Skills-based online self-help program for carers of people with an eating disorder (SupportED): A case series evaluation

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary effectiveness of "SupportED," a novel, online, self-paced skills-based program for carers/support people of those with lived and/or living experience of an eating disorder (ED).

METHOD

Carers of a loved one with an ED were invited to undertake a five-module skills-based (one core module, four optional modules) online program at their own pace. Modules cover general information about EDs, communication, practical skills, treatment engagement, and recovery. Participants completed demographics and were assessed using EDSIS, CASK, and DASS-21 for caregiver burden, skills, and distress, respectively, at program completion and 3-month follow-up. Feedback on the program and modules was also collected.

RESULTS

Most carers (65%; 82/126) completed the core module of the program, which is on par with other online learning programs. Nearly half of program completers responded to the 3-month follow-up (n = 39). On average, carers rated the program as relevant and useful and found the information validating and easy to understand, albeit a few carers found the program time-consuming and technically challenging. Intent-to-treat (ITT) linear mixed models demonstrated the preliminary effectiveness of the program for improving carer burden and skills, although the change in carer distress was non-significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Results of this case series evaluation suggest SupportED is an acceptable and feasible program for carers and may improve burden and support skill development. Although the online, self-paced format was highly rated, small improvements to improve acceptability were suggested. Reasons for a lack of impact on carer distress are discussed.

PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE

This article describes a case series evaluation of "SupportED," an online skills-based support program for families, carers, and supporters of people with lived experience of an eating disorder. This is the first online carer support program that is designed to be inclusive of all carer types (e.g., partners, siblings) for all eating disorder presentations. Findings suggest the program's suitability and helpfulness for reducing carers' load and bolstering skills and knowledge.

Online programs to strengthen the mental health of medical students: A systematic review of the literature

Medical students have been shown to be vulnerable to mental stress. Strengthening individual protective characteristics can be one cornerstone for promoting medical students' mental health and thereby preventing mental disorders. Online programs are an opportunity to provide appropriate options that have the advantage of being accessible from anywhere, at any time, and with a low entry threshold. This review provides a literature overview of current online programs for medical students. The findings can serve as a point of reference for designing effective online programs for mental health-promotion and mental disorder-prevention in medical curricula. We applied a systematic literature search in PubMed, ERIC, Cochrane, and Web of Science. Programs offered had to be web-based, and the addressed group had to be medical students. Protective individual characteristics for mental health and information on the programs' effectiveness were included in the search. As outcomes, we included mental health, burnout, symptoms of depression, anxiety, and well-being. The search yielded 723 articles; of them, 11 met the inclusion criteria. Programs found were grouped according to their focus: mental health literacy, mindfulness, based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or peer support. Two studies showed significant reductions in perceived stress; one study indicated reduced burnout levels. One program had significant immediate effects on mindfulness, empathy, and resilience; two studies indicated strengthening coping strategies. Two programs were qualitatively assessed as helpful; two studies are ongoing. Nine studies lacked control groups; two randomized controlled trials were ongoing. Only a few online programs with limited evidence of effectiveness were found. They addressed protective individual characteristics, highlighting their importance for mental health. Thus, more health-promoting and mental disorder-preventing programs with high-quality effectiveness studies are necessary. An integration of such programs into curricula would allow for greater utilization and could give greater emphasis to and prioritize mental health in medical education.

Continued Participation of Israeli Adolescents in Online Sports Programs during the COVID-19 Pandemic Is Associated with Higher Resilience

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has forced adolescents to adapt rapidly to a new reality of physical and social distancing, while introducing a range of new sources of stress and adversity. Our primary aim was to study the relationship between adolescents' resilience and their participation in online sports programs during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown period. Our secondary aims were to assess the associations between the organized sports programs' determinants and resilience. Methods: Online surveys designed to examine resilience, lifestyle, psychosocial health and characteristics of the organized sports programs were administered to 473 adolescents who were enrolled in organized sports programs before the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Adolescents who continued to participate in online structured programs during the lockdown period were significantly more resilient and physically active, had higher self-related health, satisfaction with life, and ability to cope during the pandemic, compared to those who did not participate. Relationships with the adult instructor and levels of physical activity were the most important factors of the programs that were associated with resilience. Conclusions: Participation of adolescents in sports programs is an important resource associated with higher levels of resilience. Youth programs should continue their activities during globally challenging times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Mood Assessment Program is now on the Australian map

OBJECTIVE

To report on the wide uptake and utility of the freely available Mood Assessment Program (MAP) since its introduction as a tool to assist diagnosis and management of mood disorders.

METHOD

By mid-2012, some 16,000 patients had completed the MAP. We analyse data derived from such a sample.

RESULTS

The majority of patients utilizing this service were referred by general practitioners, psychologists and psychiatrists from within New South Wales (NSW). The great majority across age bands found the MAP easy to complete and judged that it covers issues relating to their mood disorder very well or completely.

CONCLUSION

The MAP is available for use Australia-wide with ready referral access for patients of mental health practitioners in general practice, psychiatry, psychology and social work. The online availability of the service makes it ideal for use in areas where access to health services is limited.