Positive patient influence in Internet-based psychological therapy

Internet-based treatment has been widely introduced in primary care and is today one of the alternatives to, for example, on-site talk therapy with a psychologist for problems such as anxiety. A new thesis shows positive results when it comes to including the patient in large parts of the planning of this type of treatment.

Among patients who were given the opportunity to themselves influence their treatment plan, such as the length of the treatment and the content based on different treatment episodes, greater improvements in anxiety symptoms were seen at the end of the treatment.

– The results speak for tailored and person-centred care. It shows that patients’ participation and influence over their treatment are central factors in promoting health and well-being, says Linnea Nisslingwho is a licensed psychologist and the author of the thesis.

Together with her colleagues, Linnea Nissling carried out, among other things a randomized clinical trial there patients in primary care in the Västra Götaland region were randomly divided into two different treatment groups. In the study 55 adults who suffered participated of problems with anxiety. Half of the participants underwent a standardized version of Internet-based therapy, while half were given the opportunity to choose and customize their treatment. In addition to the positive effects of patient empowerment on patients’ anxiety levels, the results show that patients who were given influence actually also reported an increased sense of control.

– We can only speculate as to why patient influence led to lower anxiety levels. But it could be that increased control leads to increased motivation through the therapy, which could explain the positive results of it, says Linnea Nissling.

In a further randomized study, Linnea Nissling and her colleagues investigated an internet-based treatment program that focuses on strengthening the patients’ own values ​​and letting them guide the treatment. The participants were 52 young people aged 15 to 19 from all over Sweden who suffered from problems with anxiety. They were randomly assigned to either a treatment group or a waiting list. The treatment both reduced the number of people who met criteria for an anxiety diagnosis after treatment and increased self-reported quality of life and the ability to act flexibly based on the situation and based on long-term values.

Overall, the studies show the need to strengthen patients’ influence in their own care.

– More trials are needed that confirm our results but based on our studies I would advise healthcare professionals working with Internet-based therapy to include patients in the planning. It can provide tangible improvements in their well-being and treatment outcomes, says Linnea Nissling.

Contact:
Linnea Nissling: [email protected]

By: Sofia Calderon