Facilitating access to iCBT: a randomized controlled trial assessing a translated version of an empirically validated program using a minimally monitored delivery model

Abstract

Background:Despite its established efficacy, access to internet-delivered CBT (iCBT) remains limited in a number of countries. Translating existing programs and using a minimally monitored model of delivery may facilitate its dissemination across countries.Aims:This randomized control trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of an iCBT transdiagnostic program translated from English to French and offered in Canada using a minimally monitored delivery model for the treatment of anxiety and depression.Method:Sixty-three French speakers recruited in Canada were randomized to iCBT or a waiting-list. A French translation of an established program, the Wellbeing Course, was offered over 8 weeks using a minimally monitored delivery model. Primary outcome measures were the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), which were obtained pre-treatment, post-treatment and at 3-month follow-up.Results:Mixed-effects models revealed that participants in the treatment group had significantly lower PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores post-treatment than controls with small between-groups effect sizes (d = 0.34 and 0.37, respectively). Within-group effect sizes on primary outcome measures were larger in the treatment than control group. Clinical recovery rates on the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 were significantly higher among the treatment group (40 and 56%, respectively) than the controls (13 and 16%, respectively).Conclusions:The provision of a translated iCBT program using a minimally monitored delivery model may improve patients’ access to treatment of anxiety and depression across countries. This may be an optimal first step in improving access to iCBT before sufficient resources can be secured to implement a wider range of iCBT services.

Internet-delivered transdiagnostic psychological treatments for individuals with depression, anxiety or both: a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

“…In the 57 included trials, 21 795 participants were randomised 46–102. Arms were as follows: 83 internet-delivered transdiagnostic psychological treatments, 36 rudimentary controls, 8 attention/engagement controls and three other bona-fide treatments.…”

Evaluation of the effect of a midwife-led online program using cognitive behavioral therapy for pregnant women at risk for anxiety disorder in Japan: A pilot randomized controlled trial

“…Remote sessions for CBT delivery may be valuable going forward and will allow confirmation of facial expressions and conditions, while also permitting easy access and infection control. Digital therapy is evolving, and i-CBT has been reported to be effective [ 27 – 29 ], with both face-to-face and remote delivery being possible means of implementation. There is expected to be no difference in effectiveness between face-to-face and remote interventions [ 30 ], and given the low dropout rates, remote interventions are considered a promising method.…”

Terapi Berbasis Internet Untuk Meningkatkan Self-Regulasi Pada Mahasiswa Dengan Internet Gaming Disorder

“…Tetapi walaupun demikian, penelitian-penelitian mengenai ICBT masih sangat dibutuhkan terutama dalam berbagai setting budaya dan bahasa [31]. Hal ini mengingat bahwa ICBT masih terbatas di negara-negara selain Amerika dan Eropa dan tidak begitu dikenal padahal ICBT adalah terapi yang efikasinya sudah terbukti [32]. Penelitian-penelitian mengenai ICBT juga diharapkan terus dikembangkan, sehingga data yang relevan dapat dikumpulkan terutama mengenai standarisasi terkait keamanan dan kenyamanan [31].…”