scholarly journals Techniques for Improving Communication of Emotional Content in Text-Only Web-Based Therapeutic Communications: Systematic Review

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. e46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Louise Paul ◽  
Martine Elizabeth Cox ◽  
Hannah Julie Small ◽  
Allison W Boyes ◽  
Lorna O'Brien ◽  
...  

Background Web-based typed exchanges are increasingly used by professionals to provide emotional support to patients. Although some empirical evidence exists to suggest that various strategies may be used to convey emotion during Web-based text communication, there has been no critical review of these data in patients with chronic conditions. Objectives The objective of this review was to identify the techniques used to convey emotion in written or typed Web-based communication and assess the empirical evidence regarding impact on communication and psychological outcomes. Methods An electronic search of databases, including MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library was conducted to identify literature published from 1990 to 2016. Searches were also conducted using Google Scholar, manual searching of reference lists of identified papers and manual searching of tables of contents for selected relevant journals. Data extraction and coding were completed by 2 reviewers (10.00% [573/5731] of screened papers, at abstract/title screening stage; 10.0% of screened [69/694] papers, at full-text screening stage). Publications were assessed against the eligibility criteria and excluded if they were duplicates, were not published in English, were published before 1990, referenced animal or nonhuman subjects, did not describe original research, were not journal papers, or did not empirically test the effect of one or more nonverbal communication techniques (for eg, smileys, emoticons, emotional bracketing, voice accentuation, trailers [ellipsis], and pseudowords) as part of Web-based or typed communication on communication-related variables, including message interpretation, social presence, the nature of the interaction (eg, therapeutic alliance), patient perceptions of the interaction (eg, participant satisfaction), or psychological outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and distress. Results A total of 6902 unique publications were identified. Of these, six publications met the eligibility criteria and were included in a narrative synthesis. All six studies addressed the effect of smileys or emoticons on participant responses, message interpretation, or social presence of the writer. None of these studies specifically targeted chronic conditions. It was found that emoticons were more effective in influencing the emotional impact of a message than no cue and that smileys and emoticons were able to convey a limited amount of emotion. No studies addressed other techniques for conveying emotion in written communication. No studies addressed the effects of any techniques on the nature of the interaction (eg, therapeutic alliance), patient perceptions of the interaction (eg, participant satisfaction), or psychological outcomes (depression, anxiety, or distress). Conclusions There is a need for greater empirical attention to the effects of the various proposed techniques for conveying emotion in Web-based typed communications to inform health service providers regarding best-practice communication skills in this setting.

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. e033305 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Alley ◽  
Jannique GZ van Uffelen ◽  
Stephanie Schoeppe ◽  
Lynne Parkinson ◽  
Susan Hunt ◽  
...  

IntroductionPhysical activity is an integral part of healthy ageing, yet the majority of older adults 65+ years are not sufficiently active. Web-based physical activity interventions hold much promise to reach older adults. Preliminary evidence suggests that web-based interventions with tailored advice and Fitbits may be well suited for older adults.Methods and analysisThis study aims to test the effectiveness of ‘Active for Life’, a 12-week computer-tailored web-based physical activity intervention using Fitbits for older adults. We will recruit 300 participants who will be randomly assigned to one of three trial arms: (1) web-based physical activity intervention with tailored advice only, (2) web-based physical activity intervention with tailored advice and Fitbit or (3) a wait-list control. The primary outcome, objective moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and secondary outcomes of objective sedentary behaviour, objective sleep, quality of life, social support, physical function and satisfaction with life will be assessed at baseline and week 12. The secondary outcomes of self-reported physical activity, sitting time and sleep will be assessed at baseline, week 6, 12 and 24. Website usability and participant satisfaction will be assessed at week 12 and website usage and intervention fidelity will be assessed from week 1 to 24. Intention-to-treat linear mixed model analyses will be used to test for group (tailoring only, tailoring +Fitbit, control) differences on changes in the main outcome, MVPA and secondary outcomes. Generalised linear models will be used to compare intervention groups (tailoring only, tailoring +Fitbit) on website usability, participant satisfaction, website usage and intervention fidelity.Ethics and disseminationThe study has received ethics approval from the Central Queensland University Human Research Ethics Committee (H16/12-321). Study outcomes will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and academic conferences and used to inform improvements and dissemination of a tailored, web-based physical activity intervention for adults 65+ years.Trial registration numberAustralian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry Number: ACTRN12618000646246


2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. e14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miriam Thiel Ashford ◽  
Ellinor K Olander ◽  
Susan Ayers

Background One relatively new and increasingly popular approach of increasing access to treatment is Web-based intervention programs. The advantage of Web-based approaches is the accessibility, affordability, and anonymity of potentially evidence-based treatment. Despite much research evidence on the effectiveness of Web-based interventions for anxiety found in the literature, little is known about what is publically available for potential consumers on the Web. Objective Our aim was to explore what a consumer searching the Web for Web-based intervention options for anxiety-related issues might find. The objectives were to identify currently publically available Web-based intervention programs for anxiety and to synthesize and review these in terms of (1) website characteristics such as credibility and accessibility; (2) intervention program characteristics such as intervention focus, design, and presentation modes; (3) therapeutic elements employed; and (4) published evidence of efficacy. Methods Web keyword searches were carried out on three major search engines (Google, Bing, and Yahoo—UK platforms). For each search, the first 25 hyperlinks were screened for eligible programs. Included were programs that were designed for anxiety symptoms, currently publically accessible on the Web, had an online component, a structured treatment plan, and were available in English. Data were extracted for website characteristics, program characteristics, therapeutic characteristics, as well as empirical evidence. Programs were also evaluated using a 16-point rating tool. Results The search resulted in 34 programs that were eligible for review. A wide variety of programs for anxiety, including specific anxiety disorders, and anxiety in combination with stress, depression, or anger were identified and based predominantly on cognitive behavioral therapy techniques. The majority of websites were rated as credible, secure, and free of advertisement. The majority required users to register and/or to pay a program access fee. Half of the programs offered some form of paid therapist or professional support. Programs varied in treatment length and number of modules and employed a variety of presentation modes. Relatively few programs had published research evidence of the intervention’s efficacy. Conclusions This review represents a snapshot of available Web-based intervention programs for anxiety that could be found by consumers in March 2015. The consumer is confronted with a diversity of programs, which makes it difficult to identify an appropriate program. Limited reports and existence of empirical evidence for efficacy make it even more challenging to identify credible and reliable programs. This highlights the need for consistent guidelines and standards on developing, providing, and evaluating Web-based interventions and platforms with reliable up-to-date information for professionals and consumers about the characteristics, quality, and accessibility of Web-based interventions.


2021 ◽  
pp. 10.1212/CPJ.0000000000001034
Author(s):  
Paul J. Ford ◽  
Robert J. Fox ◽  
Mary Beth Mercer ◽  
Stacey S. Cofield

Abstract:Objective:To assess perceptions and opinions about the FDA approval process for disease modifying therapies (DMT) in people living with multiple sclerosis (MS).Methods:People living with MS were invited to complete a web-based survey of their perceptions of the FDA role and process for approval of MS medications. The survey asked about the role of the FDA, factors involved in the approval process, which voices should represent those with MS in deliberations about drug approval, and the level of comfort with uncertain safety of newly-approved therapies.Results:3533 respondents met inclusion criteria for data analysis. Most respondents appeared to understand the role of the FDA, although only half understood a fundamental FDA role: balancing the risks and benefits when considering drug approval. Significant differences were observed in many areas between those who have and have not tried DMTs. Comfort with uncertainty was associated with several factors relating to side effects and benefits thought important for the FDA to consider. Most respondents reported that people who participated in the medication’s clinical trial were particularly able to represent people living with MS.Conclusion:Perceptions regarding the FDA and views of who should represent people living with MS varied between those who have and have not tried DMT. There is variability in personal values that should be recognized and taken into account when considering regulatory responsibilities. Interventions are needed to address educational gaps regarding the mission and trustworthiness of the FDA as an oversight body.


Author(s):  
Richard D. Johnson

Although previous research has suggested that women may be at a learning disadvantage in e-learning environments, this study examines communication differences between women and men, arguing that women’s communication patterns may provide them with a learning advantage. Using data from 303 males and 252 females, this paper discusses gender differences in course communication processes and course outcomes in a web-based introductory information systems course. Results indicate that women communicated more, perceived the environment to have greater social presence, were more satisfied with the course, found the course to be of greater value, and had marginally better performance than men. Despite the challenges facing women in e-learning environments, the results of this study suggest that e-learning environments that allow for peer to peer communication and connectedness can help females overcome some of these disadvantages. Implications for research and practice are also discussed.


Author(s):  
Arindam Basu ◽  
Billy O’ Steen ◽  
Mary Allan

Education is essentially a social phenomenon. As such, a social constructivist approach to teaching and learning is highly applicable to all disciplines and especially medicine where most graduates are required to deeply engage with society and need to communicate with a diverse array of people as part of their professional responsibilities. While traditional models of medical education are predicated on the establishment of face-to-face interactions, particularly within teaching hospital settings and residencies, there may be some opportunities to utilize current developments in online social networking technologies to enhance students’ and instructors’ experiences {references}. A review of social networking in the professional preparation of medical students and their subsequent practices would be helpful in determining the viability of such an approach. In this chapter, we provide a review of two key concepts of online social learning (social presence and media richness), explore how they can be implemented in the current wave of web based collaboration tools, and indicate their place in medical education. We provide a few examplars of how educators are incorporating web based or online social tools in student learning in the context of medical education and indicate some ways to extend this approach further.


Author(s):  
Koon-Ying Raymond Li ◽  
James Sofra

With the exponential growth in desktop computing power and advancements in Web-based technologies over the past decade, the virtual community is now a reality. The latest derivative of the virtual community, made possible by 3D avatars, is called the collaborative virtual environment (CVE). These CVEs often provide “fantasy-themed online worlds” for participants to socially interact. Instead of placing emphasis on teamplaying, the sharing of information, and collaborative activities, a CVE focuses on social presence and communication processes. Unlike virtual environments which allow participants to discuss what is going on in the real world, the participants’ experiences of the virtual world provided by the CVE are often the main topics for discussion. These CVEs, just like their real counterparts, have their own issues and problems. This article will analyze the potential benefits of avatars, helping to build virtual communities and explore the possible issues that are associated with the CVE.


2003 ◽  
pp. 21-33
Author(s):  
Kathy S. Lassila ◽  
Kris Howell

The Web-based delivery of online IS baccalaureate programs is a recent innovation. While IS researchers have identified a number of key factors related to the effective online delivery of individual courses, little empirical evidence exists to suggest “best practices” in the development and delivery of a complete four-year IS online degree program. This chapter examines and synthesizes IS education criteria from two sources: the Computer Sciences Accreditation Commission, which recently established criteria for accrediting programs in information systems, and the Regional Accrediting Commissions, which issued guidelines for the evaluation of electronically offered degree and certificate programs. The result is a set of guidelines that act as a framework for the development of online baccalaureate programs in computer information systems that addresses both IS and online accreditation requirements.


2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. e100063
Author(s):  
Ana Paula Cupertino ◽  
Francisco Cartujano-Barrera ◽  
Fernando Antonio Basile Colugnati ◽  
Taynara Dutra Batista Formagini ◽  
Arise Garcia de Siqueira Galil ◽  
...  

ObjectiveTo assess the feasibility of Pare de fumar conosco, a web-based smoking cessation decision-making tool, among patients with chronic conditions in Brazil.MethodsWe recruited 85 Brazilian smokers in two clinical centres for chronic conditions to complete Pare de fumar conosco. Outcome measures included interest in using smoking cessation resources and self-reported 7-day point prevalence abstinence 12 weeks following the intervention.ResultsThe average age of participants was 54.2 years old (SD=10.5) and 77.9% had not completed high school. All participants were daily smokers and the majority smoked ≥11 cigarettes per day (63.5%). Pre–post intervention interest in using pharmacotherapy and group counselling significantly increased (82.4% vs 22.4%, p≤0.0001; and 85.9% vs 21.2%, p≤0.0001, respectively). At 12 weeks, eight participants (9.4%) reported 7-day point prevalence abstinence using intention-to-treat analysis (35.2% follow-up rate).ConclusionThe Pare de fumar conosco smoking cessation web-based tool significantly increased interest in pharmacotherapy and behavioural counselling. Additional testing as a formal randomised clinical trial appears warranted.


Author(s):  
Santo Di Nuovo

The paper presents a review of the therapist's role and characteristics with reference to issues regarding general and specific training, theoretical and personal background, the capacity to initiate and maintain therapeutic alliance, the setting, differences between "novices" and "experts", the need for the clinical psychologist to be an active researcher within his/her practice. The concept of "responsibility" as effective integration of technical competencies and ethical values is outlined. Each of these issues is accompanied by a brief synthesis of the research evidence.


2015 ◽  
Vol 96 (10) ◽  
pp. e43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pallavi Sood ◽  
Sergio Romero ◽  
Craig Velozo ◽  
Ann Gruber-Baldini ◽  
Lisa Shulman

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