scholarly journals Blending Cognitive Analytic Therapy with a digital support tool: co-design of a prototype application (Preprint)

Author(s):  
Katherine Easton ◽  
Stephen Kellett ◽  
Martin Cooper ◽  
Abigail Millings ◽  
Jo Varela ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND As patients can struggle to make good use of psychotherapy due to deficits in awareness, digital technologies that support awareness are at a premium. Currently, when patients participate in cognitive analytic therapy (CAT), the technology supporting relational awareness work has been via completion of paper-based worksheets as between-session tasks. OBJECTIVE To co-design, with therapists and patients, a prototype digital mobile application. This was to help patients better engage in the ‘recognition’ phase of the CAT treatment model, through providing an unobtrusive means for practicing relational awareness with dynamic feedback on progress. METHODS A national online survey with CAT therapists (n = 50) to determine readiness for adoption of a mobile application in clinical practice, identify core content, functionality and potential barriers to adoption. A prototype mobile-app based on these data and the existing paper-based worksheets was built. Initial face-to-face user testing of the prototype system was completed with N=3 therapists and N=3 ex-CAT patients. RESULTS Of therapists surveyed, 72% reported not currently using any digital tools during CAT. However, the potential value of a mobile app to support patient awareness was widely endorsed. Areas of therapist’s concern were data security, data governance and equality of access. These concerns were mirrored during subsequent user-testing by CAT therapists. Ex-patients generated additional user specifications on the design, functionality and usability of the app. Results from both streams were integrated to produce five key changes for the reiteration of the app. CONCLUSIONS The co-design process has enabled a prototype ‘CAT-app’ to be developed to enhance the relational awareness work of CAT This means that patients can now practice relational awareness in a much more unobtrusive manner and with ongoing dynamic feedback of progress. Testing the acceptability and feasibility of this technological innovation in clinical practice is the next stage in the research process, which has since been conducted and is in submission (Kellett et al). Important challenges of data protection and governance must be navigated in order to ensure implementation and adoption, should the CAT-app be found to be acceptable and clinically effective.

10.2196/20213 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. e20213
Author(s):  
Katherine Easton ◽  
Stephen Kellett ◽  
Martin Cooper ◽  
Abigail Millings ◽  
Jo Varela ◽  
...  

Background Patients can struggle to make good use of psychotherapy owing to deficits in awareness, and digital technologies that support awareness are at a premium. Currently, when patients participate in cognitive analytic therapy (CAT), the technology supporting relational awareness work involves completion of paper-based worksheets as between-session tasks. Objective We aimed to design, with therapists and patients, a prototype digital mobile app. This was to help patients better engage in the “recognition” phase of the CAT treatment model by providing an unobtrusive means for practicing relational awareness with dynamic feedback on progress. Methods A national online survey was conducted with CAT therapists (n=50) to determine readiness for adoption of a mobile app in clinical practice and to identify core content, functionality, and potential barriers to adoption. A prototype mobile app based on data and existing paper-based worksheets was built. Initial face-to-face user testing of the prototype system was completed with three therapists and three CAT expatients. Results Among the therapists surveyed, 72% (36/50) reported not currently using any digital tools during CAT. However, the potential value of a mobile app to support patient awareness was widely endorsed. Areas of therapist concern were data security, data governance, and equality of access. These concerns were mirrored during subsequent user testing by CAT therapists. Expatients generated additional user specifications on the design, functionality, and usability of the app. Results from both streams were integrated to produce five key changes for the reiteration of the app. Conclusions The user-centered design process has enabled a prototype CAT-App to be developed to enhance the relational awareness work of CAT. This means that patients can now practice relational awareness in a much more unobtrusive manner and with ongoing dynamic feedback of progress. Testing the acceptability and feasibility of this technological innovation in clinical practice is the next stage in the research process, which has since been conducted and has been submitted. The important challenges of data protection and governance must be navigated in order to ensure implementation and adoption if the CAT-App is found to be acceptable and clinically effective.


2017 ◽  
Vol 111 (4) ◽  
pp. 307-323 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nora Griffin-Shirley ◽  
Devender R. Banda ◽  
Paul M. Ajuwon ◽  
Jongpil Cheon ◽  
Jaehoon Lee ◽  
...  

Introduction The literature indicates that few studies have been conducted with persons with visual impairments (that is, those who are blind or have low vision) concerning mobile application or “app” usage. The current study explores the use of mobile apps with this population globally. Methods A total of 259 participants with visual impairments completed an online survey. Descriptive statistics and bivariate tests were used to examine associations between demographic characteristics and mobile app use. Results The participants rated special apps as useful (95.4%) and accessible (91.1%) tools for individuals with visual impairments. More than 90% of the middle-aged adult group strongly agreed with the practicality of special apps, a significantly higher percentage than was observed in the young and old adult groups. In addition, the participants with low vision considered special apps less accessible than did those with blindness (p < .05). Discussion Results show that persons with visual impairments frequently use apps specifically designed for them to accomplish daily activities. Furthermore, this population is satisfied with mobile apps and would like to see improvements and new apps. Implications for practitioners Developers of apps for individuals with visual impairments need to refine and test the existing apps. Practitioners need to be knowledgeable about app usage so they can provide effective instruction to their students or clients. This study provides preliminary information regarding app usage among persons with visual impairments.


10.2196/27159 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. e27159
Author(s):  
Stephen Kellett ◽  
Katherine Easton ◽  
Martin Cooper ◽  
Abigail Millings ◽  
Melanie Simmonds-Buckley ◽  
...  


10.2196/19888 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. e19888
Author(s):  
Stephen Kellett ◽  
Katherine Easton ◽  
Martin Cooper ◽  
Abigail Millings ◽  
Melanie Simmonds-Buckley ◽  
...  

Background There has been a lack of technological innovation regarding improving the delivery of integrative psychotherapies. This project sought to evaluate an app designed to replace previous paper-based methods supporting relational awareness and change during cognitive analytic therapy (CAT). Objective We aimed to assess patients’ and therapists’ experience of using the technology (ie, the “CAT-App”) and to evaluate the relationship between app usage and clinical outcome. Methods The design was a mixed methods case series. Patients completed the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation-Outcome Measure pre- and post-CAT. Mood data plus the frequency and effectiveness of relational awareness and change were collected via the app. Therapists and patients were interviewed about their experiences using the app. Results Ten patients (treated by 3 therapists) were enrolled; seven completed treatment and 4 had a reliable improvement in their mental health. App usage and mood change did not differ according to clinical outcome, but there was a statistically significant difference in app usage between completers and dropouts. The qualitative themes described by the therapists were (1) the challenge of incorporating the technology into their clinical practice and (2) the barriers and benefits of the technology. Clients’ themes were (1) data protection, (2) motivation and engagement, and (3) restrictions versus flexibility. Conclusions The CAT-App is capable of supporting relational awareness and change and is an upgrade on older, paper-based formats. Further clinical evaluation is required.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Kellett ◽  
Katherine Easton ◽  
Martin Cooper ◽  
Abigail Millings ◽  
Melanie Simmonds-Buckley ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND There has been a lack of technological innovation regarding improving the delivery of integrative psychotherapies. This project sought to evaluate an app designed to replace previous paper-based methods supporting relational awareness and change during cognitive analytic therapy (CAT). OBJECTIVE We aimed to assess patients’ and therapists’ experience of using the technology (ie, the “CAT-App”) and to evaluate the relationship between app usage and clinical outcome. METHODS The design was a mixed methods case series. Patients completed the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation-Outcome Measure pre- and post-CAT. Mood data plus the frequency and effectiveness of relational awareness and change were collected via the app. Therapists and patients were interviewed about their experiences using the app. RESULTS Ten patients (treated by 3 therapists) were enrolled; seven completed treatment and 4 had a reliable improvement in their mental health. App usage and mood change did not differ according to clinical outcome, but there was a statistically significant difference in app usage between completers and dropouts. The qualitative themes described by the therapists were (1) the challenge of incorporating the technology into their clinical practice and (2) the barriers and benefits of the technology. Clients’ themes were (1) data protection, (2) motivation and engagement, and (3) restrictions versus flexibility. CONCLUSIONS The CAT-App is capable of supporting relational awareness and change and is an upgrade on older, paper-based formats. Further clinical evaluation is required.


PRiMER ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Farrell ◽  
Roland Grad ◽  
Pam Howell ◽  
Tammie Quast ◽  
Emily Reeve

Introduction: We developed a new channel on a mobile app as a continuing education tool to augment the use of deprescribing guideline content in clinical practice. In this research brief, we describe the reach and adoption of channel content, as well as user feedback. Methods: Using Google Analytics, we counted page views of the website (deprescribing.org) where the app was promoted. We calculated total app downloads, monthly active users, and guideline-specific page views. Users were invited to complete the embedded Information Assessment Method (IAM) Questionnaire to obtain feedback on the value of information presented on the Deprescribing Channel. Results: Between March 2, 2019 and November 30, 2019, we documented 9,454 page views of the promotional web page across 40 countries. The Deprescribing Channel was downloaded 3,256 times with an average of 464 monthly users. In total, the guidelines on this channel were accessed 14,377 times with 49,721 views across all guideline pages. Thirty-seven IAM questionnaires were completed. Thirty-two responses indicated this deprescribing information was relevant for at least one of their patients. Regarding educational outcomes, 22 responses were of learning something new and/or being motivated to learn more. Conclusion: We documented international interest in a mobile app providing continuing education on deprescribing. App users generated sustained page views over the study period. Feedback from a small number of users was positive with the majority finding the content relevant, educational, and applicable to patient care. Further work is needed to improve the usability of the embedded feedback questionnaire and to evaluate its value in supporting learning. 


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdulelah Mastour Aldhahir ◽  
Jaber Saud Alqahtani ◽  
Malik A. Althobiani ◽  
Saeed M. Alghamdi ◽  
Abeer F. Alanazi ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Background: The Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH) decided to enhance telemedicine provision by introducing the Seha mobile app; however, the perception of the Seha app has not been extensively explored from the perspective of the general population OBJECTIVE This study aims to explore the current knowledge, satisfaction, and barriers to the use of the Seha app among the general population in Saudi Arabia. METHODS A cross-sectional online survey was distributed among the general population of Saudi Arabia. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the respondents’ characteristics. Categorical variables were reported as frequencies and percentages. A chi-square (χ2) test was conducted to assess the statistical difference between respondents’ demographic characteristics and their knowledge and use of the Seha app. RESULTS 2,921 (58%) of the respondents had heard of the app, although only 1,286 (25%) had used Seha. Higher users were noticed among those above 51 years of age and females, 67 (35%) and 804 (28%), respectively. Highest Seha users were from the western region, 388 (29%: P <0.05). Consulting a doctor was the most frequently used service, 576 (58%). Respondents strongly agreed, 402 (41%), or agreed, 470 (48%), that Seha was easy to use. Moreover, 538 (54%) strongly agreed and 343 (35%) agreed that they would recommend Seha to others. The most common barrier to using the Seha app was a lack of knowledge about the app and its benefits, 1,556 (35%). CONCLUSIONS Conclusion: Utilization of the Seha app in Saudi Arabia is very low due to a lack of knowledge about the app and its benefits. Demographic factors and awareness were predictors for higher utilization. Seha was easy to use, and the majority would recommend it to others. Future studies are needed to explore the factors associated with the low rate of use.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Kellett ◽  
Katherine Easton ◽  
Martin Cooper ◽  
Abigail Millings ◽  
Melanie Simmonds-Buckley ◽  
...  

UNSTRUCTURED REMOVE


2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-101
Author(s):  
Ronnie E. Baticulon ◽  
Michael C. Dewan ◽  
Nunthasiri Wittayanakorn ◽  
Philipp R. Aldana ◽  
Wirginia J. Maixner

OBJECTIVEThere are limited data on the pediatric neurosurgical workforce in Asia and Australasia. The training and clinical practice of pediatric neurosurgeons need to be characterized in order to identify gaps in knowledge and skills, thereby establishing a framework from which to elevate pediatric neurosurgical care in the region.METHODSAn online survey for pediatric neurosurgeons was created in REDCap (Research Electronic Database Capture), collecting demographic information and data on pediatric neurosurgical training and clinical practice. The link to answer the survey was sent to the mailing lists of the Asian Australasian Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery and the Japanese Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery, disseminated during the 2019 Asian Australasian Pediatric Neurosurgery Congress, and spread through social media. The survey was open to neurosurgeons who operated on patients ≤ 18 years old in Asian Australasian countries, whether or not they had completed fellowship training in pediatric neurosurgery. Descriptive statistics were computed and tabulated. Data were stratified and compared based on surgeon training and World Bank income group.RESULTSA total of 155 valid survey responses were analyzed, representing neurosurgeons from 21 countries. A total of 107 (69%) considered themselves pediatric neurosurgeons, of whom 66 (43%) had completed pediatric neurosurgery training. Neurosurgeons in East Asia commonly undergo a fellowship in their home countries, whereas the rest train mostly in North America, Europe, and Australia. A majority (89%) had operating privileges, and subspecialty pediatric training usually lasted from 6 months to 2 years. On average, trained pediatric neurosurgeons perform a higher number of pediatric neurosurgical operations per year compared with nonpediatric-trained respondents (131 ± 129 vs 56 ± 64 [mean ± SD], p = 0.0001). The mean number of total neurosurgical operations per year is similar for both groups (184 ± 129 vs 178 ± 142 [mean ± SD], p = 0.80). Respondents expressed the desire to train further in pediatric epilepsy, spasticity, vascular malformations, craniofacial disorders, and brain tumors.CONCLUSIONSBoth pediatric and general neurosurgeons provide neurosurgical care to children in Asia and Australasia. There is a need to increase pediatric neurosurgery fellowship programs in the region. Skill sets and training needs in pediatric neurosurgery vary depending on the country’s economic status and between pediatric-trained and nonpediatric-trained surgeons.


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