Augmenting an online self-directed intervention for gambling disorder with a single motivational interview: Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Abstract Background: Despite the success of gold standard cognitive-behavioural therapy for problem and disordered gambling, the majority of individuals with gambling problems do not seek or receive professional treatment. Thus, the development of less intrusive self-directed interventions has been encouraged. Bibliotherapy for problem gambling has shown promise, both alone and in combination with motivational interviews, but there is still a lack of online self-directed intervention research. The current randomised controlled trial proposes to assess the efficacy of an online self-directed treatment program for problem gambling and gambling disorder, both alone and in combination with a single motivational interview delivered digitally. Methods: A two-arm randomised controlled trial will be conducted, wherein eligible participants (N=270) will be recruited across Canada via internet advertisements posted to several platforms. All participants will receive access to an online self-directed gambling intervention program. Participants will be randomly assigned to either complete the online program alone or receive a digital motivational interview, conducted through an online audioconferencing platform (i.e., Microsoft Teams) to supplement the online program. Gambling severity, frequency, and expenditures will be tracked along with other mental health outcome data over a 24-month period. It is expected that participants in both groups will experience a reduction in symptoms across the board, but more substantial improvements will be observed in the group that receives a supplemental motivational interview.Discussion: The results of this trial will expand upon prior gambling intervention research by informing best practices for the provision of online self-help for problem gambling. Trial registration: ISRCTN, ISRCTN13009468. Registered on 7 July 2020 at https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN13009468.