The acceptability of an Internet-based exposure treatment for flying phobia with and without therapist guidance: patients’ expectations, satisfaction, treatment preferences, and usability

Abstract

PurposeInternet-based treatments have been tested for several psychological disorders. However, few studies have directly assessed the acceptability of these self-applied interventions in terms of expectations, satisfaction, treatment preferences, and usability. Moreover, no studies provide this type of data on Internet-based treatment for flying phobia (FP), with or without therapist guidance. The aim of this study was to analyze the acceptability of an Internet-based treatment for FP (NO-FEAR Airlines) that includes exposure scenarios composed of images and real sounds. A secondary aim was to compare patients’ acceptance of two ways of delivering this treatment (with or without therapist guidance).Patients and methodsThe sample included 46 participants from a randomized controlled trial who had received the self-applied intervention with (n = 23) or without (n = 23) therapist guidance. All participants completed an assessment protocol conducted online and by telephone at both pre- and posttreatment.ResultsResults showed good expectations, satisfaction, opinion, and usability, regardless of the presence of therapist guidance, including low aversiveness levels from before to after the intervention. However, participants generally preferred the therapist-supported condition.ConclusionNO-FEAR Airlines is a well-accepted Internet-based treatment that can help enhance the application of the exposure technique, improving patient acceptance and access to FP treatment.

Acceptability of internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (i-CBT) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): a systematic review

“…Furthermore, outcomes are inconsistently measured for individuals who dropout, and whilst this might in cases indicate treatment unacceptability, and non-improvement of symptoms, research has also shown significant improvement in symptomatology for individuals discontinuing from psychological treatment (Szafranski, Smith, Gros, & Resick, 2017). Few studies exist that have directly assessed acceptability of internet-based treatments for psychological disorders, as a whole, in terms of treatment preferences, expectations, usability, and satisfaction (Campos et al, 2018). It is important to understand more about acceptability of i-CBT interventions for PTSD given that it is a relatively new treatment in this population, and given that acceptability is a factor likely to affect implementation (Wallin, Mattsson, & Olsson, 2016).…”

Development and validation of an online treatment program for adjustment disorders - Desarrollo y validación de un programa de tratamiento online para los trastornos adaptativos

“…In addition, despite a greater preference for face-to-face interventions, people also express interest in internet-delivered interventions, indicating that these interventions result attractive and, therefore, can be a feasible and effective treatment alternative. The high satisfaction among patients who complete the interventionCampos et al, 2018;Richards et al, 2016) also supports the clinical potential of internet-delivered interventions for treating mental disorders.…”

Analysis and Development of a Platform for Generating Context-Aware Apps for Mental Health

“…Studying acceptability and usability of an ICT has to take into account a very specific conceptualization inside the user experience, exploring the ease of use of a product by a specific user with clearly defined context and goals with the aim of enhancing the ICT development. Even though few studies have addressed this topic [357,361,362], the before mentioned ICTs have shown to be well-supported regarding acceptability issues.…”

“…Along with the technology itself and the clinical effectiveness, the issue of acceptability of the technologyguided treatment is important when considering whether or not the use of ICT will affect the therapeutic adherence and outcomes [354]. Acceptability refers to the degree to which users are satisfied or at ease with the service and willing to use it [355] and influences whether a treatment is perceived as fair and reasonable, appropriate, and non-intrusive in addressing a problem [356,357]. In the Technology Appraisal Guidance from the United Kingdom, it is considered a priority to properly assess intervention acceptability in treatments and the variables linked to it; expectations, satisfaction, and usability.…”

“…Even though few studies have addressed this topic [357,361,362], the before mentioned ICTs have shown to be well-supported regarding acceptability issues.…”