A Solution Focused Consideration of Cyberchondria

In this chapter, the authors consider the digital space and its technologically enabling effects on clients suffering from cyberchondria. Anonymised accounts are used to explore how, in the digital space of cyberchondria, rational people like Paul, Simon, and Tracy are broken down into assembly of compulsive behaviours and anxiety, always with an escalating nature. Using solution focused techniques like ‘the miracle question', ‘exception seeking', ‘problem free talk', and ‘detailing scales', the authors share their experiences of the murder and snake oil that is cyberchondria. They review how the literal and hypothetical ideals of solution focused practice offer new perspectives to the treatment of cyberchondria as clients require not logic but hope to retake control of their post-cyberchondria recovery.

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy for Depression Among Adolescents and Young Adults Diagnosed With Cancer: An Open Pilot Trial

Purpose This pilot study evaluates the acceptability and preliminary efficacy of solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) for depression, anxiety, and hope among adolescent and young adult (AYA) diagnosed with cancer. Method: 10 AYAs with a primary sarcoma diagnosis participated in an open pilot of SFBT for their depression between January and June 2019 delivered by trained social work interns. Results All participants completed four planned sessions and reported strong acceptability of SFBT. Statistically significant improvements were observed for pre- and post-treatment scores for depression, anxiety, and levels of hope. These improvements were maintained at 1-month follow up, with significant patterns of difference in study participants’ depression, anxiety, and levels of hope over time. Conclusions SFBT is an acceptable intervention approach for depression (and anxiety) among AYAs diagnosed with cancer. SFBT offers a brief, strength-based, and hope-engendering approach to address mental health concerns among young adult diagnosed with cancer.

A Solution Focused Approach of Delivering Virtual Paediatric Diabetes Consultations During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The onset of the COVID-19 global pandemic rapidly accelerated the use of virtual consultations into everyday practice. A solution focused approach (SFA) has been established in paediatric diabetes care, resulting in positive clinical outcomes and communication. The aim of this study was to assess feedback from paediatric diabetes patients and their parents or carers regarding virtual consultations, using a solution focused approach, in a hospital setting. An electronic survey was sent to patients following their virtual consultation. Of those surveyed, 86% recommended video consultations to be part of their diabetes care. Qualitative data showed reduced travel time, comfort, reduced need for parking and convenience as the highest areas improved through video consultations. Clinical care was shown to be positive and addressed patients concerns, the majority of respondents (84%) reported that the appointment was about what they wanted it to be about. Using the solution focused model helped overcome the challenges faced with virtual consultations particularly with concerns surrounding safeguarding issues, confidentiality, audio/video difficulties and also helped to support the patient journey.