scholarly journals An Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Program for Adolescents With Anxiety: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen O'Connor ◽  
Alexa Bagnell ◽  
Patrick McGrath ◽  
Lori Wozney ◽  
Ashley Radomski ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) is a treatment approach recently developed and studied to provide frontline treatment to adolescents with anxiety disorders. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to pilot procedures and obtain data on methodological processes and intervention satisfaction to determine the feasibility of a definitive randomized controlled trial (RCT) to test the effectiveness of a self-managed ICBT program, Breathe (Being Real, Easing Anxiety: Tools Helping Electronically), for adolescents with anxiety concerns. METHODS This study employed a two-arm, multisite, pilot RCT. Adolescents aged 13 to 17 years with a self-identified anxiety concern were recruited online from health care settings and school-based mental health care services across Canada between April 2014 and May 2016. We compared 8 weeks of ICBT with ad hoc telephone and email support (Breathe experimental group) to access to a static webpage listing anxiety resources (control group). The primary outcome was the change in self-reported anxiety from baseline to 8 weeks (posttreatment), which was used to determine the sample size for a definitive RCT. Secondary outcomes were recruitment and retention rates, a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for the primary outcome, intervention acceptability and satisfaction, use of cointerventions, and health care resource use, including a cost-consequence analysis. RESULTS Of the 588 adolescents screened, 94 were eligible and enrolled in the study (49 adolescents were allocated to Breathe and 45 were allocated to the control group). Analysis was based on 74% (70/94) of adolescents who completed baseline measures and progressed through the study. Enrolled adolescents were, on average, 15.3 years old (SD 1.2) and female (63/70, 90%). Retention rates at 8 weeks were 28% (13/46; Breathe group) and 58% (24/43; control group). Overall, 39% (14/36) of adolescents provided feedback on completion of the Breathe program. Adolescents’ scores on a satisfaction survey indicated a moderate level of satisfaction. All but one adolescent indicated that Breathe was easy to use and they understood all the material presented. The most frequent barrier identified for program completion was difficulty in completing exposure activities. The power analysis indicated that 177 adolescents per group would be needed to detect a medium effect size (<i>d</i>=0.3) between groups in a definitive trial. Data for calculating an MCID or conducting a cost-consequence analysis were insufficient due to a low response rate at 8 weeks. CONCLUSIONS Adolescents were moderately satisfied with Breathe. However, program adjustments will be needed to address attrition and reduce perceived barriers to completing key aspects of the program. A definitive RCT to evaluate the effectiveness of the program is feasible if protocol adjustments are made to improve recruitment and retention to ensure timely study completion and increase the completeness of the data at each outcome measurement time point. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02059226; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02059226.

10.2196/13356 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (7) ◽  
pp. e13356
Author(s):  
Kathleen O'Connor ◽  
Alexa Bagnell ◽  
Patrick McGrath ◽  
Lori Wozney ◽  
Ashley Radomski ◽  
...  

Background Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) is a treatment approach recently developed and studied to provide frontline treatment to adolescents with anxiety disorders. Objective This study aimed to pilot procedures and obtain data on methodological processes and intervention satisfaction to determine the feasibility of a definitive randomized controlled trial (RCT) to test the effectiveness of a self-managed ICBT program, Breathe (Being Real, Easing Anxiety: Tools Helping Electronically), for adolescents with anxiety concerns. Methods This study employed a two-arm, multisite, pilot RCT. Adolescents aged 13 to 17 years with a self-identified anxiety concern were recruited online from health care settings and school-based mental health care services across Canada between April 2014 and May 2016. We compared 8 weeks of ICBT with ad hoc telephone and email support (Breathe experimental group) to access to a static webpage listing anxiety resources (control group). The primary outcome was the change in self-reported anxiety from baseline to 8 weeks (posttreatment), which was used to determine the sample size for a definitive RCT. Secondary outcomes were recruitment and retention rates, a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for the primary outcome, intervention acceptability and satisfaction, use of cointerventions, and health care resource use, including a cost-consequence analysis. Results Of the 588 adolescents screened, 94 were eligible and enrolled in the study (49 adolescents were allocated to Breathe and 45 were allocated to the control group). Analysis was based on 74% (70/94) of adolescents who completed baseline measures and progressed through the study. Enrolled adolescents were, on average, 15.3 years old (SD 1.2) and female (63/70, 90%). Retention rates at 8 weeks were 28% (13/46; Breathe group) and 58% (24/43; control group). Overall, 39% (14/36) of adolescents provided feedback on completion of the Breathe program. Adolescents’ scores on a satisfaction survey indicated a moderate level of satisfaction. All but one adolescent indicated that Breathe was easy to use and they understood all the material presented. The most frequent barrier identified for program completion was difficulty in completing exposure activities. The power analysis indicated that 177 adolescents per group would be needed to detect a medium effect size (d=0.3) between groups in a definitive trial. Data for calculating an MCID or conducting a cost-consequence analysis were insufficient due to a low response rate at 8 weeks. Conclusions Adolescents were moderately satisfied with Breathe. However, program adjustments will be needed to address attrition and reduce perceived barriers to completing key aspects of the program. A definitive RCT to evaluate the effectiveness of the program is feasible if protocol adjustments are made to improve recruitment and retention to ensure timely study completion and increase the completeness of the data at each outcome measurement time point. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02059226; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02059226.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariko Nishikawa ◽  
Masaaki Yamanaka ◽  
Akira Shibanuma ◽  
Junko Kiriya ◽  
Masamine Jimba

Abstract Background Before the COVID-19 pandemic occurred in January 2020, the number of overseas visitors to Japan had increased threefold over the last decade. To minimize the risk of health problems, visitors should be able to access information on the health care systems of the places they visit. Most short-term overseas visitors are young adults. Although they are not very likely to get sick from noncommunicable diseases, they are at high risk for injury and often experience stomach ailments, fever, or nausea when travelling. The objective of this study is to evaluate culturally and linguistically appropriate health information on preventive health behaviours and the health care system in Japan. We will examine the level of satisfaction of overseas visitors to Japan with health care-related educational materials using a five-minute digital game named Sa-Chan Japan. Methods Our study is a randomized controlled trial (RCT). We will assess both satisfaction and motivation before, during, and after the interventions and examine the changes over time. The intervention group will comprise overseas visitors who will view and answer questions in an animation named Sa-Chan Japan. The control group will comprise overseas visitors who will watch an English digital animation named Mari Info Japan. We will recruit 1002 participants through the Macromill Internet portal. We will contact overseas visitors who have either visited or wish to visit Japan from the United Kingdom, United States, and Australia. The participants will fill out a self-administered questionnaire online in the first quarter of 2021. We will determine the participants’ levels of satisfaction with the CSQ-8 (8-item Client Satisfaction Questionnaire). We will analyse the median score of the overseas visitors with both the Wilcoxon rank-sum and the Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Our protocol of randomized controlled trials follows the SPIRIT guidelines. Discussion Our research will utilize unique digital education strategies in a game that promotes health and safety among overseas visitors to Japan. We believe the results of this study will be useful in overcoming the current challenges regarding pretravel health requirements for overseas visitors worldwide. Trial registration Version 1 of this trial was registered in the UMIN-CTR (University Hospital Medical Information Network Center Clinical Trials Registry), and the trial registration data are available on UMIN000042483, November 17, 2020.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lara Bücker ◽  
Josefine Gehlenborg ◽  
Steffen Moritz ◽  
Stefan Westermann

AbstractThe majority of individuals with problematic and pathological gambling remain untreated, and treatment barriers are high. Internet-based interventions can help to address existing barriers, and first studies suggest their potential for this target group. Within a randomized controlled trial (N = 150) with two assessment times (baseline and post-intervention), we aimed to investigate the feasibility, acceptance, and effectiveness of a self-guided Internet-based intervention targeted at gambling problems. We expected a significant reduction in gambling symptoms (primary outcome) and depressive symptoms as well gambling-specific dysfunctional thoughts (secondary outcomes) in the intervention group (IG) compared to a wait-list control group with access to treatment-as-usual (control group, CG) after the intervention period of 8 weeks. Results of the complete cases, per protocol, intention-to-treat (ITT), and frequent user analyses showed significant improvements in both groups for primary and secondary outcomes but no significant between-group differences (ITT primary outcome, F(1,147) = .11, p = .739, ηp2 < .001). Moderation analyses indicated that individuals in the IG with higher gambling and depressive symptoms, older age, and comorbid anxiety symptoms showed significant improvement relative to the CG. The intervention was positively evaluated (e.g., 96.5% rated the program as useful). Possible reasons for the nonsignificant between-group differences are discussed. Future studies should include follow-up assessments and larger samples to address limitations of the present study. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03372226), http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03372226, date of registration (13/12/2017).


10.2196/14648 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (10) ◽  
pp. e14648 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Johansson ◽  
Mats Westas ◽  
Gerhard Andersson ◽  
Urban Alehagen ◽  
Anders Broström ◽  
...  

Background Depression is a common cause of reduced well-being and prognosis in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, there is a lack of effective intervention strategies targeting depression. Objective The study aimed to evaluate the effects of a nurse-delivered and adapted internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) program aimed at reducing depression in patients with CVD. Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted. A total of 144 patients with CVD with at least mild depression (Patient Health Questionnaire–9 [PHQ-9] score ≥5) were randomized 1:1 to a 9-week program of iCBT (n=72) or an active control participating in a Web-based discussion forum (online discussion forum [ODF], n=72). The iCBT program, which included 7 modules, was adapted to fit patients with CVD. Nurses with an experience of CVD care provided feedback and a short introduction to cognitive behavioral therapy. The primary outcome, depression, was measured using PHQ-9. Secondary outcomes were depression measured using the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale–self-rating version (MADRS-S), health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measured using Short Form 12 (SF-12) survey and EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS), and the level of adherence. An intention-to-treat analysis with multiple imputations was used. Between-group differences in the primary and secondary outcomes were determined by the analysis of covariance, and a sensitivity analysis was performed using mixed models. Results Compared with ODF, iCBT had a significant and moderate treatment effect on the primary outcome depression (ie, PHQ-9; mean group difference=−2.34 [95% CI −3.58 to −1.10], P<.001, Cohen d=0.62). In the secondary outcomes, compared with ODF, iCBT had a significant and large effect on depression (ie, MADRS-S; P<.001, Cohen d=0.86) and a significant and moderate effect on the mental component scale of the SF-12 (P<.001, Cohen d=0.66) and the EQ-VAS (P<.001, Cohen d=0.62). Overall, 60% (n=43) of the iCBT group completed all 7 modules, whereas 82% (n=59) completed at least half of the modules. No patients were discontinued from the study owing to a high risk of suicide or deterioration in depression. Conclusions Nurse-delivered iCBT can reduce depression and improve HRQoL in patients with CVD, enabling treatment for depression in their own homes and at their preferred time. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02778074; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02778074


Trials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rasmus Kramer Mikkelsen ◽  
Lars Blønd ◽  
Lisbeth Rosenkrantz Hölmich ◽  
Cecilie Mølgaard ◽  
Anders Troelsen ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Osteoarthritis is a destructive joint disease that leads to degeneration of cartilage and other morphological changes in the joint. No medical treatment currently exists that can reverse these morphological changes. Intra-articular injection with autologous, micro-fragmented adipose tissue has been suggested to relieve symptoms. Methods/Design The study is a blinded randomized controlled trial with patients allocated in a 1:1 ratio to 2 parallel groups. Patients suffering from pain and functional impairment due to osteoarthritis Kellgren-Lawrence grades 2–3 in the tibiofemoral joint are eligible for inclusion. The intervention group is treated with an intra-articular injection with autologous, micro-fragmented adipose tissue prepared using the Lipogems® system. The control group receives an intra-articular injection with isotonic saline. In total, 120 patients are to be included. The primary outcome is The Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS4) evaluated at 6 months. Secondary outcomes are KOOS at 3, 12 and 24 months; the Tegner activity score; treatment failure; and work status of the patient. The analysis will be conducted both as intention-to-treat and per-protocol analysis. Discussion This trial is the first to investigate the efficacy of autologous, micro-fragmented adipose tissue in a randomized controlled trial. The study uses the patient-reported outcome measure Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS4) after 6 months as the primary outcome, as it is believed to be a valid measure to assess the patient’s opinion about their knee and associated problems when suffering from osteoarthritis.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dee Mangin ◽  
Larkin Lamarche ◽  
Sivan Bomze ◽  
Sayem Borhan ◽  
Tracy Browne ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Health TAPESTRY (Health Teams Advancing Patient Experience: STRengthening qualitY) aims to help people stay healthier for longer where they live by providing person-focused care through the integration of four key program components: 1) trained volunteers who visit clients in their homes, 2) an interprofessional primary health care team, 3) use of technology to collect and share information, and 4) improved connections to community health and social services. The initial randomized controlled trial of Health TAPESTRY found promising results in terms of health care use and patient outcomes, indicating a shift from reactive to preventive care. The trial was based on one clinical academic centre, thus limiting generalizability. The study objectives are: 1) to test reproducibility of the established effectiveness of Health TAPESTRY on physical activity and hospitalizations, 2) to test the feasibility of, and understand the contributing factors to, the implementation of Health TAPESTRY in six diverse communities across Ontario, Canada, and 3) to determine the value for money of implementing Health TAPESTRY. Methods : This planned study is a pragmatic parallel randomized controlled trial with a delayed intervention for control participants at six months. This trial will simultaneously assess effectiveness and implementation in a real world setting (Type II hybrid) in six diverse communities across Ontario. Participants 70 years of age and older will be randomized into the Health TAPESTRY intervention or the control group (usual care). Intervention clients will receive an individualized plan of care from an interprofessional care team. The plan will be based on a client’s goals and current health risks identified through volunteer visits. The study’s outcomes are mapped onto the RE-AIM framework, with levels of physical activity and number of hospitalizations as the co-primary outcomes. The main analysis will be a comparison at six months. Discussion: It is important to evaluate the effectiveness and implementation of Health TAPESTRY in multiple communities prior to scaling or widespread adoption. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03397836 (posted January 12, 2018). Keywords: Primary health care, Randomized controlled trial, Integrated care, Interdisciplinary health care teams, Health care volunteers, Older adults, Implementation


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Steffen Moritz ◽  
Anja S. Göritz ◽  
Stella Schmotz ◽  
Roland Weierstall-Pust ◽  
Josefine Gehlenborg ◽  
...  

AbstractOverweight and obesity are epidemic conditions. Obesity is associated with somatic and psychological sequelae, including serious life-shortening disorders (e.g., diabetes). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a newly developed imaginal variant of approach bias modification (i.e., imaginal retraining) for the reduction of craving for high-calorie food. In a randomized controlled trial, 384 women with a body mass index above 25 were allocated to a wait-list control group or to two variants of imaginal retraining (ratio: 1; 0.5; 0.5). The two intervention groups were sent a manual on imaginal retraining. One group was explicitly encouraged and instructed to use electronic reminders (RER); the standard retraining group (RS) was not encouraged to use electronic reminders. Assessments were 6 weeks apart and were carried out online. Craving for high-calorie food represented the primary outcome (based on the Visual Analog Scale, VAS). Secondary outcomes included the Food Cravings Questionnaire (FCQ-T-R). The study was registered as DRKS00017220. Women in the RER group utilized the retraining technique more often than those in the RS condition, and utilization frequency in turn was associated with improvement on craving and eating behavior scales. Both intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses showed a favorable effect of the RER group, which achieved significance on the primary outcome, as well as on several other outcomes relative to controls at a small to medium effect size. For those participants who measured their weight before and after the assessment using a scale, weight loss in the RER group was significantly greater compared to the control group. Both retraining groups (RER: 39.4%; RS: 31.1%) reduced their subjective amount of eating relative to controls (24.2%). Approximately two-thirds of the sample (68.3%) performed the exercises at least once during the study period. The present results show that, when used regularly, imaginal retraining may reduce craving for high-calorie food in overweight and obese women. Of note, there was also evidence suggestive of weight reduction, although no diet or lifestyle change was recommended in the manual. Because a large subgroup neither read the manual nor performed the exercises, we recommend that future imaginal retraining be conveyed via short video clips.


2014 ◽  
Vol 40 (6) ◽  
pp. 598-606 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Rosén ◽  
P. Vikström ◽  
S. Turner ◽  
D. A. McGrouther ◽  
R. W. Selles ◽  
...  

We assessed the use of guided plasticity training to improve the outcome in the first 6 months after nerve repair. In a multicentre randomized controlled trial, 37 adults with median or ulnar nerve repair at the distal forearm were randomized to intervention, starting the first week after surgery with sensory and motor re-learning using mirror visual feedback and observation of touch, or to a control group with re-learning starting when reinnervation could be detected. The primary outcome at 3 and 6 months post-operatively was discriminative touch (shape texture identification test, part of the Rosen score). At 6 months, discriminative touch was significantly better in the early intervention group. Improvement of discriminative touch between 3 and 6 months was also significantly greater in that group. There were no significant differences in motor function, pain or in the total score. We conclude that early re-learning using guided plasticity may have a potential to improve the outcomes after nerve repair. Level of evidence: II


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naira Topooco ◽  
Sandra Byléhn ◽  
Ellen Dahlström Nysäter ◽  
Jenny Holmlund ◽  
Johanna Lindegaard ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Depression is a common and serious problem among adolescents, but few seek or have access to therapy. Internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapies (ICBTs), developed to increase treatment access, show promise in reducing depression. The inclusion of coach support in treatment is desired and may be needed. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of an ICBT protocol blended with weekly real-time therapist sessions via chat; blended treatment, for adolescent depression, including major depressive episode (MDE). The protocol has previously been evaluated in a controlled study. METHODS In a two-arm randomized controlled trial, adolescents 15 to 19 years of age were recruited through a community setting at the national level in Sweden (n=70) and allocated to either 8 weeks of treatment or to minimal attention control. Depression was assessed at baseline, at posttreatment, and at 12 months following treatment (in the intervention group). The primary outcome was self-reported depression level as measured with the Beck Depression Inventory II at posttreatment. The intervention was offered without the need for parental consent. RESULTS Over two weeks, 162 adolescents registered and completed the baseline screening. Eligible participants (n=70) were on average 17.5 years of age (SD 1.15), female (96%, 67/70), suffered from MDE (76%, 53/70), had no previous treatment experience (64%, 45/70), and reported guardian(s) to be aware about their depression state (71%, 50/70). The average intervention completion was 74% (11.8 of 16 modules and sessions). Following the treatment, ICBT participants demonstrated a significant decrease in depression symptoms compared with controls (<italic>P</italic>&lt;.001), corresponding to a large between-group effect (intention-to-treat analysis: <italic>d</italic>=0.86, 95% CI 0.37-1.35; of completer analysis: <italic>d</italic>=0.99, 95% CI 0.48-1.51). A significant between-group effect was observed in the secondary depression outcome (<italic>P</italic>=.003); clinically significant improvement was found in 46% (16/35) of ICBT participants compared with 11% (4/35) in the control group (<italic>P</italic>=.001). CONCLUSIONS The results are in line with our previous study, further demonstrating that adolescents with depression can successfully be engaged in and experience significant improvement following ICBT blended with therapist chat sessions. Findings on participants’ age and baseline depression severity are of interest in relation to used study methods. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02363205; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02363205


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