Coach-Facilitated Web-Based Therapy Compared With Information About Web-Based Resources in Patients Referred to Secondary Mental Health Care for Depression: Randomized Controlled Trial

• DOI: 10.2196/15001
• Publication Date: 2019-12-17T19:24:27Z
• Authors: Sarah MacLean; Daniel J Corsi; Sadie Litchfield; Julia Kucharski; Kira Genise; Zeynep Selaman; Valerie Testa; Simon Hatcher
• Keywords: Depression; Patient Health Questionnaire

Background Depression is a common mental disorder with high social burden and significant impact on suicidality quality of life. Treatment often limited to drug therapies because long waiting times see psychological therapists face face, despite several guidelines recommending that treatments should be first-line interventions for mild moderate depression. Objective We aimed evaluate, among patients waitlist receive secondary health care services depression, how effective coach-guided web-based therapy (The Journal) is, compared an information-only control group, in reducing depression symptoms after 12 weeks. Methods conducted randomized controlled trial 2 parallel arms process evaluation, which included interviews study participants. Participants assigned the intervention group received weeks guided by coach who had background work. Patients leaflet resources they could access. The primary outcome measure was change scores, as measured Patient-Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Results A total 95 participants were enrolled (intervention, n=47; control, n=48). mean PHQ-9 scores from baseline week −3.6 (SD 6.6) −3.1 6.2) not statistically difference two-sided alpha .05 (t91=−0.37; P=.72, 95% CI 2.2). At weeks, reported higher health-related life (mean EuroQol 5 dimensions visual analogue scale [EQ-5D-VAS] score 66.8, SD 18.0) EQ-5D VAS 55.9, 19.2; t84=−2.73; P=.01). There no differences between two groups service use following their initial consultation psychiatrist. evaluation showed completed 5.0 2.3) lessons Journal 8.8 3.1) sessions coach. Most (29/47, 62%) full dose intervention, finishing 6 or more Journal, likely have clinically important reduction depressive at (Χ21=6.3; P=.01, Φ=0.37). role played major factor adherence intervention. Conclusions results demonstrate treatment than control. However, it has potential increase engagement protocols. Further research needed what makes effective. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02423733; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02423733