E-therapists' views on the acceptability and feasibility of an internet-administered, guided, low-intensity cognitive behavioural therapy intervention for parents of children treated for cancer : A qualitative study

• Published in: DIGITAL HEALTH
• Main Authors: Reuther, Christina, Lundgren, Johan, Gottvall, Maria, Ljungberg, Johan, Woodford, Joanne, Essen, Louise von
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Röda Korsets Högskola, Hälsovetenskapliga institutionen 2024
• Subjects: Clinical Medicine; Klinisk medicin; Portal The; The Portal; ejder
• Online Access: http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:rkh:diva-4876; https://doi.org/10.1177/20552076241260513

Background: Childhood cancer treatment completion can be a period of vulnerability for parents and is associated with mental health difficulties such as depression and anxiety. We developed an internet-administered, guided, low-intensity cognitive behavioural therapy-based self-help intervention (EJDeR) for parents delivered on the U-CARE-portal (Portal). The acceptability and feasibility of EJDeR and study procedures were examined using a single-arm feasibility trial (ENGAGE). Results indicated that EJDeR and ENGAGE study procedures are acceptable and feasible, however, a need for clinical and technical modifications to EJDeR and refinements to ENGAGE study procedures was identified. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the acceptability and feasibility of EJDeR and ENGAGE study procedures from the perspective of e-therapists to inform clinical and technical modifications to EJDeR and refinements to study procedures prior to progression to a superiority randomised controlled trial. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 10 e-therapists. Data were analysed using manifest content analysis. Results: We identified three categories relating to the acceptability and feasibility of EJDeR: (a) Support to e-therapists (subcategories: Clinical supervision and Technical difficulties); (b) Guidance to parents (subcategories: Support protocols and Synchronous communication); and (c) Content (subcategories: Relevancy of the intervention and Pacing of the intervention). We identified four categories relating to the acceptability and feasibility of study procedures: (a) Recruitment and training of e-therapists (subcategories: Definition of the role and Training program); (b) Retention of parents (subcategories: Parent suitability and screening and Frequency of weekly Portal assessments); (c) Retention of e-therapists (subcategories: Administrative requirements and Communication with the research team); and (d) The Portal. Conclusions: EJDeR and study procedures were considered acceptable and feasible, ...