Clinicians’ Views on Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy: A Mixed Method Systematic Review

Abstract

This mixed methods systematic review aimed to provide insight into the clinicians’ views and experiences of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Seven electronic databases (PsychINFO, Public MEDLINE [PubMed], Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature [CINAHL], Scopus, Web of Science and Excerpta Medica Database [EMBASE], and Applied Social Sciences Index) and grey literature (ProQuest and Google Scholar) were searched systematically from inception to October 2021. Quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool and a convergent integrated approach was used to synthesize and integrate the data. In total, 14 studies were included: 7 qualitative, 5 mixed methods, and 2 quantitative, encompassing 1,065 participants. Thematic synthesis generated two overarching themes and seven subthemes. The first theme related to the facilitators and barriers clinicians experience in adopting and implementing EMDR, including the role of organizational support, clinician confidence, primary theoretical orientation, and client suitability and preparedness. The second theme related to the perceived advantages of EMDR, including rapid results and positive outcomes, client empowerment, and getting to the root of the issue. This review provides a helpful insight into the factors that influence the dissemination and implementation of psychological therapeutic approaches.