scholarly journals Online and Recovery-Oriented Support Groups Facilitated by Peer Support Workers in Times of COVID-19: Protocol for a Feasibility Pre-Post Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-Francois Pelletier ◽  
Janie Houle ◽  
Marie-Hélène Goulet ◽  
Robert-Paul Juster ◽  
Charles-Édouard Giguère ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Clinical Recovery ◽  
Study Results ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND In times of pandemics, social distancing, isolation, and quarantine have precipitated depression, anxiety, and substance misuse. Scientific literature suggests that patients living with mental health problems or illnesses (MHPIs) who interact with peer support workers (PSWs) experience not only the empathy and connectedness that comes from similar life experiences but also feel hope in the possibility of recovery. So far, it is the effect of mental health teams or programs with PSWs that has been evaluated. OBJECTIVE This paper presents the protocol for a web-based intervention facilitated by PSWs. The five principal research questions are whether this intervention will have an impact in terms of (Q1) personal-civic recovery and (Q2) clinical recovery, (Q3) how these recovery potentials can be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, (Q4) how the lived experience of persons in recovery can be mobilized to cope with such a situation, and (Q5) how sex and gender considerations can be taken into account for the pairing of PSWs with service users beyond considerations based solely on psychiatric diagnoses or specific MHPIs. This will help us assess the impact of PSWs in this setting. METHODS PSWs will lead a typical informal peer support group within the larger context of online peer support groups, focusing on personal-civic recovery. They will be scripted with a fixed, predetermined duration (a series of 10 weekly 90-minute online workshops). There will be 2 experimental subgroups—patients diagnosed with (1) psychotic disorders (n=10) and (2) anxiety or mood disorders (n=10)—compared to a control group (n=10). Random assignment to the intervention and control arms will be conducted using a 2:1 ratio. Several instruments will be used to assess clinical recovery (eg, the Recovery Assessment Scale, the Citizenship Measure questionnaire). The COVID-19 Stress Scales will be used to assess effects in terms of clinical recovery and stress- or anxiety-related responses to COVID-19. Changes will be compared between groups from baseline to endpoint in the intervention and control groups using the Student paired sample t test. RESULTS This pilot study was funded in March 2020. The protocol was approved on June 16, 2020, by the Research Ethics Committees of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute. Recruitment took place during the months of July and August, and results are expected in December 2020. CONCLUSIONS Study results will provide reliable evidence on the effectiveness of a web-based intervention provided by PSWs. The investigators, alongside key decision makers and patient partners, will ensure knowledge translation throughout, and our massive open online course (MOOC), <i>The Fundamentals of Recovery</i>, will be updated with the evidence and new knowledge generated by this feasibility study. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04445324; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04445324 INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT PRR1-10.2196/22500

scholarly journals Online and Recovery-Oriented Support Groups Facilitated by Peer Support Workers in Times of COVID-19: Protocol for a Feasibility Pre-Post Study

10.2196/22500 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. e22500
Author(s):  
Jean-Francois Pelletier ◽  
Janie Houle ◽  
Marie-Hélène Goulet ◽  
Robert-Paul Juster ◽  
Charles-Édouard Giguère ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Clinical Recovery ◽  
Study Results ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

Background In times of pandemics, social distancing, isolation, and quarantine have precipitated depression, anxiety, and substance misuse. Scientific literature suggests that patients living with mental health problems or illnesses (MHPIs) who interact with peer support workers (PSWs) experience not only the empathy and connectedness that comes from similar life experiences but also feel hope in the possibility of recovery. So far, it is the effect of mental health teams or programs with PSWs that has been evaluated. Objective This paper presents the protocol for a web-based intervention facilitated by PSWs. The five principal research questions are whether this intervention will have an impact in terms of (Q1) personal-civic recovery and (Q2) clinical recovery, (Q3) how these recovery potentials can be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, (Q4) how the lived experience of persons in recovery can be mobilized to cope with such a situation, and (Q5) how sex and gender considerations can be taken into account for the pairing of PSWs with service users beyond considerations based solely on psychiatric diagnoses or specific MHPIs. This will help us assess the impact of PSWs in this setting. Methods PSWs will lead a typical informal peer support group within the larger context of online peer support groups, focusing on personal-civic recovery. They will be scripted with a fixed, predetermined duration (a series of 10 weekly 90-minute online workshops). There will be 2 experimental subgroups—patients diagnosed with (1) psychotic disorders (n=10) and (2) anxiety or mood disorders (n=10)—compared to a control group (n=10). Random assignment to the intervention and control arms will be conducted using a 2:1 ratio. Several instruments will be used to assess clinical recovery (eg, the Recovery Assessment Scale, the Citizenship Measure questionnaire). The COVID-19 Stress Scales will be used to assess effects in terms of clinical recovery and stress- or anxiety-related responses to COVID-19. Changes will be compared between groups from baseline to endpoint in the intervention and control groups using the Student paired sample t test. Results This pilot study was funded in March 2020. The protocol was approved on June 16, 2020, by the Research Ethics Committees of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute. Recruitment took place during the months of July and August, and results are expected in December 2020. Conclusions Study results will provide reliable evidence on the effectiveness of a web-based intervention provided by PSWs. The investigators, alongside key decision makers and patient partners, will ensure knowledge translation throughout, and our massive open online course (MOOC), The Fundamentals of Recovery, will be updated with the evidence and new knowledge generated by this feasibility study. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04445324; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04445324 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/22500

scholarly journals Combining online and offline peer support groups in mental health care: A qualitative study of service users� experiences (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica Strand ◽  
Deede Gammon ◽  
Lillian Sofie Eng ◽  
Cornelia Ruland
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Individual Interviews

BACKGROUND Peer support groups for people with long-term mental health problems are at the heart of recovery-oriented approaches in mental health care. When conducted face-to-face (offline) or on the Internet (online), peer support groups have proven to have differing strengths and weaknesses. Little is known about the benefits and challenges of combining the two formats. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to gain insights into the benefits and challenges of combining online and offline peer support groups facilitated through an Internet intervention designed to support recovery processes. METHODS In this exploratory and descriptive study, an e-recovery portal called ReConnect was used by service users in two mental health communities in Norway for 6-12 months. The portal included an online peer support forum which also facilitated participation in local in-person ReConnect-cafés. Both formats of peer support were facilitated by an employed service user consultant with lived experience of mental health problems and with training in peer support. Qualitative data about service users’ experiences of using the portal were collected through focus groups and individual interviews and inductively analyzed thematically with focus on benefits and challenges of peer support online and offline. RESULTS A total of 14 service users 22-63 years of age with various diagnoses, receiving services at both primary and specialist levels of mental health care participated in three focus groups and 10 individual interviews. Two main themes were identified in the analysis: 1) balancing anonymity and openness, and 2) enabling connectedness. These themes are further illustrated with the subthemes: i) dilemmas of anonymity and confidentiality, ii) towards self-disclosure and openness, iii) new friendships, and iv) networks in the local community. Three of the subthemes mainly describe benefits. Challenges were more implicit and cut across the subthemes. Identified challenges were linked to transitions from anonymity to revealing one’s identity, how to protect confidentiality, or to participation at face-to-face meetings in the local community. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that online peer support groups and offline meetings complement each other, and the combination is mainly beneficial to users. The identified benefits appeared to arise from participants’ options of one format or the other, or that they could combine formats in ways that suited their individual values and comfort zones. We also identified challenges related to combination of formats, and both formats require appropriate facilitation of peer support. Combining online formats that enable anonymity, a non-judgmental atmosphere, and 24/7 accessibility regardless of location, with offline formats that foster local, in-person community ties, is a promising concept for facilitating recovery-oriented care, and warrants continued research.

scholarly journals The Effect of Physiotherapy Group Intervention in Reducing Pain Disorders and Mental Health Symptoms among Syrian Refugees: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (24) ◽  
pp. 9468
Author(s):  
Wegdan Hasha ◽  
Jannicke Igland ◽  
Lars T. Fadnes ◽  
Bernadette Kumar ◽  
Jasmin Haj-Younes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
General Health Questionnaire ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Complex Interventions ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Syrian Refugees ◽  
The Impact

Chronic pain is common among refugees, and often related to mental health problems. Its management, however, is often challenging. A randomized waitlist-controlled trial was designed to study the effect of group physiotherapy activity and awareness intervention (PAAI) on reducing pain disorders, and secondarily improving mental health, among Syrian refugees. A total of 101 adult Syrian refugees suffering from chronic pain were randomized to either the intervention group or the control group, which thereafter also received PAAI after a waiting period. Pain intensity measured by the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) was the primary outcome. Scores from the Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R 22) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) were secondary outcomes. Intention-to-treat analyses (ITT) showed no effect of the intervention on either pain levels (regression coefficient [B {95% CI} of 0.03 {−0.91, 0.96}], IESR scores [4.8 {−3.7, 13.4}] or GHQ-12 scores [−0.4 {−3.1, 2.3}]). Yet, participants highly appreciated the intervention. Despite the negative findings, our study contributes to the evidence base necessary to plan targeted and effective health care services for refugees suffering from chronic pain and highlights the challenge of evaluating complex interventions adapted to a specific group.

scholarly journals Impact of Diary Writing Practice on Mental Health of Adolescent Girls

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 56-62
Author(s):  
PRAGYA SINGH LODHI ◽  
DEEPAK SINGH ◽  
GUNJAN SHARMA
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Control Group ◽  
First Year ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Diary Writing ◽  
Independent Variable ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Writing Practice

This study has been conducted to study the impact of diary writing on mental health of adolescent girls. A sample of 100 girlsfrom Shri Ram Collage Muzaffernagar (U.P.), who are studying in first year of graduation, was selected from accidental sampling method.Sample was divided into two groups, 50 in experimental group and 50 in control group. Diary writing was selected as the independent variable, which was appliedfor 3 months where girls used to write down their thoughts and feelings; independently 30 minutes each for 5 days a week. Mental health of girls was assessed using the ‘Mental Health Inventory’. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using the SPSS software (version 18) the result indicated that there was a significant difference between experimental and control group on the level of mental health of adolescent girls. The findings of this study indicate that the practice of diary writing significantly improved the level of mental health of adolescent girls.

scholarly journals The Impact of Formative Computer-Based Testing on Learners’ Anxiety and Performance on the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography Examination

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 425-433
Author(s):  
Michelle Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Web Based ◽  
National Board ◽  
Computer Based ◽  
Preparatory Stage ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Dependent Sample ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

The intent of this research was to evaluate the effects of computerized mock examinations on student performances during the preparatory stage for a national board examination. Three measures were used: web-based surveys, student data from the ExamSim software (treatment group), and American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) examination scores. Three research questions were posed: (1) What are the differences in ARDMS scores between the treatment and control groups? Mean scores showed that the treatment group scored significantly higher than the control group on the ARDMS examination. (2) To what degree did the scores and time invested on the ExamSim software predict performance on the ARDMS examination? A multiple linear regression was conducted, and the result was significant, with time and software scores accounting for 37.6% of the variance in ARDMS scores. (3) How did utilizing a formative computer-based assessment change perceived testing anxiety levels during the test preparatory phase? The result of the dependent sample t test was significant. Self-perceived scores at posttreatment were lower than self-perceived scores at pretreatment.

scholarly journals The impact of torture on mental health in the narratives of two torture survivors

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 130-139
Author(s):  
Simone M. De la Rie ◽  
Jannetta Bos ◽  
Jeroen Knipscheer ◽  
Paul A Boelen
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Therapeutic Process ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Torture Survivors ◽  
Clinical Case Study ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: Torture survivors risk developing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as well as other mental health problems. This clinical case study describes the impact of torture on two survivors who were treated for their PTSD with Narrative Exposure Therapy. Methods: The reports of the narratives of two torture survivors were qualitatively analyzed. It was hypothesized that torture yields overaccommodating cognitions, as well as mental defeat, which in turn, are related to severity of psychological complaints. Results: Both patients have experienced an accumulation of traumatic events. The psychological and physical torture they experienced lead to increased anticipation anxiety, loss of control and feelings of hopelessness, as well as overaccommodating cognitions regarding self and others. Conclusions: Cognitions, culture and beliefs, as well as issues of confidence and a more long-term perspective affect therapeutic work. Building trust, pacing the therapeutic process, and applying tailor-made interventions that focus on cognitions regarding self-esteem, trust in relationships, as well as safety and control are warranted.

Impact of guidance on intervention adherence in computerised interventions for mental health problems: a meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Peter Musiat ◽  
Catherine Johnson ◽  
Melissa Atkinson ◽  
Simon Wilksch ◽  
Tracey Wade
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
Mental Health Interventions ◽  
Intervention Content ◽  
Intervention Adherence ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Web-based interventions are increasingly used for the prevention, treatment and aftercare of mental disorders. A crucial factor to the efficacy of such online programmes is adherence to the intervention content and procedure. It has been frequently suggested that adherence in web-based interventions is low and little is known about which factors influence adherence. To increase intervention uptake and completion, studies increasingly include interventions with some form of guidance. Guided interventions have been shown to have higher efficacy, however, evidence for the impact on adherence is limited and mixed. This meta-analysis explored the impact of human guidance on intervention completion in web-based mental health interventions. A total of 22 studies were included with interventions primarily targeting symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders. Results showed that guidance significantly increases the average amount of intervention completion [g = 0.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.18–0.40] and the proportion of intervention completers [log odds ratio (OR) = 0.50, 95% CI 0.34–0.66] with small effects. On average, full completion rates were 12% higher in guided intervention groups. This meta-analysis demonstrated that guidance in web-based mental health interventions does increase adherence, but more research is required to better understand the specific mechanisms between guidance, adherence and outcomes.

scholarly journals The impact of the use of computerized programs in the achievement of direct and deferred in the understanding of reading and recitation of seventh grade students in the schools of Al-Husseiniya / Ma'an

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (20) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanal Atallah Abu Darwish
Keyword(s):  
Conventional Method ◽  
Female Students ◽  
The Other ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Seventh Grade ◽  
Elimination Method ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Study Results ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

This study aimed at revealing the impact of using the gradual elimination method on the direct and delayed achievement of the 7th Grade students in memorizing the required chapters in Quran in Alhosayneya area schools. The searcher has used the Semi-experimental subject to complete this study. The study sample consisted of 48 male and female students was divided into 2 groups, Empirical and control. The Empirical group used (the gradual elimination method memorizing the required chapters in Quran). Whereas, the control group used (the conventional method in memorizing the required chapters in Quran). The study results have shown the existence of a statistical indicative difference at the level (α=0.05) of both direct and delayed achievement in memorizing the required chapters in Quran using the gradual elimination method. On the other hand, there was no indicative differences at the level (α=0.05) of both direct and delayed achievement in memorizing the required chapters in Quran due to the gender variable or its reaction with the study method. The study had recommended adopting the gradual elimination method as one of the effective teaching approach in memorizing the required chapters.

scholarly journals Improving Moderator Responsiveness in Online Peer Support Through Automated Triage (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
David N Milne ◽  
Kathryn L. McCabe ◽  
Rafael A. Calvo
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Machine Learning ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Response Latency ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Unique Contribution ◽  
Triage System ◽  
Percentage Points ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND Online peer support forums require oversight to ensure they remain safe and therapeutic. As online communities grow, they place a greater burden on their human moderators, which increases the likelihood that people at risk may be overlooked. This study evaluated the potential for machine learning to assist online peer support by directing moderators’ attention where it is most needed. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of an automated triage system and the extent to which it influences moderator behavior. METHODS A machine learning classifier was trained to prioritize forum messages as green, amber, red, or crisis depending on how urgently they require attention from a moderator. This was then launched as a set of widgets injected into a popular online peer support forum hosted by ReachOut.com, an Australian Web-based youth mental health service that aims to intervene early in the onset of mental health problems in young people. The accuracy of the system was evaluated using a holdout test set of manually prioritized messages. The impact on moderator behavior was measured as response ratio and response latency, that is, the proportion of messages that receive at least one reply from a moderator and how long it took for these replies to be made. These measures were compared across 3 periods: before launch, after an informal launch, and after a formal launch accompanied by training. RESULTS The algorithm achieved 84% f-measure in identifying content that required a moderator response. Between prelaunch and post-training periods, response ratios increased by 0.9, 4.4, and 10.5 percentage points for messages labelled as crisis, red, and green, respectively, but decreased by 5.0 percentage points for amber messages. Logistic regression indicated that the triage system was a significant contributor to response ratios for green, amber, and red messages, but not for crisis messages. Response latency was significantly reduced (P<.001), between the same periods, by factors of 80%, 80%, 77%, and 12% for crisis, red, amber, and green messages, respectively. Regression analysis indicated that the triage system made a significant and unique contribution to reducing the time taken to respond to green, amber, and red messages, but not to crisis messages, after accounting for moderator and community activity. CONCLUSIONS The triage system was generally accurate, and moderators were largely in agreement with how messages were prioritized. It had a modest effect on response ratios, primarily because moderators were already more likely to respond to high priority content before the introduction of triage. However, it significantly and substantially reduced the time taken for moderators to respond to prioritized content. Further evaluations are needed to assess the impact of mistakes made by the triage algorithm and how changes to moderator responsiveness impact the well-being of forum members.

scholarly journals Online Peer-to-Peer Support for Young People With Mental Health Problems: A Systematic Review

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. e19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathina Ali ◽  
Louise Farrer ◽  
Amelia Gulliver ◽  
Kathleen M Griffiths
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young People ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Peer To Peer ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Internet Support ◽  
Internet Support Groups

Background Adolescence and early adulthood are critical periods for the development of mental disorders. Online peer-to-peer communication is popular among young people and may improve mental health by providing social support. Previous systematic reviews have targeted Internet support groups for adults with mental health problems, including depression. However, there have been no systematic reviews examining the effectiveness of online peer-to-peer support in improving the mental health of adolescents and young adults. Objective The aim of this review was to systematically identify available evidence for the effectiveness of online peer-to peer support for young people with mental health problems. Methods The PubMed, PsycInfo, and Cochrane databases were searched using keywords and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms. Retrieved abstracts (n=3934) were double screened and coded. Studies were included if they (1) investigated an online peer-to-peer interaction, (2) the interaction discussed topics related to mental health, (3) the age range of the sample was between 12 to 25 years, and (4) the study evaluated the effectiveness of the peer-to-peer interaction. Results Six studies satisfied the inclusion criteria for the current review. The studies targeted a range of mental health problems including depression and anxiety (n=2), general psychological problems (n=1), eating disorders (n=1), and substance use (tobacco) (n=2). The majority of studies investigated Internet support groups (n=4), and the remaining studies focused on virtual reality chat sessions (n=2). In almost all studies (n=5), the peer support intervention was moderated by health professionals, researchers or consumers. Studies employed a range of study designs including randomized controlled trials (n=3), pre-post studies (n=2) and one randomized trial. Overall, two of the randomized controlled trials were associated with a significant positive outcome in comparison to the control group at post-intervention. In the remaining four studies, peer-to-peer support was not found to be effective. Conclusions This systematic review identified an overall lack of high-quality studies examining online peer-to-peer support for young people. Given that peer support is frequently used as an adjunct to Internet interventions for a variety of mental health conditions, there is an urgent need to determine the effectiveness of peer support alone as an active intervention.

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