Becoming an eCoach: Training therapists in online cognitive-behavioral therapy for chronic pain. Issue 9 (September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Terpstra, Jessy A.; van der Vaart, Rosalie; Spillekom-van Koulil, Saskia; van Dam, Arno; Rosmalen, Judith G.M.; Knoop, Hans; van Middendorp, Henriët; Evers, Andrea W.M.
• Is Part Of: Patient education and counseling. Volume 101:Issue 9(2018)
• Page Start: 1702
• Page End: 1707
• Publication Date: 2018-09
• Subjects: iCBT internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy -- TDF Theoretical Domains Framework -- DIBQ Determinants of Implementation Behavior Questionnaire -- HR-QoL health-related quality of life -- MREC Medical Research Ethics Committee -- LUMC Leiden University Medical Center -- IBM SPSS Statistics 23 International Business Machines Corporation Statistical Package for the Social Science 23; E-health -- Therapist training -- Technology acceptance model -- Implementation -- Online cognitive-behavioral therapy; 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.2018.03.029
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0738-3991

Abstract

Highlights: A therapist training in online cognitive-behavioral therapy (iCBT) was developed. Training iCBT skills was emphasized, such as writing motivational feedback messages. Therapists showed positive implementation intentions after training. Organizational support is essential for an effective implementation. Abstract: Objective: Online cognitive-behavioral therapy (iCBT) is effective in supporting patients' self-management. Since iCBT differs from face-to-face CBT on several levels, proper training of therapists is essential. This paper describes the development and evaluation of a therapist training based on theoretical domains that are known to influence implementation behavior, for an iCBT for chronic pain. Methods: The training consists of 1.5 days and covers the implementation domains "knowledge", "skills", "motivation", and "organization", by focusing on the therapy's rationale, iCBT skills, and implementation strategies. Using an evaluation questionnaire, implementation determinants (therapist characteristics, e-health attitude, and implementation domains) and iCBT acceptance were assessed among participants after training. Results: Twenty-two therapists participated, who generally showed positive e-health attitudes, positive implementation expectations, and high iCBT acceptance. Organizational aspects (e.g., policy regarding iCBT implementation) were rated neutrally. Conclusions: An iCBT therapist training was developed and initial evaluations among participants showed favorable implementation intentions. Practice implications: Therapists' positive training evaluations are promising regarding the dissemination of iCBT in daily practice. Organizational support is vital and needs to be attended to when selecting organizations for iCBT implementation.