The following is a summary of “Integrating digital and in-person therapy for PTSD: feasibility and acceptability of blended trauma-focused cognitive therapy in routine care,” published in the September 2024 issue of Psychiatry by Lundin et al.
Access to evidence-based psychological therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remains limited. Blended Trauma-focused Cognitive Therapy (bTF-CT), which integrates internet-based modules with a limited number of therapy sessions, offers a potential solution to improve treatment accessibility while preserving the advantages of in-person therapy.
Researchers conducted a prospective study to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of bTF-CT for PTSD routine care. The study also aimed to assess the feasibility of conducting assessments and collecting data throughout the treatment process.
They used a single-arm design, providing bTF-CT to 17 participants across three clinics. Assessments were done before, during, after, and six months post-treatment. Feasibility and acceptability were gauged through questionnaires, retention, and attrition rates. PTSD symptom severity was measured using the PTSD symptom Checklist (PCL-5).
The results showed that the satisfaction rate with treatment was high, with an average score of 28.7 out of 32 on the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (SD=3.5). Retention was strong at 88%, and adherence ranged from 2.13 to 3.13 out of 4. On the PCL-5, 88% showed reliable change, 64% showed a clinically significant improvement, and the average symptom reduction was 24 points (d=2.13). Some participants reported temporary adverse effects like unpleasant memories, feelings, and disrupted sleep.
Investigators concluded that bTF-CT is acceptable, feasible, and efficacious in routine care settings. An extensive trial was suggested to compare its effectiveness with gold-standard treatments.
Source: frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1447651/full
