A Service-Based Evaluation of a Therapist-Supported Online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Programme for Depression
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Abstract
Background
While evidence suggests that internet-delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) may be as effective as face-to-face delivery for depression, attrition and engagement rates remain a challenge.
Objectives
This service-based study aimed to evaluate an online, therapist-supported, CBT-based programme for depression. The programme was specifically designed to address engagement issues, most notably by integrating online therapist support and communication within the platform.
Methods
Participants were 80 adults who were registered university students. Participants used the modular online programme over eight weeks, supported by a therapist. Engagement information was gathered automatically by the online system, and analysed for all participants. Severity of participants’ self-reported symptoms of depression were assessed pre- and post-intervention using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II). Post-intervention measures were completed by 53 participants.
Results
A high level of engagement was observed compared to a previous study within the same service, along with extensive use of a range of programme features. A statistically significant (P<.001) decrease in self-reported depressive symptomatology from pre- to post-intervention with a large pre-post effect size (d=1.17) was also observed.
Conclusions
The results indicate the potential of unintrusive and easily provided online support to improve engagement with computerised treatment programmes while maintaining efficacy comparable to more resource-intensive treatment approaches.
While evidence suggests that internet-delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) may be as effective as face-to-face delivery for depression, attrition and engagement rates remain a challenge.
Objectives
This service-based study aimed to evaluate an online, therapist-supported, CBT-based programme for depression. The programme was specifically designed to address engagement issues, most notably by integrating online therapist support and communication within the platform.
Methods
Participants were 80 adults who were registered university students. Participants used the modular online programme over eight weeks, supported by a therapist. Engagement information was gathered automatically by the online system, and analysed for all participants. Severity of participants’ self-reported symptoms of depression were assessed pre- and post-intervention using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II). Post-intervention measures were completed by 53 participants.
Results
A high level of engagement was observed compared to a previous study within the same service, along with extensive use of a range of programme features. A statistically significant (P<.001) decrease in self-reported depressive symptomatology from pre- to post-intervention with a large pre-post effect size (d=1.17) was also observed.
Conclusions
The results indicate the potential of unintrusive and easily provided online support to improve engagement with computerised treatment programmes while maintaining efficacy comparable to more resource-intensive treatment approaches.
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