EHealth Interventions for People Suffering From Sleep Problems and Depressive Symptoms

2017 ◽  
pp. 111-138
Author(s):  
Sitwat Usman Langrial ◽  
Päivi Lappalainen
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Sleep Problems ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Task Completion ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Self Help ◽  
Moderate Depression ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment

This chapter highlights qualitative findings from two field studies that focused on supporting people with sleeplessness (Study 1) and moderate depression (Study II). Both the studies were designed to examine the prospective impact of reminders and rehearsal on the effectiveness of web- based eHealth interventions. The interventions were incorporated with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. In this chapter, qualitative findings are reported with an aim to highlight issues that are at times overlooked. Further, the findings are expected to help researchers better understand eHealth interventions for mental health care. Results from the two studies uncover interesting contrasts. While the participants of the Study I (Sleeplessness) generally did not find reminders to be helpful, on the contrary, the participants of study II (Moderate Depression) largely approved reminders especially in terms of task completion. In terms of rehearsal, participants from both the studies approved the virtual exercises in terms of learning desirable self-help behaviors. Finally, the chapter highlights some of the grey areas in the field of eHealth interventions for mental health care. The identified grey areas are expected to create opportunities for further research and advances in the field of mental health care.

EHealth Interventions for People Suffering From Sleep Problems and Depressive Symptoms

2021 ◽  
pp. 1180-1200
Author(s):  
Sitwat Usman Langrial ◽  
Päivi Lappalainen
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Sleep Problems ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Task Completion ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Self Help ◽  
Moderate Depression ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment

This chapter highlights qualitative findings from two field studies that focused on supporting people with sleeplessness (Study 1) and moderate depression (Study II). Both the studies were designed to examine the prospective impact of reminders and rehearsal on the effectiveness of web- based eHealth interventions. The interventions were incorporated with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. In this chapter, qualitative findings are reported with an aim to highlight issues that are at times overlooked. Further, the findings are expected to help researchers better understand eHealth interventions for mental health care. Results from the two studies uncover interesting contrasts. While the participants of the Study I (Sleeplessness) generally did not find reminders to be helpful, on the contrary, the participants of study II (Moderate Depression) largely approved reminders especially in terms of task completion. In terms of rehearsal, participants from both the studies approved the virtual exercises in terms of learning desirable self-help behaviors. Finally, the chapter highlights some of the grey areas in the field of eHealth interventions for mental health care. The identified grey areas are expected to create opportunities for further research and advances in the field of mental health care.

scholarly journals A Web-Disseminated Self-Help and Peer Support Program Could Fill Gaps in Mental Health Care: Lessons From a Consumer Survey

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. e5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha L Bernecker ◽  
Kaitlin Banschback ◽  
Gennarina D Santorelli ◽  
Michael J Constantino
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Public Interest ◽  
Support Program ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Training Course ◽  
Self Help ◽  
Peer Support Program

Background Self-guided mental health interventions that are disseminated via the Web have the potential to circumvent barriers to treatment and improve public mental health. However, self-guided interventions often fail to attract consumers and suffer from user nonadherence. Uptake of novel interventions could be improved by consulting consumers from the beginning of the development process in order to assess their interest and their preferences. Interventions can then be tailored using this feedback to optimize appeal. Objective The aim of our study was to determine the level of public interest in a new mental health intervention that incorporates elements of self-help and peer counseling and that is disseminated via a Web-based training course; to identify predictors of interest in the program; and to identify consumer preferences for features of Web-based courses and peer support programs. Methods We surveyed consumers via Amazon’s Mechanical Turk to estimate interest in the self-help and peer support program. We assessed associations between demographic and clinical characteristics and interest in the program, and we obtained feedback on desired features of the program. Results Overall, 63.9% (378/592) of respondents said that they would try the program; interest was lower but still substantial among those who were not willing or able to access traditional mental health services. Female gender, lower income, and openness to using psychotherapy were the most consistent predictors of interest in the program. The majority of respondents, although not all, preferred romantic partners or close friends as peer counselors and would be most likely to access the program if the training course were accessed on a stand-alone website. In general, respondents valued training in active listening skills. Conclusions In light of the apparent public interest in this program, Web-disseminated self-help and peer support interventions have enormous potential to fill gaps in mental health care. The results of this survey can be used to inform the design of such interventions.

scholarly journals Shaping Blended Care: Adapting an Instrument to Support Therapists in Using eMental Health

10.2196/24245 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. e24245
Author(s):  
Hanneke Kip ◽  
Jobke Wentzel ◽  
Saskia M Kelders
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Participatory Development ◽  
Project Team ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Blended Care

Background Although eMental health interventions, especially when delivered in a blended way, have great potential to improve the quality and efficiency of mental health care, their use in practice lags behind expectations. The Fit for Blended Care (FfBC) instrument was developed to support therapists and clients in shaping blended care in a way that optimally fits their needs. However, this existing version cannot be directly applied to specific branches of mental health care as it is too broad and generic. Objective The goal of this study is to adapt the existing FfBC instrument to fit a specific, complex setting—forensic mental health care—by means of participatory development with therapists. Methods The participatory process was divided into 4 phases and was executed by a project team consisting of 1 manager, 3-5 therapists, and 1 researcher. In phase 1, general requirements for the adaptation of the existing instrument were discussed in 2 focus groups with the project team. In phase 2, patient-related factors that influence the use of an existing web-based intervention were elicited through semistructured interviews with all 18 therapists working at an outpatient clinic. In phase 3, multiple focus groups with the project teams were held to create the first version of the adapted FfBC instrument. In phase 4, a digital prototype of the instrument was used with 8 patients, and the experiences of the 4 therapists were discussed in a focus group. Results In phase 1, it became clear that the therapists’ main requirement was to develop a much shorter instrument with a few items, in which the content was specifically tailored to the characteristics of forensic psychiatric outpatients. The interviews showed a broad range of patient-related factors, of which 5 were used in the instrument: motivation for blended treatment; writing about thoughts, feelings, and behavior; conscientiousness; psychosocial problems; and social support. In addition, a part of the instrument was focused on the practical necessary preconditions that patients should fill by themselves before the treatment was developed. The use of the web-based prototype of the instrument in treatment resulted in overall positive experiences with the content; however, therapists indicated that the items should be formulated in a more patient-centered way to encourage their involvement in discussing the factors. Conclusions The participatory, iterative process of this study resulted in an adapted version of the FfBC instrument that fits the specific forensic context and supports shared decision making. In general, the adaptiveness of the instrument is important: its content and implementation should fit the type of care, the organization, and eHealth intervention. To adapt the instrument to other contexts, the guidelines described in this paper can be followed.

The views of professional on the role of self-help groups in the mental health area

1999 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 84-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth A Dunn ◽  
Aine C Fitzpatric
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professions ◽  
Postal Survey ◽  
Self Help ◽  
Self Help Groups ◽  
The Impact

AbstractObjectives: Changes in healthcare policy over the last decade emphasise care in the community over residential care. Self-help organisations may play a useful role in these circumstances. Against this background, the objective of this study was to obtain the views of members of the main mental health professions on the place of self-help groups in mental health care.Method: A postal survey of 255 mental health professionals from two health boards was carried out, using a semi-structured questionnaire that contained both open and closed questions. The responses obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis as appropriate.Results: The response rate was 35% so results must be interpreted cautiously. Self-help groups are used particularly in the management of addictive behaviours, and are also considered useful in cases of mood disorder. In general, self-help organisations are seen as providing support to patients and their families; information on mental illness/health to the general public; and lobbying for services relevant to the needs of their members. Respondents were concerned that the philosophy and programme of a group should not conflict with established models of mental health. The impact of the organisational structure of the multi-disciplinary team on the referral pattern of the different mental health professions, and the role of group availability and accessibility on the decision to refer a patient to a self-help group is commented upon.Conclusions: While some professionals see a role for self-help organisations in the mental health care system, reservations expressed about a possible clash between selfhelp groups' approach and professional mental healthcare practice need to be addressed so that the potential of both positions can be realised.

scholarly journals Investigating the Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on the Psychological Health of University Students and Their Attitudes Toward Mobile Mental Health Solutions: Two-Part Questionnaire Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nidal Drissi ◽  
Ayat Alhmoudi ◽  
Hana Al Nuaimi ◽  
Mahra Alkhyeli ◽  
Shaikha Alsalami ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
University Students ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
World Health ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Psychological Issues ◽  
Mobile Mental Health ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND The COVID-19 outbreak was first reported to the World Health Organization on December 31, 2019, and it was officially declared a public health emergency of international concern on January 30, 2020. The COVID-19 outbreak and the safety measures taken to control it caused many psychological issues in populations worldwide, such as depression, anxiety, and stress. OBJECTIVE The objectives of this study were to assess the psychological effects of the lockdown due to the COVID-19 outbreak on university students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and to investigate the students’ awareness of mobile mental health care apps as well as their attitudes toward the use of these apps. METHODS A two-part self-administered web-based questionnaire was delivered to students at United Arab Emirates University. The first part of the questionnaire assessed the mental state of the participants using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), while the second part contained questions investigating the participants’ awareness of and attitudes toward mental health care apps. Students were invited to fill out the web-based questionnaire via social media and mailing lists. RESULTS A total of 154 students participated in the survey, and the majority were female. The results of the GHQ-12 analysis showed that the students were experiencing psychological issues related to depression and anxiety as well as social dysfunction. The results also revealed a lack of awareness of mental health care apps and uncertainty regarding the use of such apps. Approximately one-third of the participants (44/154, 28.6%) suggested preferred functionalities and characteristics of mobile mental health care apps, such as affordable price, simple design, ease of use, web-based therapy, communication with others experiencing the same issues, and tracking of mental status. CONCLUSIONS Like many groups of people worldwide, university students in the UAE were psychologically affected by the lockdown due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Although apps can be useful tools for mental health care delivery, especially in circumstances such as those produced by the outbreak, the students in this study showed a lack of awareness of these apps and mixed attitudes toward them. Improving the digital health literacy of university students in the UAE by increasing their awareness of mental health care apps and the treatment methods and benefits of the apps, as well as involving students in the app creation process, may encourage students to use these tools for mental health care.

scholarly journals Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in a Low-Income Country in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Call for Further Research

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yonas E. Geda ◽  
Janina Krell-Roesch ◽  
Yaphet Fisseha ◽  
Aida Tefera ◽  
Teferra Beyero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment Therapy ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Task Sharing ◽  
Commitment Therapy ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment ◽  
Sub Saharan

A worsening trend of critical shortages in senior health care workers across low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in sub-Saharan Africa has been documented for decades. This is especially the case in Ethiopia that has severe shortage of mental health professionals. Consistent with the WHO recommended approach of task sharing for mental health care in LMICs, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which is an empirically validated psychological intervention aimed at increasing psychological flexibility, may be delivered by trained laypersons who have a grassroots presence. In this paper, we discuss the need for and potential role of ACT to be delivered by health extension workers (HEWs) to address mental health care needs across Ethiopia. To this end, we also reviewed previous studies that have examined the effectiveness of ACT-based interventions in African countries including in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Uganda, and South Africa. All studies revealed significant improvements of various mental health-related outcome measures such as decreased psychological distress and depressive symptoms, or increased subjective wellbeing and life satisfaction in the groups that received an ACT-based intervention. However, to date, there is no study that applied ACT in Ethiopia. Thus, more research is warranted to examine the effectiveness and, if proven successful, to scale up a task sharing approach of an ACT-based intervention being delivered by trained HEWs at a grassroots level, possibly paving the way for an innovative, sustainable mental health service in Ethiopia as well as other African LMICs.

scholarly journals Development of a Web-Based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Intervention to Support Lifestyle Behavior Change and Well-Being in Health Care Staff: Participatory Design Study

10.2196/22507 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (11) ◽  
pp. e22507
Author(s):  
Menna Brown ◽  
Nic Hooper ◽  
Parisa Eslambolchilar ◽  
Ann John
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment Therapy ◽  
Participatory Design ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Health Care Staff ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment

Background Positive emotional well-being is associated with healthier lifestyle choices and overall health function, whereas poor mental health is associated with significant economic and psychological costs. Thus, the development of effective interventions that improve emotional well-being is crucial to address the worldwide burden of disease. Objective This study aims to develop a web-based emotional well-being intervention for use by health care staff using participatory design to consider adherence and engagement from a user perspective. Methods A 3-staged iterative participatory design process was followed, including multiple stakeholders: researchers, computer scientists, mental health experts, and health care staff. Stage 1 used document analyses, direct observation, and welcome interviews; stage 2 used focus group discussions, rapid prototyping, and usability tasks; and stage 3 evaluated a high-fidelity prototype. Results Different health care staff (N=38) participated during a sustained period. A structured, sequential, automated, 12-week, web-based emotional well-being intervention based on acceptance and commitment therapy was developed. Freely navigated psychoeducational resources were also included. Conclusions The iterative and collaborative participatory design process successfully met its objectives. It generated an in-depth understanding of well-being within the workplace and identified barriers to access. The 3-staged process ensured that participants had the opportunity to explore and articulate criteria relevant to their roles over time and reflect on decisions made at each stage.

ICD-11 Psychotic Disorders: Preliminary Results of the Case-controlled Studies and the Russian Opinion

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S227-S227
Author(s):  
M. Kulygina ◽  
V. Krasnov ◽  
P. Ponisovskiy ◽  
J. Keeley ◽  
G. Reed
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Psychotic Disorders ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
General Situation ◽  
Internet Study ◽  
Competing Interest

IntroductionOne of the WHO's innovations for improving the ICD-11 chapter Mental and Behavioral Disorders was the creation of the Global Clinical Practice Network (GCPN), an international network of more than 12,000 mental health and primary care professionals from 144 countries.Aims and objectivesIn order to evaluate perceived clinical utility of the ICD-11 guidelines, the case-controlled field studies that involved the application of the proposed diagnostic guidelines to standardized case material were implemented via the Internet in different languages.MethodTwo hundred and seventy-eight Russian mental health care professionals, the GCPN members, have participated in case controlled Internet study for the chapter “Schizophrenia and Other Primary Psychotic Disorders”. Russian participants were represented by psychiatrists mostly (89%) and much less by psychologists (8%) which corresponds with the general situation in the Russian mental health care system.ResultsRussian clinicians have used the proposed ICD-11 diagnostic guidelines successfully to assess delusional disorder as well as schizophrenia. But there were certain categories (schizoaffective disorder, subthreshold delusions) with which the participants seemed to struggle. The critical comments were focused on opposing so called syndrome-based assessment and nosological diagnostics. Most concerns were about elimination of Schizophrenia subtypes.ConclusionRussian mental health care professionals proved to be interested in ICD revision process and demonstrated their special diagnostics opinion based on rich clinical traditions and psychopathological approach. In order to use ICD-11 guidelines in clinical practice more efficiently supplementary appropriate training would be needed.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

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