau, Austria
| | - Nicole Korecka
- Department for Psychotherapy and Biopsychosocial Health, Danube University Krems, Krems an der Donau, Austria
| | - Christoph Pieh
- Department for Psychotherapy and Biopsychosocial Health, Danube University Krems, Krems an der Donau, Austria
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