scholarly journals Using patient feedback to adapt intervention materials based on acceptance and commitment therapy for people receiving renal dialysis

BMC Urology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
James Elander ◽  
Romaana Kapadi ◽  
Emma Coyne ◽  
Maarten W. Taal ◽  
Nicholas M. Selby ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Theory-based intervention materials must be carefully adapted to meet the needs of users with specific physical conditions. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has been adapted successfully for cancer, chronic pain, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, multiple sclerosis, and a range of other conditions, but not so far for people receiving renal haemodialysis. This paper presents findings from a study to adapt ACT-based intervention materials specifically for renal dialysis. Methods Draft written materials consisting of four stories depicting fictitious individuals who used ACT-related techniques to help overcome different challenges and difficulties related to dialysis were adapted using a systematic patient consultation process. The participants were 18 people aged 19–80 years, with chronic kidney disease and receiving renal dialysis. Individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted to elicit participants’ views about how the content of the draft materials should be adapted to make them more realistic and relevant for people receiving renal dialysis and about how the materials should be presented and delivered to people receiving renal dialysis. The interview transcripts were analysed using a qualitative adaptation of the Delphi method in which themes are used as a framework for translating feedback into proposals for modifications. Results The analysis of patient feedback supported the use of patient stories but suggested they should be presented by video and narrated by real dialysis patients. They also indicated specific adaptations to make the stories more credible and realistic. Participant feedback was translated into proposals for change that were considered along with clinical, ethical and theoretical factors. The outcome was a design for a video-based intervention that separated the stories about individuals from the explanations of the specific ACT techniques and provided greater structure, with material organised into smaller chunks. This intervention is adapted specifically for people receiving renal dialysis while retaining the distinctive theoretical principles of ACT. Conclusions The study shows the value of consulting patients in the development of intervention materials and illustrates a process for integrating patient feedback with theoretical, clinical and practical considerations in intervention design.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Elander ◽  
Romaana Kapadi ◽  
Emma Coyne ◽  
Maarten Taal ◽  
Nick Selby ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Theory-based intervention materials must be carefully adapted to meet the needs of users with specific physical conditions. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has been adapted successfully for cancer, chronic pain, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, multiple sclerosis, and a range of other conditions, but not so far for people receiving renal haemodialysis. This paper presents findings from a study to adapt ACT-based intervention materials specifically for renal dialysis. Methods: Draft written materials consisting of four stories depicting fictitious individuals who used ACT-related techniques to help overcome different challenges and difficulties related to dialysis were adapted using a systematic patient consultation process. The participants were 18 people aged 19 to 80 years, with chronic kidney disease and receiving renal dialysis. Individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted to elicit participants’ views about how the content of the draft materials should be adapted to make them more realistic and relevant for people receiving renal dialysis and how the materials should be presented and delivered to people receiving renal dialysis. The interview transcripts were analysed using a qualitative adaptation of the Delphi method in which themes are used as a framework for translating feedback into proposals for modifications.Results: The analysis of patient feedback supported the use of patient stories but suggested they should be presented by video and narrated by real dialysis patients. They also indicated specific adaptations to make the stories more credible and realistic. Participant feedback was translated into proposals for change that were considered along with clinical, ethical and theoretical factors. The outcome was a design for a video-based intervention that separated the stories about individuals from the explanations of the specific ACT techniques and provided greater structure, with material organised into smaller chunks. This intervention is adapted specifically for people receiving renal dialysis while retaining the distinctive theoretical principles of ACT.Conclusions: The study shows the value of consulting patients in the development of intervention materials and illustrates a process for integrating patient feedback with theoretical, clinical and practical considerations in intervention design.


Author(s):  
Beatriz Sebastián Sánchez ◽  
Jesús Gil Roales-Nieto ◽  
Nuno Bravo Ferreira ◽  
Bárbara Gil Luciano ◽  
Juan José Sebastián Domingo

2011 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 28-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nuno Bravo Ferreira ◽  
Maria Eugenicos ◽  
Paul Graham Morris ◽  
David Gillanders

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 421-427 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seyyed Mehdi Mirsharifa ◽  
Bahram Mirzaian ◽  
Yarali Dousti

BACKGROUND: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders, worldwide. Psychological disorders are common among patients with IBS. AIM: This study aims to investigate the efficacy of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) matrix on depression and psychological capital of patients with IBS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a quasi-experimental study, a total number of 30 patients with IBS were selected using convenience sampling. Those patients who meet the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to control and experimental groups (15 patients in each group). Data were collected using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ). The experimental group was subjected to the acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) amtrix, but the control group do not receive this treatment. Questionnaires were completed before (pre-test) and after (post-test) the intervention by patients in two groups. All patients in two groups responded to the questionnaires and returned them to the researcher. Data were analyzed using chi-square test, independent t-test, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). RESULTS: Analyzing the data showed that there were significant differences regarding depression and psychological capital between experimental and control group, before and after the study (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Using ACT matrix is a useful modality to improve the depression and psychological capital among patients with IBS.


2013 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 402-420 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tory Bacon ◽  
John Farhall ◽  
Ellie Fossey

Background: There is limited research on the applicability and effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for people experiencing psychotic disorders. Clinical trials suggest ACT may be efficacious in reducing distress and rehospitalization rates in psychosis. Mindfulness and reduced literal believability of thought content have been associated with reduced distress for this population. Aims: To better understand ACT for psychosis, this study investigated clients’ perspectives of the hypothesized active therapeutic processes of ACT. Method: Semi‑structured interviews, conducted with nine adults diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and persistent positive symptoms, were analysed thematically. Results: Four themes emerged: Usefulness of therapy; Changes attributed to ACT; Understanding of therapy; and Non-specific therapy factors. All participants found therapy useful and recommended ACT. Mindfulness, defusion, acceptance and values work were described as the most useful therapy components and contributing to positive changes. Self-rated frequency of symptoms did not change; however a reduction in the intensity and distress associated with symptoms was reported. Non-specific therapy factors were deemed useful by participants but not directly related to outcome. Conclusions: These findings are consistent with the theoretically defined underlying active processes of ACT and are relevant for this population. The findings also indicate important clinical implications for ACT for this client group: greater attention to the client connecting metaphors and concepts to the intended meaning may be valuable; caution should be used with some mindfulness and defusion techniques for intense experiences; and values work may be particularly useful for this population.


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 205951312096758
Author(s):  
Laura Shepherd ◽  
Anna Turner ◽  
Darren P Reynolds ◽  
Andrew R Thompson

Introduction: Due to scarring, appearance anxiety is a common psychological difficulty in patients accessing burns services. Appearance anxiety can significantly impact upon social functioning and quality of life; thus, the availability of effective psychological therapies is vital. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is considered useful for treating distress associated with other health conditions and may lend itself well to appearance anxiety. However, no published research is currently available. Methods: Three single case studies (two male burns patients; one female necrotising fasciitis patient) are presented where appearance anxiety was treated using ACT. A treatment protocol was followed and evaluated: the Derriford Appearance Scale measured appearance anxiety; the Work and Social Adjustment Scale measured impairment in functioning; the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire measured acceptance (willingness to open up to distressing internal experiences); and the Committed Action Questionnaire measured engagement in meaningful and valued life activities. Measures were given at every treatment session and patient feedback was obtained. One-month follow-up data were available for two cases. Results: After the intervention, all patients had reduced functional impairment and were living more valued and meaningful lives. No negative effects were found. Discussion: These case studies suggest that ACT may be a useful psychological therapy for appearance anxiety. The uncontrolled nature of the intervention limits the conclusions that can be drawn. Conclusion: A pilot feasibility study to evaluate the effectiveness of ACT for appearance anxiety is warranted. Lay Summary Many patients with scars can feel distressed about their appearance. This is known as appearance anxiety and can include patients accessing burns services. Appearance anxiety can stop patients from enjoying a good quality of life and impact upon important areas of daily functioning. It is therefore important that psychological therapies are effective. However, research investigating the effectiveness of psychological therapies is limited. This paper describes the psychological therapy of three patients who were distressed about scarring. A psychological therapy called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) was used as part of standard care and evaluated using questionnaires and patient feedback. After the course of ACT, all patients were less impacted day-to-day by their appearance anxiety and were living more valued and meaningful lives. No negative effects were found. These case studies suggest that ACT may be a useful psychological therapy for appearance anxiety and further research evaluating it should be completed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. e001139
Author(s):  
Philippa Clery ◽  
Jennifer Starbuck ◽  
Amanda Laffan ◽  
Roxanne Morin Parslow ◽  
Catherine Linney ◽  
...  

BackgroundPaediatric chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is disabling and relatively common. Although evidenced-based treatments are available, at least 15% of children remain symptomatic after one year of treatment. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is an alternative therapy option; however, little is known about whether it is an acceptable treatment approach. Our aim was to find out if adolescents who remain symptomatic with CFS/ME after 12 months of treatment would find ACT acceptable, to inform a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of ACT.MethodsWe recruited adolescents (diagnosed with CFS/ME; not recovered after one year of treatment; aged 11–17 years), their parent/carer and healthcare professionals (HCPs) from one specialist UK paediatric CFS/ME service. We conducted semi-structured interviews to explore barriers to recovery; views on current treatments; acceptability of ACT; and feasibility of an effectiveness RCT. Thematic analysis was used to identify patterns in data.ResultsTwelve adolescents, eleven parents and seven HCPs were interviewed. All participants thought ACT was acceptable. Participants identified reasons why ACT might be efficacious: pragmatism, acceptance and compassion are valued in chronic illness; values-focussed treatment provides motivation and direction; psychological and physical needs are addressed; normalising difficulties is a useful life-skill. Some adolescents preferred ACT to cognitive behavioural therapy as it encouraged accepting (rather than challenging) thoughts. Most adolescents would consent to an RCT of ACT but a barrier to recruitment was reluctance to randomisation. All HCPs deemed ACT feasible to deliver. Some were concerned patients might confuse ‘acceptance’ with ‘giving up’ and called for clear explanations. All participants thought the timing of ACT should be individualised.ConclusionsAll adolescents with CFS/ME, parents and HCPs thought ACT was acceptable, and most adolescents were willing to try ACT. An RCT needs to solve issues around randomisation and timing of the intervention.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milena Contreras ◽  
Elien Van Hout ◽  
Morag Farquhar ◽  
Rebecca L. Gould ◽  
Lance M. McCracken ◽  
...  

Abstract This study aimed to explore therapists’ perceptions and acceptability of providing internet-delivered, therapist-guided, self-help acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for family carers of people with dementia (iACT4CARERS). To achieve this, a qualitative approach with semi-structured interviews was employed with eight novice therapists recruited from primary and secondary care services taking part in a feasibility study of iACT4CARERS. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis. Four over-arching themes were identified: (1) positive attitudes towards the intervention, (2) therapists’ workload, (3) therapists’ confidence to perform their role, and (4) connecting with family carers in a virtual context. Theme 1 included seeing their involvement as an opportunity for personal growth and perceiving benefits to the family carers, which contributed to greater acceptability. Theme 2 reflected that while workload and the user-friendliness of the online platform were highly acceptable among the therapists, there were also time-consuming cases that increased therapists’ burden. Theme 3 revealed that practical resources provided during the training, continued supervision, and opportunities to learn from other therapists, increased therapist confidence and facilitated greater acceptability. Finally, Theme 4 highlighted that improving the connection between therapists and carers was critical in a virtual context and strategies to improve the therapist–carer relationship were recommended. The implementation of iACT4CARERS was largely acceptable for the therapists involved in the trial. Ways to strengthen the therapeutic relationship in the virtual context and practical strategies to deal with common problems may enhance therapist experience and delivery in a full-scale effectiveness trial. Key learning aims (1) To understand which factors facilitated therapists’ positive perceptions and acceptability of providing internet-delivered guided self-help ACT (iACT4CARERS). (2) To understand what challenges acted as barriers to therapists’ positive perceptions and acceptability of providing iACT4CARERS. (3) To learn what aspects of the training and the intervention can be refined to improve the acceptability to therapists in trials involving internet-delivered guided self-help interventions for family carers.


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