Becoming an eCoach: Training therapists in online cognitive-behavioral therapy for chronic pain

Jessy A Terpstra; Rosalie van der Vaart; Saskia Spillekom-van Koulil; Arno van Dam; Judith G M Rosmalen; Hans Knoop; Henriët van Middendorp; Andrea W M Evers

doi:10.1016/j.pec.2018.03.029

Becoming an eCoach: Training therapists in online cognitive-behavioral therapy for chronic pain

Patient Educ Couns. 2018 Sep;101(9):1702-1707. doi: 10.1016/j.pec.2018.03.029. Epub 2018 Apr 7.

Authors

Jessy A Terpstra¹, Rosalie van der Vaart², Saskia Spillekom-van Koulil³, Arno van Dam⁴, Judith G M Rosmalen⁵, Hans Knoop⁶, Henriët van Middendorp⁷, Andrea W M Evers⁸

Affiliations

¹ Institute of Psychology, Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 52, PO Box 9555, 2300 RB, Leiden, The Netherlands. Electronic address: j.a.terpstra@fsw.leidenuniv.nl.
² Institute of Psychology, Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 52, PO Box 9555, 2300 RB, Leiden, The Netherlands. Electronic address: r.van.der.vaart@fsw.leidenuniv.nl.
³ Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen, Department of Medical Psychology Nijmegen, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB, The Netherlands. Electronic address: Saskia.Spillekom-vanKoulil@radboudumc.nl.
⁴ Tilburg University, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, PO Box 90153, 5000 LE, Tranzo, Tilburg, The Netherlands. Electronic address: a.vandam@uvt.nl.
⁵ University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Departments of Psychiatry and Internal Medicine, PO Box 30001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands. Electronic address: j.g.m.rosmalen@umcg.nl.
⁶ Academic Medical Center, Department of Medical Psychology, PO Box 22660, 1100 DD, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Electronic address: hans.knoop@amc.uva.nl.
⁷ Institute of Psychology, Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 52, PO Box 9555, 2300 RB, Leiden, The Netherlands. Electronic address: h.van.middendorp@fsw.leidenuniv.nl.
⁸ Institute of Psychology, Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 52, PO Box 9555, 2300 RB, Leiden, The Netherlands; Leiden University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands. Electronic address: a.evers@fsw.leidenuniv.nl.

PMID: 29661704
DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2018.03.029

Abstract

Objective: Online cognitive-behavioral therapy (iCBT) is effective in supporting patients' self-management. Since iCBT differs from face-to-face CBT on several levels, proper training of therapists is essential. This paper describes the development and evaluation of a therapist training based on theoretical domains that are known to influence implementation behavior, for an iCBT for chronic pain.

Methods: The training consists of 1.5 days and covers the implementation domains "knowledge", "skills", "motivation", and "organization", by focusing on the therapy's rationale, iCBT skills, and implementation strategies. Using an evaluation questionnaire, implementation determinants (therapist characteristics, e-health attitude, and implementation domains) and iCBT acceptance were assessed among participants after training.

Results: Twenty-two therapists participated, who generally showed positive e-health attitudes, positive implementation expectations, and high iCBT acceptance. Organizational aspects (e.g., policy regarding iCBT implementation) were rated neutrally.

Conclusions: An iCBT therapist training was developed and initial evaluations among participants showed favorable implementation intentions.

Practice implications: Therapists' positive training evaluations are promising regarding the dissemination of iCBT in daily practice. Organizational support is vital and needs to be attended to when selecting organizations for iCBT implementation.

Keywords: E-health; Implementation; Online cognitive-behavioral therapy; Technology acceptance model; Therapist training.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adult
Attitude of Health Personnel*
Chronic Pain / psychology
Chronic Pain / therapy*
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / education*
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / methods*
Female
Humans
Internet*
Male
Middle Aged
Netherlands
Telemedicine