Investigating the effectiveness of incorporating a stepped care approach into electronically delivered CBT for depression

Introduction Depression is a leading cause of disability, annually affecting up to 300 million people worldwide, yet fewer than one third patients receive care. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) an effective treatment for depression, but there are barriers access therapy. Electronic CBT (e-CBT) can address these barriers, the digital format may reduce personalization and patient compliance. A balanced, hybrid model (i.e., combination e-CBT & supervised care) could make scalable through stepped-care model: care that begins with least resource intensive, effective, method while slowly ‘stepping up’ intensive based on patients’ needs. Objectives -To examine efficacy depression reduction in depressive symptoms. develop decision-making process effectively allocate appropriate level each patient. Methods This single-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT). Participants were either group (n = 53) or stepped 26). Both groups received 12/13-weeks program tailored depression. The was provided secure online mental health clinic called Online Psychotherapy Tool (OPTT). read sessions completed assignments related session. Each participant designated provider who trained research assistant. experimental extra interventions their standard questionnaire scores, textual data. Results Figure 1: average PHQ-9 (A), QLESQ (B), QIDS (C) scores pre-, mid-, post- only * Depressive symptoms: (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) (Quick Inventory Symptomatology) Quality Life Measure: (Quality Enjoyment Satisfaction Questionnaire – Short Form) Image: Conclusions Stepped be reliable delivering targeted future patients. Using this approach, amount receives needs, allowing more efficient usage scarce resources. would also lower general cost By understanding therapeutic needs patient, we use results objective algorithms triage individuals. technique scale capacity without sacrificing quality Disclosure Interest N. Alavi Shareolder of: OPTT inc, M. Omrani J. Jagayat: None Declared, A. Shirazi: Kumar: Pannu: Y. Shao: Declared