A systematic review and meta-analysis of written self-administered psychosocial interventions among adults with a physical illness. Issue 12 (December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lambert, Sylvie D.; Beatty, Lisa; McElduff, Patrick; Levesque, Janelle V.; Lawsin, Catalina; Jacobsen, Paul; Turner, Jane; Girgis, Afaf
• Is Part Of: Patient education and counseling. Volume 100:Issue 12(2017)
• Page Start: 2200
• Page End: 2217
• Publication Date: 2017-12
• Subjects: Self-help -- Anxiety -- Depression -- Chronic disease self-management -- Meta-analysis -- Knowledge translation; Patient education -- Periodicals; Health counseling -- Periodicals; Health education -- Periodicals; Counseling -- Periodicals; Patient Education -- Periodicals; Éducation des patients -- Périodiques; Counseling -- Périodiques; Éducation sanitaire -- Périodiques; 615.5071
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2017.06.039
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0738-3991

Abstract

Highlights: Statistically and clinically significant effects for primary outcomes (anxiety & depression). Significant results for secondary outcomes of distress and self-efficacy. Results not significant for QOL and it domains (mental, physical, and social functioning). Guided interventions more efficacious than purely self-administered for anxiety. Depression reduced regardless whether the intervention is purely self-administered or guided. Abstract: Objective: The cost of implementing professionally-led psychosocial interventions has limited their integration into routine care. To enhance the translation of effective psychosocial interventions in routine care, a self-administered format is sometimes used. The meta-analysis examined the efficacy ofwritten self-administered, psychosocial interventions to improve outcomes among individuals with a physical illness. Methods: Studies comparing a written self-administered intervention to a control group were identified through electronic databases searching. Pooled effect sizes were calculated across follow-up time points using random-effects models. Studies were also categorised according to three levels of guidance (self-administered, minimal contact, or guided) to examine the effect of this variable on outcomes. Results: Forty manuscripts were retained for the descriptive review and 28 for the meta-analysis. Findings were significant for anxiety, depression, distress, and self-efficacy. Results were not significant for quality of life and related domains as well as coping. Purely self-administered interventions were efficacious for depression, distress, and self-efficacy; only guided interventions had an impact on anxiety. Conclusions: Findings showed that written self-administered interventions show promise across a number of outcomes. Practice implications: Self-administered interventions are a potentially efficacious and cost-effective approach to address some of the most common needs of patients with a physical illness.