Blended transdiagnostic group CBT for emotional disorders: A feasibility trial protocol

A blended intervention for adjustment disorder: Study protocol for a feasibility trial

Introduction

Adjustment disorder (AjD) is a maladaptive response to one or more psychosocial stressors. In many cases, the symptomatology of this disorder disappears once the stressor or its consequences are no longer present. However, in some cases, if left untreated, the symptoms may worsen and develop into a more severe mental disorder. In this regard, different authors propose that a low-intensity intervention may be suitable for this disorder. Previous studies with other mental disorders and with patients with AjD found that blended interventions can be a viable and effective option. The aim of this study is to analyze the feasibility (the participants' expectations and preferences, the satisfaction and acceptance, the appropriateness of different methods of recruitment and data collection, and the reasons for dropping out) of a blended cognitive-behavioral intervention (CBT) for AjD that combines the use of a self-applied Internet-based program with videoconference sessions with a therapist. As a secondary objective, the potential efficacy of this intervention will be tested.

Method and analysis

A feasibility trial with a single-group and open-trial design will be conducted. A total of 41 participants will be assigned to the single treatment group. All the participants will be assessed for eligibility and respond at four measurement points: pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 3- and 12-month follow-ups. The treatment combines the use of an Internet-based intervention through a web platform with videoconference sessions with a therapist every 10-12 days. The intervention contains seven modules and is based on CBT. The main outcome measures are related to the feasibility of the intervention (adherence, treatment satisfaction and expectations, participants' opinions, preferences, therapeutic alliance, and usability). Clinical measures will also be assessed.

Discussion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to test a blended intervention for AjD in the Spanish language. We expect this intervention to be feasible, and that a future Randomized Controlled Trial will be able to show its efficacy. Potential limitations include difficulties in recruiting the sample, failures in the computer systems, or a high dropout rate. Measures have been taken to try to reduce the impact of these limitations. This study received the approval of the Ethics committee of Universitat Jaume I in March 2022 (CD/42/2022).

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05464121. Registered 19 July 2022, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05464121.

Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Therapy on Posttraumatic Growth and Quality of Life in Patients With Breast Cancer Under Early Chemotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Posttraumatic growth (PTG) in patients with breast cancer has been reported. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has been found to be effective in improving the psychological well-being during cancer care. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of MBSR on the levels of PTG, perceived social support, and quality of life. A sample of 101 participants who experienced early chemotherapy enrolled in an MBSR group (n = 50) and a routine care group (n = 51) for 8 weeks. Their postintervention data were combined with preintervention data through a bundle of questionnaires reporting levels of PTG, perceived social support, and quality of life. MBSR showed the prominent validity in raising the levels of PTG and increasing in perceived social support and quality of life from pre- to posttreatment. MBSR improved the levels of PTG, perceived social support, and quality of life in patients with breast cancer in early chemotherapy. In conclusion, MBSR may help to optimize the positive psychological processes that will be targeted to maximize the efficacy of treatment for future cancer survivors.

Ecological momentary intervention to enhance emotion regulation in healthcare workers via smartphone: a randomized controlled trial protocol

BACKGROUND

CUIDA-TE is an APP that offers transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral therapy focused on enhancing emotion regulation. As a novelty, it incorporates ecological momentary interventions (EMI), which can provide psychological support in real time, when suffering arises. The main goal of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of CUIDA-TE to improve emotion regulation in healthcare workers, a population that has been particularly emotionally impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

In this three-arm, randomized controlled trial (RCT) the study sample will be composed of a minimum of 174 healthcare workers. They will be randomly assigned to a 2-month EMI group (CUIDA-TE APP, n ≥ 58), a 2-month ecological momentary assessment (EMA) only group (MONITOR EMOCIONAL APP, n ≥ 58), or a wait-list control group (no daily monitoring nor intervention, n ≥ 58). CUIDA-TE will provide EMI if EMA reveals emotional problems, poor sleep quality/quantity, burnout, stress, or low perceived self-efficacy when regulating emotions. Depression will be the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes will include emotion regulation, quality of life, and resilience. Treatment acceptance and usability will also be measured. Primary and secondary outcomes will be obtained at pre- and post-intervention measurements, and at the 3-month follow-up for all groups.

DISCUSSION

To our knowledge, this is the first RCT that evaluates the efficacy of an APP-based EMI to improve emotion regulation skills in healthcare workers. This type of intervention might ultimately help disseminate treatments and reach a larger number of individuals than traditional face-to-face individual therapies.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrial.gov : NCT04958941 Registered 7 Jun 2021.

STUDY STATUS

Participant recruitment has not started.