Exploring blended group interventions for depression: Randomised controlled feasibility study of a blended computer- and multimedia-supported psychoeducational group intervention for adults with depressive symptoms

Abstract

BackgroundBlended interventions aim to capitalise on the strengths of both computer-based and face-to-face therapy. Studies on this innovative treatment format remain scare. This especially accounts for the group treatment of depression.MethodThe present study applied eclectic psychotherapy methods to an adult sample exhibiting a variety of depressive symptoms (N = 46). Participants were recruited by a newspaper inlet and randomised either to a treatment or a waiting list condition. Computer supported components were multimedia group sessions, e-learning, online videos and worksheets, remote therapist-patient communication and online pre-post-assessment.ResultsLarge between-group effect sizes on primary outcome depressiveness (CES-D) (F(1,44) = 4.88, p = 0.032; d = 0.87) and secondary outcome personal resources (resource scales) (F(1,44) = 9.04, p = 0.004; d = 0.73 to F(1,44) = 8.82 p = 0.005, d = 1.15) were found in the intention to treat analysis (ANOVA). Subjective evaluation of the intervention revealed high treatment adherence (91%) and high perceived relevance of supportive computer and multimedia components. Participants rated computer and multimedia components comparable to treatment elements such as group interaction or specific cognitive behavioural exercises, and 25% associated the utilisation of those components with treatment success. Depressiveness and age did not predict the utilisation and the appraisal of computer and multimedia components.DiscussionResults provide preliminary support for the acceptability and feasibility of the investigated blended treatment in a group with non-specific depressive symptoms. However, small sample size and lack of diagnostics restrict generalizability. Additional research in clinical settings is needed.

Therapist-related feasibility of blended group therapy (bGT): Mixed methods study of a brief online- and mobile-supported group intervention for major depression (Preprint)

“…Observed effects correspond to earlier bGT depression studies [40,41,74], to benchmarking meta analyses on group therapy [75][76][77], and to recent group therapy trials in routine care [78,79]. Moreover, the current study expands these findings by indicating high treatment effects in a comparably short period of time; as guideline-based group CBT usually entails 15 -20 hour sessions [33].…”

“…The feasibility of bGT has been investigated several times for anxiety disorders and depression [35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42].…”

“…Firstly, this article adds a first therapist-oriented perspective to previous findings on bGT [37][38][39][40][41][42]. Secondly, it applies a multimodal research strategy (e.g.…”

“…Such completion rates have not been reported for bGT yet. Fourthly, compared to prior bGT depression studies [40,41], and studies on online interventions [94,95], the current sample composition is more balanced with respect to gender and the level of education.…”

“…The results revealed high feasibility in terms of client satisfaction and treatment adherence, and patients repeatedly described supportive online elements as a therapeutic factor [40][41][42]. In a subsequent qualitative investigation, the use of technology was described as a treatment facilitator, reducing undesired group interaction and facilitating between-session exercising and treatment transfer [42].…”