[Online therapy for depressive disorders : An acceptance-based analysis from the perspective of therapists]

[How can the potential of internet- and mobile-based interventions be used in the treatment of depression? Findings from a qualitative survey among German psychotherapists]

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Internet and mobile-based interventions (IMIs) can reduce the unmet need for treatment of people with depression. The service providers as key actors in the healthcare market play an essential role in implementation. Therefore, the barriers, drivers and expectations from the perspective of psychotherapists were examined.

METHODS

In the Nuremberg area, n=15 psychotherapists were interviewed using a semi-structured guideline. The data were then evaluated according to the principles of Grounded Theory.

RESULTS

Primarily, optimizing patient benefits and bridging waiting times and aftercare were seen as advantages. Challenges exist in relation to insufficient information and communication channels between those involved in the healthcare market and the resulting lack of therapists' experiences with IMIs.

DISCUSSION

In addition to the drivers and barriers, different fields of action must be taken into account in order to increase the implementation of IMIs in the care of people with depression; these include the way that IMIs are integrated into the treatment process, the conception of IMIs and the relationships on the healthcare market. The decisive factor here is to increase cooperation between all those involved in the healthcare market.

CONCLUSION

The barriers identified are mainly due to insufficient information and communication channels within the healthcare market. They provide helpful guidance for understanding how the increased implementation of IMIs into the care process in the treatment of depression can succeed.

A qualitative interview study of patients' attitudes towards and intention to use digital interventions for depressive disorders on prescription

Background

Depressive disorders are an emerging public health topic. Due to their increasing prevalence, patients with depressive disorders suffer from the lack of therapeutic treatment. Digital health interventions may offer an opportunity to bridge waiting times, supplement, or even substitute in-person treatment. Among others, the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) explains that actual technology use is affected by users' behavioural intention. However, patients' perspectives on digital interventions are rarely discussed within the specific context of primary care provided by general practitioners (GP) and need further exploration.

Method

A qualitative study design with semi-structured interviews was used to explore DTx-acceptance of patients with mild or moderate depression (n = 17). The audio-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim, coded, and thematically analysed by qualitative content analysis.

Results

Patients' performance expectancies reveal that DTx are not perceived as a substitute for face-to-face treatment. Effort expectancies include potential advantages and efforts concerning technical, motivational, and skill-based aspects. Moreover, we identified health status and experience with depressive disorders as other determinants and potential barriers to patients' DTx acceptance: Difficult stages of depression or long-time experience are perceived hurdles for DTx use. GPs' recommendations were just partly relevant for patients and varied according to patients' consultancy preferences. But still, GPs have a crucial role for access due to prescription. GPs' influence on patients' DTx acceptance varies between three situations: (1) pre-use for consultation, (2) pre-use for access and (3) during DTx-use. Further, GPs' guidance could be especially relevant for patients during DTx-use in routine care.

Discussion

The UTAUT-based exploration suggests that acceptance determinants should be considered independently and embedded in personal and situational aspects. DTx require a healthcare professional to prescribe or diagnose the disease, unlike other digital offerings. We identified prescription- and depression-related determinants, exceeding existing theoretical constructs. GPs' guidance can compensate for some barriers to DTx use e.g., by increasing commitment and motivational support to strengthen patients' acceptance.

Conclusion

We argue for a multidimensional integration of acceptance determinants for further development of health technology acceptance research. Future research should specify how DTx can be integrated into routine care to strengthen user acceptance.

Canadian pediatric eating disorder programs and virtual care during the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed-methods approach to understanding clinicians' perspectives

BACKGROUND

As a result of the public health measures put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada, many health services, including those for the treatment of eating disorders, were provided at a distance. This study aims to describe the adaptations made in specialized pediatric eating disorder programs in Canada and the impact of these adaptations on health professionals' experience of providing care.

METHODS

A mixed-methods design was used to survey healthcare professionals working in specialized pediatric eating disorder programs about adaptations to treatment made during the pandemic and the impact of these adaptations on their experience of providing care. Data were collected between October 2021 and March 2022 using a cross-sectional survey comprising 25 questions and via semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were summarized using descriptive statistics and qualitative data were interpreted using qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS

Eighteen healthcare professionals in Canada completed the online survey, of whom six also participated in the semi-structured interviews. The cross-sectional survey confirmed that, unlike in pre-pandemic times, the majority of participants provided medical care (15/18) and mental health care (17/18) at a distance during the pandemic, with most participants using telephone (17/18) and videoconferencing (17/18). Most (16/18) health professionals indicated that virtual care would continue to be used as a tool in pediatric ED treatment after the pandemic. Participants used a combination of virtual and in-person care, with most reporting weighing patients both in clinic (16/18) and virtually (15/18). Qualitative content analysis generated five themes: (1) responding to increased demand with insufficient resources; (2) adapting to changes in care due to the COVID-19 pandemic; (3) dealing with uncertainty and apprehension; (4) virtual care as an acceptable and useful clinical tool, and (5) optimal conditions and future expectations. Most interview participants (5/6) had globally positive views of virtual care.

CONCLUSIONS

Providing virtual multidisciplinary treatment for children and adolescents with eating disorders seemed feasible and acceptable to professionals during the pandemic. Moving forward, focusing on health professionals' perspectives and providing appropriate training in virtual interventions is essential given their central role in successful implementation and continued use of virtual and hybrid care models.

Investigating information needs and preferences regarding digital mental health services among medical and psychology students in Germany: A qualitative study

Background

Since 2020, physicians and psychotherapists in Germany can prescribe digital mental health services (dMHSs). However, even future healthcare professionals (HCPs), such as medical and psychology students, remain reluctant to use dMHSs, although they are a risk group for mental health issues themselves. Reasons include scepticism and lacking awareness of dMHSs, which can be addressed by acceptance-facilitating interventions (AFIs) such as information strategies. To date, though, little is known about their information needs.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews with n = 21 students were conducted between August and September 2021. Students of legal age studying psychology or medicine at a German university could participate. Interview recordings were transcribed verbatim and content-analyzed according to Mayring, using deductive and inductive coding.

Results

Most students reported having little experience with dMHSs. Digital health has barely been raised in their study, even though it was perceived as crucial for personal needs as well as in preparation for their work as HCPs. Students favoured receiving information on and recommendations for dMHSs from their university via, e.g. social media or seminars. Among others, information about data safety, scientific evidence base and application scope were preferred. Additionally, information on costs as well as user reviews seemed to be essential components of information strategies because students were concerned that high costs or low usability would hinder uptake.

Conclusions

The results give first insights on how future HCPs would like to be informed on dMHSs. Future research should focus on systematic variations of AFIs' components mimicking real-world decision scenarios to increase the adoption of dMHSs.

Digital Health Interventions in Depression Care-A Survey on Acceptance from the Perspective of Patients, Their Relatives and Health Professionals

Digital health interventions may contribute to closing the treatment gap for depression by reaching large populations at relatively low costs. This article presents the results of a broad, multisided German survey in 2020 on the acceptance and use of digital health interventions in depression care from the perspective of patients, their relatives, and health professionals. A total of 97 patients and relatives and 229 health professionals participated. Survey participants reported openness towards the use of digital health interventions in depression care but little knowledge and experience in the field. Digital health interventions appear to be a promising opportunity for reducing depressive symptoms and shortening waiting time for depression treatment, especially in rural areas. Providing information and technical competencies may increase awareness and knowledge about digital health interventions and the benefits of depression care.

Acceptance of E-Mental Health Services for Different Application Purposes Among Psychotherapists in Clinical Training in Germany and Switzerland: Secondary Analysis of a Cross-Sectional Survey

Background

Despite solid evidence supporting the efficacy of electronic mental health (EMH) services, their acceptance among psychotherapists is limited and uptake rates remain low. However, the acceptance of different EMH services has yet barely been examined in future generations of psychotherapists in a differentiated manner. The aims of this study were (1) to elaborate the intention to use various EMH services for different application purposes and (2) to determine predictors of EMH service acceptance among psychotherapists in clinical training (PiT).

Materials and Methods

Our paper is based on a secondary data analysis of a cross-sectional survey. Respondents were recruited via recognized educational institutions for psychotherapy within Germany and the German-speaking part of Switzerland between June and July of 2020. The survey contained items on the intention to use different EMH services (i.e., guided and unguided programs, virtual reality, psychotherapy by telephone and videoconference) for various application purposes (i.e., prevention, treatment addition, treatment substitute, aftercare). Potential predictors of EMH service acceptance (e.g., barriers and advantages) were examined based on an extension of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT).

Results

Most of the n = 216 respondents were female (88.4%) and located in Germany (72.2%). General acceptance of EMH was moderate (M = 3.4, SD = 1.12, range 1-5), while acceptance of psychotherapy via videoconference was highest (M = 3.7, SD = 1.15) and acceptance of unguided programs was lowest (M = 2.55, SD = 1.14). There was an interaction effect of EMH service and application purpose (η2 = 0.21). Barriers and advantages both had a uniform influence on EMH service acceptance (Pr > 0.999), while impersonality, legal concerns, concerns about therapeutic alliance, simplified information provision, simplified contact maintenance, time flexibility, and geographic flexibility were significant predictors (all p < 0.05). Results showed that the extended UTAUT model was the best fitting model to predict EMH service acceptance (Pr > 0.999).

Conclusions

The intention to use different EMH services varied between application purposes among PiT. To increase acceptance of EMH services and reduce misconceptions, we identified predictors that should be addressed in future acceptance-facilitating interventions when educating PiT.

Online therapy: an added value for inpatient routine care? Perspectives from mental health care professionals

Internet-delivered interventions can be effective in treating mental disorders. However, their rate of use in German psychiatric inpatient routine care is low. The current study aimed to investigate the attitude of mental health care professionals working in inpatient care regarding internet-delivered interventions, including presumed benefits, barriers and facilitators. In total, 176 health professionals from ten inpatient psychiatric hospitals throughout Germany were surveyed on site. The professionals' attitude towards internet-delivered interventions in inpatient care was assessed by an adapted version of the 'Attitude toward Telemedicine in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy' (ATTiP) questionnaire. To identify benefits, barriers and facilitators, we developed open-response questions that were based on the 'Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology' (UTAUT) and analyzed by a qualitative content analysis. Professionals reported little experience or knowledge about internet-delivered interventions. Their attitude towards internet-delivered interventions in psychiatric inpatient care was rather indifferent. The most frequently mentioned potential benefits were an optimised treatment structure and patient empowerment; the most frequently anticipated barriers were too severe symptoms of patients, the feared neglect of face-to-face contacts and insufficient technical equipment; and the most frequently mentioned facilitators were high usability of the internet-based intervention, a sufficient functional level of the patient and further education of staff. For successful implementation in the inpatient sector, internet-delivered interventions must be adapted to the special needs of severely mentally ill patients and to the hospital management systems and workflow. In addition, technical preconditions (internet access, devices) must be met. Last, further education of mental health care professionals is needed.

[Digital health applications (DiGA) in medical and psychotherapeutic care. Opportunities and challenges from the perspective of the healthcare providers]

Since 2019, insured persons have a right by law to receive a prescription of digital health applications (DiGA). DiGA can be used in a variety of ways. Most healthcare providers are receptive to the possibilities of integration of DiGA into their treatment. In particular, the promotion of patient empowerment through DiGA is seen as a potential advantage by physicians and psychotherapists.However, from the healthcare provider's view, the preconditions for a successful integration of DiGA into the healthcare system are not yet fulfilled. The most important challenge that remains to be solved is the creation of acceptance and trust in a careful, producer-independent quality inspection of DiGA. Verified evidence on the effectiveness, interoperability, and data security of DiGA, as well as on the additional workload for providers, should be transparently available before they can be prescribed to patients. Furthermore, findings from health services research on the optimal integration of a DiGA into clinical workflow should be generated and integrated into the regulations. In addition, DiGA should be prescribed only if individual circumstances of the patient were considered.

[Acceptance of Digital Health Interventions in Light to Moderate Depressive Disorders - A Qualitative Analysis from the Perspective of Affected Persons, Relatives and Health Professionals]

OBJECTIVE

User acceptance of digital health interventions in light to moderate depressive disorders has been rudimentarily researched and is examined in this study.

METHODS

Problem-centered individual interviews were conducted with 3 affected persons, 3 relatives and 13 health care professionals. The data evaluation was based on the structured qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS

Along the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology attitudes of affected persons, relatives and health care professionals were presented. Expectations of performance and the supportive framework conditions were the most significant influencing predictors for the positive intention to use.

CONCLUSION

The results provide a basis for prioritizing needs and attitudes in next step. In terms of ethical, sustainable and economical use further research on user acceptance is required.

Determinant Factors of Public Acceptance of Stress Management Apps: Survey Study

BACKGROUND

Chronic stress is a major public health concern. Mobile health (mHealth) apps can help promote coping skills in daily life and prevent stress-related issues. However, little is known about the determinant factors of public acceptance of stress management in relation to preferences for psychological services.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this survey study was to (1) assess determinant factors of public acceptance (behavioral use intention) of stress management apps based on an adapted and extended version of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model and (2) explore preferences for mHealth apps compared with other mental health services.

METHODS

Using convenience sampling, participants completed a multiscale 54-item Web-based survey. Based on significant correlations with acceptance, hierarchical stepwise regression analysis was performed within three blocks: (1) background and stress-related control variables, (2) beliefs and attitudes toward using mHealth, and (3) the core UTAUT determinants. The preference for mHealth apps in comparison with nine other mental health services (operationalized as readiness to use) was analyzed using paired t tests.

RESULTS

Of 141 participants, nearly half (69/141, 48.9%) indicated prior mHealth use. Acceptance of stress coping apps was moderate (mean 3.10, SD 1.03, range 1-5). Hierarchical stepwise regression including four of 11 variables (R²=.62; P=.01, f²=1.63) identified positive attitudes toward using mHealth for stress coping (beta=0.69, P<.001, 46% R² increase above block 1, f²=0.85), skepticism/perceived risks (beta=-0.14, P=.01, f²=0.16), and stress symptoms (beta=0.12, P=.03, f²=0.14) as significant predictors of acceptance. UTAUT determinants added no predictive contribution beyond attitudes (all P>.05, R² increase of 1%), whereas post hoc analysis showed significant R² increases of attitudes and skepticism/perceived risks beyond UTAUT determinants (all P<.001, R² increase of 13%). The readiness to use apps was equivalent to or significantly higher than most service types, but lower than information websites.

CONCLUSIONS

Attitudes may be at least as predictive for the acceptance of stress management apps as for more elaborated outcome beliefs. Efforts aimed at improving the public adoption of mHealth could put more emphasis on the pleasant aspects of app use, address misconceptions, offer stress screening tools on health websites, and increase options to try high-quality apps.