Moghimi Elnaz, Gutierrez Gilmar, Stephenson Callum, Gizzarelli Tessa, Jagayat Jasleen, Holmes Christina, Patel Charmy, Omrani Mohsen, Simpson Alexander Ian Frederic, Alavi Nazanin
Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
Waypoint Research Institute, Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, Penetanguishene, ON, Canada.
Front Psychiatry. 2024 Apr 23;15:1365746. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1365746. eCollection 2024.
Correctional workers (CWs) are frequently exposed to potentially traumatic events in the workplace, leading to an increased prevalence of mental health concerns. Online psychotherapy can address many of the barriers CWs face when seeking adequate mental health care. Despite their benefits, CWs' experience using digital mental health interventions is relatively unknown. This information could be valuable in developing enhanced care delivery to improve recruitment, retention, satisfaction, and treatment outcomes.
This study investigated the experiences of a sample of CWs enrolled in a clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of the Online Psychotherapy Tool (OPTT) in this population. Participants were surveyed and interviewed to capture their opinions and feedback on the program. Survey analysis was conducted through Qualtrics statistical analysis software. The interview transcripts and open-ended survey questions were analyzed using thematic analysis methods in NVivo.
Participants (n=14) were cis-gender, predominantly white, with an average age of 38 years. While most respondents preferred in-person therapy, they also reported the benefits of the online psychotherapy program. Specifically, they expressed positive perceptions of the platform, the quality and interaction of their care provider, and the homework assignments and skills learned. Lack of motivation to complete weekly homework assignments was a frequently cited challenge. Unhelpful aspects of the therapy noted issues with the online format and frustration with certain program elements.
Participants expressed a positive outlook on the program, the platform, and treatment outcomes. A preference for in-person therapy was still indicated, demonstrating the need to focus on engagement in digital mental health interventions. In addition, the findings of this study shed light on the factors that can influence help-seeking in this population, including stigma in the work environment, demanding work schedules, workplace perceptions, and previous experiences accessing mental health services.
惩教工作者（CWs）在工作场所经常接触到潜在的创伤性事件，导致心理健康问题的患病率上升。在线心理治疗可以解决惩教工作者在寻求适当心理健康护理时面临的许多障碍。尽管有这些好处，但惩教工作者使用数字心理健康干预措施的经验相对不为人知。这些信息对于开发强化护理服务以改善招募、留存率、满意度和治疗效果可能很有价值。
本研究调查了参与一项评估在线心理治疗工具（OPTT）对该人群疗效的临床试验的惩教工作者样本的经历。对参与者进行了调查和访谈，以获取他们对该项目的意见和反馈。通过Qualtrics统计分析软件进行调查分析。使用NVivo中的主题分析方法对访谈记录和开放式调查问题进行分析。
参与者（n = 14）为顺性别，主要是白人，平均年龄38岁。虽然大多数受访者更喜欢面对面治疗，但他们也报告了在线心理治疗项目的好处。具体而言，他们对平台、护理提供者的质量和互动以及家庭作业和所学技能表达了积极的看法。缺乏完成每周家庭作业的动力是经常提到的挑战。治疗中无益的方面指出了在线形式的问题以及对某些项目元素的不满。
参与者对该项目、平台和治疗结果表达了积极的看法。仍表明更喜欢面对面治疗，这表明需要关注数字心理健康干预措施中的参与度。此外，本研究的结果揭示了可能影响该人群寻求帮助的因素，包括工作环境中的耻辱感、繁重的工作时间表、工作场所认知以及以前获得心理健康服务的经历。
