scholarly journals Experiences of Psychotherapists With Remote Psychotherapy During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-sectional Web-Based Survey Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elke Humer ◽  
Peter Stippl ◽  
Christoph Pieh ◽  
Rüdiger Pryss ◽  
Thomas Probst
Keyword(s):  
Survey Study ◽  
Personal Contact ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Protective Measures ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Frequency Of Use ◽  
Positive Experiences ◽  
Remote Therapy

BACKGROUND The current situation around the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures necessary to fight it are creating challenges for psychotherapists, who usually treat patients face-to-face with personal contact. The pandemic is accelerating the use of remote psychotherapy (ie, psychotherapy provided via telephone or the internet). However, some psychotherapists have expressed reservations regarding remote psychotherapy. As psychotherapists are the individuals who determine the frequency of use of remote psychotherapy, the potential of enabling mental health care during the COVID-19 pandemic in line with the protective measures to fight COVID-19 can be realized only if psychotherapists are willing to use remote psychotherapy. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the experiences of psychotherapists with remote psychotherapy in the first weeks of the COVID-19 lockdown in Austria (between March 24 and April 1, 2020). METHODS Austrian psychotherapists were invited to take part in a web-based survey. The therapeutic orientations of the psychotherapists (behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, or systemic), their rating of the comparability of remote psychotherapy (web- or telephone-based) with face-to-face psychotherapy involving personal contact, and potential discrepancies between their actual experiences and previous expectations with remote psychotherapy were assessed. Data from 1162 psychotherapists practicing before and during the COVID-19 lockdown were analyzed. RESULTS Psychotherapy conducted via telephone or the internet was reported to not be totally comparable to psychotherapy with personal contact (<i>P</i>&lt;.001). Psychodynamic (<i>P</i>=.001) and humanistic (<i>P</i>=.005) therapists reported a higher comparability of telephone-based psychotherapy to in-person psychotherapy than behavioral therapists. Experiences with remote therapy (both web- and telephone-based) were more positive than previously expected (<i>P</i>&lt;.001). Psychodynamic therapists reported more positive experiences with telephone-based psychotherapy than expected compared to behavioral (<i>P</i>=.03) and systemic (<i>P</i>=.002) therapists. In general, web-based psychotherapy was rated more positively (regarding comparability to psychotherapy with personal contact and experiences vs expectations) than telephone-based psychotherapy (<i>P</i>&lt;.001); however, psychodynamic therapists reported their previous expectations to be equal to their actual experiences for both telephone- and web-based psychotherapy. CONCLUSIONS Psychotherapists found their experiences with remote psychotherapy (ie, web- or telephone-based psychotherapy) to be better than expected but found that this mode was not totally comparable to face-to-face psychotherapy with personal contact. Especially, behavioral therapists were found to rate telephone-based psychotherapy less favorably than therapists with other theoretical backgrounds.

scholarly journals Experiences of Psychotherapists With Remote Psychotherapy During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-sectional Web-Based Survey Study

10.2196/20246 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (11) ◽  
pp. e20246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elke Humer ◽  
Peter Stippl ◽  
Christoph Pieh ◽  
Rüdiger Pryss ◽  
Thomas Probst
Keyword(s):  
Survey Study ◽  
Personal Contact ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Protective Measures ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Frequency Of Use ◽  
Positive Experiences ◽  
Remote Therapy

Background The current situation around the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures necessary to fight it are creating challenges for psychotherapists, who usually treat patients face-to-face with personal contact. The pandemic is accelerating the use of remote psychotherapy (ie, psychotherapy provided via telephone or the internet). However, some psychotherapists have expressed reservations regarding remote psychotherapy. As psychotherapists are the individuals who determine the frequency of use of remote psychotherapy, the potential of enabling mental health care during the COVID-19 pandemic in line with the protective measures to fight COVID-19 can be realized only if psychotherapists are willing to use remote psychotherapy. Objective This study aimed to investigate the experiences of psychotherapists with remote psychotherapy in the first weeks of the COVID-19 lockdown in Austria (between March 24 and April 1, 2020). Methods Austrian psychotherapists were invited to take part in a web-based survey. The therapeutic orientations of the psychotherapists (behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, or systemic), their rating of the comparability of remote psychotherapy (web- or telephone-based) with face-to-face psychotherapy involving personal contact, and potential discrepancies between their actual experiences and previous expectations with remote psychotherapy were assessed. Data from 1162 psychotherapists practicing before and during the COVID-19 lockdown were analyzed. Results Psychotherapy conducted via telephone or the internet was reported to not be totally comparable to psychotherapy with personal contact (P<.001). Psychodynamic (P=.001) and humanistic (P=.005) therapists reported a higher comparability of telephone-based psychotherapy to in-person psychotherapy than behavioral therapists. Experiences with remote therapy (both web- and telephone-based) were more positive than previously expected (P<.001). Psychodynamic therapists reported more positive experiences with telephone-based psychotherapy than expected compared to behavioral (P=.03) and systemic (P=.002) therapists. In general, web-based psychotherapy was rated more positively (regarding comparability to psychotherapy with personal contact and experiences vs expectations) than telephone-based psychotherapy (P<.001); however, psychodynamic therapists reported their previous expectations to be equal to their actual experiences for both telephone- and web-based psychotherapy. Conclusions Psychotherapists found their experiences with remote psychotherapy (ie, web- or telephone-based psychotherapy) to be better than expected but found that this mode was not totally comparable to face-to-face psychotherapy with personal contact. Especially, behavioral therapists were found to rate telephone-based psychotherapy less favorably than therapists with other theoretical backgrounds.

scholarly journals Web-Based Health Information Seeking Among Students at Kuwait University: Cross-Sectional Survey Study

10.2196/14327 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. e14327 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hasan Ashkanani ◽  
Rabab Asery ◽  
Fajer Bokubar ◽  
Noor AlAli ◽  
Shahad Mubarak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Information ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Health Information Seeking ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Kuwait University ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
The Web

Background Owing to the revolution in technology, the internet has become an important aspect of people’s lives. Modern technology is enabling people from diverse educational backgrounds to use the internet for several purposes, one of which is health information seeking. Recently, Web-based health information has become more popular among patients all over the world and among the general public. Objective This study aimed to investigate the use of Web-based health resources among undergraduate students from different faculties at Kuwait University. Methods The study employed a cross-sectional design with students selected from 8 faculties of Kuwait University, 4 faculties of Literature and 4 faculties of Science. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, and analysis was done using a chi-square test and binary logistic regression to determine the factors associated with seeking health information on the Web. Results The sample size obtained was 1132 with a response rate of 90.27% (1132/1254). Overall, the prevalence of students seeking Web-based health information was 92.66%. (1049/1132) The most significant factors associated with seeking health information on the Web were age, gender, faculty, year of study, primary source of internet, and level of experience with internet use. In total, 90.0% (325/361) of students who were aged older than 21 years used Web-based health information compared with 82.8% (275/332) of those who were aged 18 years. In addition, female students showed a higher prevalence (829/934, 88.8%) of Web-based health information seeking than males (210/270, 77.8%). Students who majored in faculties of Science were more likely to seek health information than those who majored in faculties of Literature. All the differences found in the study were statistically significant (P<.05). Conclusions The study concluded that many people use the internet for seeking health information. Sociodemographic factors have a significant association with Web-based health information seeking. Therefore, doctors must educate the public about the health information websites that can be trusted.

scholarly journals Web-Based Health Information Seeking Among Students at Kuwait University: Cross-Sectional Survey Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hasan Ashkanani ◽  
Rabab Asery ◽  
Fajer Bokubar ◽  
Noor AlAli ◽  
Shahad Mubarak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Information ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Health Information Seeking ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Kuwait University ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
The Web

BACKGROUND Owing to the revolution in technology, the internet has become an important aspect of people’s lives. Modern technology is enabling people from diverse educational backgrounds to use the internet for several purposes, one of which is health information seeking. Recently, Web-based health information has become more popular among patients all over the world and among the general public. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the use of Web-based health resources among undergraduate students from different faculties at Kuwait University. METHODS The study employed a cross-sectional design with students selected from 8 faculties of Kuwait University, 4 faculties of Literature and 4 faculties of Science. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, and analysis was done using a chi-square test and binary logistic regression to determine the factors associated with seeking health information on the Web. RESULTS The sample size obtained was 1132 with a response rate of 90.27% (1132/1254). Overall, the prevalence of students seeking Web-based health information was 92.66%. (1049/1132) The most significant factors associated with seeking health information on the Web were age, gender, faculty, year of study, primary source of internet, and level of experience with internet use. In total, 90.0% (325/361) of students who were aged older than 21 years used Web-based health information compared with 82.8% (275/332) of those who were aged 18 years. In addition, female students showed a higher prevalence (829/934, 88.8%) of Web-based health information seeking than males (210/270, 77.8%). Students who majored in faculties of Science were more likely to seek health information than those who majored in faculties of Literature. All the differences found in the study were statistically significant (<italic>P</italic>&lt;.05). CONCLUSIONS The study concluded that many people use the internet for seeking health information. Sociodemographic factors have a significant association with Web-based health information seeking. Therefore, doctors must educate the public about the health information websites that can be trusted.

scholarly journals Participation in Virtual Urology Conferences During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-sectional Survey Study

10.2196/24369 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. e24369
Author(s):  
Menghua Wang ◽  
Banghua Liao ◽  
Zhongyu Jian ◽  
Xi Jin ◽  
Liyuan Xiang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Response Rate ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Item Questionnaire ◽  
Video And Audio ◽  
Academic Conferences ◽  
At Home

Background Due to the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic, conventional face-to-face academic conferences have been restricted, and many of these conferences have moved onto the internet. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the virtual conferences in the field of urology during the COVID-19 pandemic and provide suggestions for better organization of such conferences. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted from May 30 to June 15, 2020, in China. Our team designed a 23-item questionnaire to investigate the conferences attended by urologists during the COVID-19 pandemic. SPSS 22.0 (IBM Corporation) was applied to analyze the data collected. Results A total of 330 Chinese urologists participated in our survey, and the response rate was 89.7% (330/368). Among the participants, 40.9% (135/330) were associate chief physicians. The proportion of participants who took part in conventional face-to-face academic conferences decreased from 92.7% (306/330) before the COVID-19 pandemic to 22.1% (73/330) during the pandemic (P<.001). In contrast, the proportion of urologists who took part in virtual conferences increased from 69.4% (229/330) to 90% (297/330) (P<.001). Most urologists (70.7%, 210/297) chose to participate in the virtual conferences at home and thought that a meeting length of 1-2 hours was most appropriate. Among the urologists, 73.7% (219/297) reported that their participation in the virtual conferences went smoothly, while the remaining respondents reported that they had experienced lags in video and audio streaming during the virtual conferences. When comparing conventional face-to-face conferences with virtual conferences, 70.7% (210/297) of the respondents thought that both conference formats were acceptable, while 17.9% (53/297) preferred virtual conferences and 11.5% (34/297) preferred conventional face-to-face meetings. Conclusions Virtual conferences are increasing in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, many aspects of these conferences could be improved for better organization.

scholarly journals Remote W.A.R.A. Compared With Face-to-Face W.A.R.A.: A Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula Weerkamp-Bartholomeus ◽  
Donatella Marazziti ◽  
Therese van Amelsvoort
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Negative Affect ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Acute Stress ◽  
Psychological Intervention ◽  
Personal Contact ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Remote Therapy ◽  
The Impact

BackgroundSince the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and its social restriction measures, online therapy is a life-saving possibility for patients with acute stress. Wiring Affect with ReAttach (W.A.R.A.) is a brief psychological intervention aiming to decrease negative affect, that can be offered online.MethodsWe assessed the effect of remote W.A.R.A. on negative affect in 37 patients. Consequently, we compared the effect of remote W.A.R.A. versus face-to-face W.A.R.A on negative affect in a cross-sectional design.ResultsW.A.R.A. remote therapy provoked a significant reduction of negative affect with a large effect size (d = 3.08, p &lt; 0.001). However, the reduction on negative affect was smaller than with W.A.R.A. face-to-face. We found a substantial difference between W.A.R.A. remote therapy and W.A.R.A. face-to-face in decrease of negative affect (d = 1.36, p &lt; 0.001).LimitationsThe major limitation of the pilot-study is the sample size of 37 patients. Besides, we designed a numeric rating scale for evaluating negative affect. We investigated the impact on negative affect by assessing “unpleasant feelings.” This conceptualization of negative affect might still be a point of discussion.ConclusionThe study’s findings indicated that W.A.R.A. remote therapy significantly reduced negative affect, but to a lesser extent than W.A.R.A. face-to-face. Nevertheless, W.A.R.A. remote therapy might offer a fast relief, especially when personal contact is difficult.

scholarly journals Participation in Virtual Urology Conferences During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-sectional Survey Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Menghua Wang ◽  
Banghua Liao ◽  
Zhongyu Jian ◽  
Xi Jin ◽  
Liyuan Xiang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Response Rate ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Item Questionnaire ◽  
Video And Audio ◽  
Academic Conferences ◽  
At Home

BACKGROUND Due to the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic, conventional face-to-face academic conferences have been restricted, and many of these conferences have moved onto the internet. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the virtual conferences in the field of urology during the COVID-19 pandemic and provide suggestions for better organization of such conferences. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted from May 30 to June 15, 2020, in China. Our team designed a 23-item questionnaire to investigate the conferences attended by urologists during the COVID-19 pandemic. SPSS 22.0 (IBM Corporation) was applied to analyze the data collected. RESULTS A total of 330 Chinese urologists participated in our survey, and the response rate was 89.7% (330/368). Among the participants, 40.9% (135/330) were associate chief physicians. The proportion of participants who took part in conventional face-to-face academic conferences decreased from 92.7% (306/330) before the COVID-19 pandemic to 22.1% (73/330) during the pandemic (<i>P</i>&lt;.001). In contrast, the proportion of urologists who took part in virtual conferences increased from 69.4% (229/330) to 90% (297/330) (<i>P</i>&lt;.001). Most urologists (70.7%, 210/297) chose to participate in the virtual conferences at home and thought that a meeting length of 1-2 hours was most appropriate. Among the urologists, 73.7% (219/297) reported that their participation in the virtual conferences went smoothly, while the remaining respondents reported that they had experienced lags in video and audio streaming during the virtual conferences. When comparing conventional face-to-face conferences with virtual conferences, 70.7% (210/297) of the respondents thought that both conference formats were acceptable, while 17.9% (53/297) preferred virtual conferences and 11.5% (34/297) preferred conventional face-to-face meetings. CONCLUSIONS Virtual conferences are increasing in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, many aspects of these conferences could be improved for better organization.

‘Ice’ flavoured e-cigarette use among young adults

2021 ◽  
pp. tobaccocontrol-2020-056416
Author(s):  
Adam Leventhal ◽  
Hongying Dai ◽  
Jessica Barrington-Trimis ◽  
Steve Sussman
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Los Angeles ◽  
Tobacco Use ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cigarette Use ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
The Past ◽  
Frequency Of Use ◽  
Exposure Variable

Background‘Ice’ e-cigarette flavours—marketed as a combination of fruity/sweet and cooling flavours (eg, ‘blueberry ice’ or ‘melon ice’)—recently entered the US market. The prevalence and correlates of ice flavoured e-cigarette use in young adults are unknown.MethodsThis cross-sectional study of a Los Angeles, California, USA, cohort analysed data from the past 30-day e-cigarette (current) users (n=344; M (SD)=21.2 (0.4) years old) who completed web-based surveys from May–August 2020. The exposure variable was self-reported e-cigarette flavour used most often in the past month (menthol/mint, fruit/sweet or ice). Outcomes included self-reported combustible tobacco use, vaping dependence symptoms, frequency of use and device type used.ResultsAmong current e-cigarette users, 48.8% reported using ice flavours most often, 33.7% predominately used fruit/sweet and 17.4% used menthol/mint. Using primarily ice-flavour was associated with reporting more past-30-day vaping days (vs menthol/mint: b=4.4, 95% CI (1 to 7.7); vs fruit/sweet: b=3.6, 95% CI (0.8 to 6.4)) and more episodes per vaping day versus fruit/sweet users (b=2.4, 95% CI (0.5 to 4.3)). Ice-flavour users were less likely than menthol/mint users to use JUUL/cartridge-based rechargeable (OR=0.1, 95% CI (0.03 to 0.45)) and more likely than sweet/fruit users to use disposable non-cartridge (OR=3.9, 95% CI (2.1 to 7.4)) devices than refillable/rechargeable tank/pen or other devices. Ice users had greater odds of past 30-day combustible tobacco use versus menthol/mint users (OR=2.7, 95% CI (1.3 to 5.7)) and vaping dependence symptoms than versus sweet/fruit users (OR=2.6, 95% CI (1.5 to 4.4)).ConclusionYoung adult use of ice flavoured e-cigarettes may be common and positively associated with combustible tobacco use, nicotine vaping frequency and dependence and use of disposable e-cigarette devices. Further study of the prevalence, determinants and health effects of ice flavoured e-cigarette use is warranted.

scholarly journals Awareness and Opinions of Research Professionals on India's New Drug and Clinical Trials Regulations: Protocol for a Cross-Sectional Web-Based Survey Study

10.2196/14744 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. e14744
Author(s):  
Vishal Vennu ◽  
Saurabh Dahiya
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Google Docs ◽  
New Drug ◽  
Research Professionals

Background Although several studies have been conducted and several articles have been published on India's new clinical trial regulations, very few have examined the views of investigators and ethics board members regarding modifications to the previous regulations. Overall, they have neglected to find out the opinions of other relevant professionals, such as research assistants, coordinators, associates, and managers. To our knowledge, no study has yet investigated the awareness and opinions of Indian research professionals on the new 2019 regulations. Objective This study aims to describe the awareness and opinions of Indian research professionals on the new drug and clinical trial regulations. Methods In this cross-sectional, Web-based study, we will conduct an open survey for various Indian research professionals. These professionals will be selected randomly using multiple sources. The survey questionnaires, which have already been validated, were developed using the form function in Google docs. A Web link was generated for participants to take the survey. Descriptive statistics will be shown as means and standard deviations for constant variables, whereas certain variables will instead be shown as numbers and percentages. Results The survey was opened in July 2019. Enrollment has already started and will be completed in three months. The results calculations are expected to begin in October 2019. Conclusions The results of the survey are expected to represent the views of research professionals on the new regulations that will support the development of clinical research and the pharmaceutical industry in India. These regulations are expected to help advance clinical trials, help with the approval of new drugs, and enhance ethical norms in the country. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/14744

scholarly journals General practice trainee strategies for seeking in-consultation assistance from supervisors, and their perceptions of patient-related barriers to help-seeking: a survey study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy Sturman ◽  
Amanda Tapley ◽  
Mieke van Driel ◽  
Elizabeth Holliday ◽  
Jean Ball ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Practice ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Just In Time ◽  
Workplace Interventions ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Frequency Of Use ◽  
Educational Implications ◽  
Perceived Change ◽  
Electronic Messaging

Abstract Background General practice (GP) trainees may seek supervisor assistance when hesitant to complete patient consultations independently. Trainees describe patient-related barriers to this in-consultation help-seeking, despite its key role in supervisory oversight. Little is known, however, about trainee strategies for seeking assistance, or the frequency and associations of trainee concerns about these barriers. Methods Australian GP trainees rated their frequency of use of five specific strategies for obtaining in-consultation assistance, perceived change in patient impressions of their competence after this assistance, and relative trainee comfort presenting patients outside, compared to within, patients’ hearing. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression. Results Responses were received from 778 Australian GP trainees (response rate 89%). Help-seeking strategies did not differ between trainees at different training stages, except for greater use of electronic messaging in later stages. In-consultation assistance was most commonly provided by phone between trainee and supervisor consulting rooms, or outside the trainee’s patient’s hearing. Supervisor assistance in the trainee’s room face-to-face with the patient was reported as either never or rarely obtained by 12% of respondents. More trainees (25%) perceived that patient impressions of their competence increased after help-seeking than perceived that these impressions decreased (19%). Most trainees (55%) preferred to present patients outside their hearing. Trainee age was the only variable associated with both patient-related barriers. Conclusion Supervisors appear to have considerable influence over trainee help-seeking barriers and strategies, including whether or not face-to-face in-consultation supervision is sought. In-consultation supervision may actually increase trainee perceptions of patient impressions of their competence. Many supervisors and trainees may benefit from additional educational and workplace interventions to facilitate comfortable and effective trainee help-seeking in front of patients. More work is required to understand the clinical and educational implications of different help-seeking strategies when trainees require ‘just in time’ supervisor assistance.

scholarly journals Initial Training for Mental Health Peer Support Workers: Systematized Review and International Delphi Consultation (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashleigh Charles ◽  
Rebecca Nixdorf ◽  
Nashwa Ibrahim ◽  
Lion Gai Meir ◽  
Richard S Mpango ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Initial Training ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Systematized Review ◽  
Strong Consensus ◽  
Support Work ◽  
Peer Support Work

BACKGROUND Initial training is essential for the mental health peer support worker (PSW) role. Training needs to incorporate recent advances in digital peer support and the increase of peer support work roles internationally. There is a lack of evidence on training topics that are important for initial peer support work training and on which training topics can be provided on the internet. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to establish consensus levels about the content of initial training for mental health PSWs and the extent to which each identified topic can be delivered over the internet. METHODS A systematized review was conducted to identify a preliminary list of training topics from existing training manuals. Three rounds of Delphi consultation were then conducted to establish the importance and web-based deliverability of each topic. In round 1, participants were asked to rate the training topics for importance, and the topic list was refined. In rounds 2 and 3, participants were asked to rate each topic for importance and the extent to which they could be delivered over the internet. RESULTS The systematized review identified 32 training manuals from 14 countries: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Scotland, Sweden, Uganda, the United Kingdom, and the United States. These were synthesized to develop a preliminary list of 18 topics. The Delphi consultation involved 110 participants (49 PSWs, 36 managers, and 25 researchers) from 21 countries (14 high-income, 5 middle-income, and 2 low-income countries). After the Delphi consultation (round 1: n=110; round 2: n=89; and round 3: n=82), 20 training topics (18 universal and 2 context-specific) were identified. There was a strong consensus about the importance of five topics: <i>lived experience as an asset</i>, <i>ethics</i>, <i>PSW well-being</i>, and <i>PSW role focus on recovery</i> and <i>communication</i>, with a moderate consensus for all other topics apart from the <i>knowledge of mental health</i>. There was no clear pattern of differences among PSW, manager, and researcher ratings of importance or between responses from participants in countries with different resource levels. All training topics were identified with a strong consensus as being deliverable through blended web-based and face-to-face training (rating 1) or fully deliverable on the internet with moderation (rating 2), with none identified as only deliverable through face-to-face teaching (rating 0) or deliverable fully on the web as a stand-alone course without moderation (rating 3). CONCLUSIONS The 20 training topics identified can be recommended for inclusion in the curriculum of initial training programs for PSWs. Further research on web-based delivery of initial training is needed to understand the role of web-based moderation and whether web-based training better prepares recipients to deliver web-based peer support. CLINICALTRIAL

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