| 1. |
- Hagström, Josefin, et al.
(författare)
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Opt-out rates and reasons for non-participation in a single-arm feasibility trial (ENGAGE) of a guided internet-administered CBT-based intervention for parents of children treated for cancer : A nested cross-sectional survey
- 2022
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Ingår i: BMJ Open. - : BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. - 2044-6055. ; 12:4
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives Difficulties with recruitment into clinical trials are common. An opt-out recruitment strategy, whereby potential participants can decline further contact about a study (opt-out), and non-responders are contacted, may facilitate participation. Primary objectives examined opt-out and consent rates, mode and time point of opt-out, and sociodemographic characteristics of those who opted out versus those who chose to participate in a single-arm feasibility trial (ENGAGE) of a guided, internet-administered, cognitive–behavioural therapy-based intervention for parents of children treated for cancer. Secondary objectives examined reasons for non-participation.Design A cross-sectional survey nested within theENGAGE feasibility trial.Setting The intervention was delivered from Uppsala University, with parents located throughout Sweden.Participants Potential participants were recruited 3 months–5 years following their child ending treatment for cancer and were identified via their personal identification number (via the Swedish Childhood Cancer Registry and Swedish Tax Agency) and invited via postal invitation packs and could opt out via post, online, telephone or email. Those who did not opt out or consent, within 4 weeks, received up to five telephone calls and/or one postal reminder.Results Of 509 invited, 164 (32.2%) opted out, 78 (47.6%) via post, 53 (32.3%) via telephone, 24 (14.6%) online, and 6 (3.7%) via email, 88 (53.7%) opted out after at least one telephone call and/or postal reminder. There was a trend for parents with lower educational levels to opt out. No need of psychological support, lack of time, and no interest in internet-administered self-help were frequently reported reasons for non-participation.Conclusions Results emphasise the importance of using different opt-out modes and suggest future research should consider how to widen study participation for parents with lower education levels. Self-identifying a need for psychological support and the acceptability of internet-administered self-help are important factors for participation and should be considered in future research to increase recruitment.
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| 2. |
- Kamsvåg, Tove, 1986-, et al.
(författare)
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Prevention of oral mucositis with cryotherapy in children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantations-a feasibility study and randomized controlled trial
- 2020
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Ingår i: Supportive Care in Cancer. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0941-4355 .- 1433-7339.
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose To evaluate the feasibility of oral cryotherapy (OC) in children and to investigate if OC reduces the incidence of severe oral mucositis (OM), oral pain, and opioid use in children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Methods Fifty-three children, 4-17 years old, scheduled for HSCT in Sweden were included and randomized to OC or control using a computer-generated list. OC instructions were to cool the mouth with ice for as long as possible during chemotherapy infusions with an intended time of >= 30 min. Feasibility criteria in the OC group were as follows: (1) compliance >= 70%; (2) considerable discomfort during OC < 20%; (3) no serious adverse events; and (4) ice administered to all children. Grade of OM and oral pain was recorded daily using the WHO-Oral Toxicity Scale (WHO-OTS), Children's International Oral Mucositis Evaluation Scale, and Numerical Rating Scale. Use of opioids was collected from the medical records. Results Forty-nine children (mean age 10.5 years) were included in analysis (OC = 26, control = 23). The feasibility criteria were not met. Compliance was poor, especially for the younger children, and only 15 children (58%) used OC as instructed. Severe OM (WHO-OTS >= 3) was recorded in 26 children (OC = 15, control = 11). OC did not reduce the incidence of severe OM, oral pain, or opioid use. Conclusion The feasibility criteria were not met, and the RCT could not show that OC reduces the incidence of severe OM, oral pain, or opioid use in pediatric patients treated with a variety of conditioning regimens for HSCT.
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| 3. |
- Ander, Malin, 1983-, et al.
(författare)
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A preliminary open trial of individualised cognitive behavioural therapy for young survivors of cancer during adolescence: initial findings and conceptualisation of distress
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Annan publikation (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Objective: A subgroup of adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors of cancer in adolescence report high levels of psychological distress. Empirically-supported treatments tailored to the concerns experienced by this population are lacking. The aims of this study were to (1) conduct a preliminary evaluation of an individualised cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) intervention for adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors of cancer during adolescence and (2) identify and conceptualise cancer-related psychological concerns using cognitive-behavioural theory.Methods: A single-arm trial in which ten AYA (17-25 years) survivors of cancer during adolescence were offered up to 15 sessions of individualised CBT guided by behavioural case formulations was undertaken. Clinical outcomes were assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and three months follow-up. Before commencing treatment, two individual qualitative interviews were conducted with each participant. Analysis of cancer-related concerns was guided by qualitative framework analysis and theoretical thematic analysis, and cognitive-behavioural theory was used to inform identification of themes.Results: Ten of 201 potential participants invited to participate were included resulting in an overall participation rate of 5%. Nine participants completed treatment and eight completed the follow-up assessment. The majority of concerns reported were cancer-related and conceptualised as social avoidance, fear and avoidance of emotions and bodily symptoms, low mood and unbalance in activity, and worry and rumination.Conclusions: Given significant difficulties with recruitment, further research is needed to examine barriers and the impact of mental health literacy and stigma on help seeking in the AYA cancer survivor population. Internet-administered CBT self-help tailored towards the main presenting concerns of AYA cancer survivors may be a promising solution.
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| 4. |
- Ander, Malin, et al.
(författare)
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Exploration of psychological distress experienced by survivors of adolescent cancer reporting a need for psychological support
- 2018
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Ingår i: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 13:4
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective In this qualitative study, we aimed to provide an in-depth exploration of cancer-related psychological distress experienced by young survivors of cancer during adolescence reporting a need for psychological support.MethodsTwo individual interviews were held with ten young survivors of cancer diagnosed in adolescence. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Analysis followed the guidelines for inductive qualitative manifest content analysis.ResultsThe survivors described distress experienced during and after the end of treatment. Five categories comprising 14 subcategories were generated. The categories included: A tough treatment, Marked and hindered, Not feeling good enough, Struggling with the fragility of life, and finally, An ongoing battle with emotions.Conclusion Young survivors of adolescent cancer reporting a need for psychological support described feeling physically, socially, and mentally marked by the cancer experience. They struggled with powerlessness, insecurity, social disconnection, loneliness, and feelings of being unimportant and a failure, and had difficulties understanding and managing their experiences. These concerns should be addressed in psychological treatments for the population irrespective of which approach or model is used to understand survivors’ difficulties. A transdiagnostic approach targeting processes that underpin different manifestations of distress may be effective.
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| 5. |
- Ander, Malin, et al.
(författare)
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Guided Internet-Administered Self-Help to Reduce Symptoms Of Anxiety and Depression Among Adolescents and Young Adults Diagnosed With Cancer During Adolescence (U-CARE: YoungCan) : study protocol for a feasibility trial
- 2017
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Ingår i: BMJ Open. - : BMJ. - 2044-6055. ; 7:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction A subgroup of adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer during adolescence reports elevated levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms and unmet needs for psychological support. Evidence-based psychological treatments tailored for this population are lacking. This protocol describes a feasibility study of a guided-internet-administered self-help programme (YoungCan) primarily targeting symptoms of anxiety and depression among young persons diagnosed with cancer during adolescence and of the planned study procedures for a future controlled trial. Methods/analysis The study is an uncontrolled feasibility trial with a pre-post and 3-month follow-up design. Potential participants aged 15-25years, diagnosed with cancer during adolescence, will be identified via the Swedish Childhood Cancer Registry. 30 participants will be included. Participants will receive YoungCan, a 12-week therapist-guided, internet-administered self-help programme consisting primarily of cognitive-behavioural therapy organised into individually assigned modules targeting depressive symptoms, worry and anxiety, body dissatisfaction and post-traumatic stress. Interactive peer support and psychoeducative functions are also available. Feasibility outcomes include: recruitment and eligibility criteria; data collection; attrition; resources needed to complete the study and programme; safety procedures; participants' and therapists' adherence to the programme; and participants' acceptability of the programme and study methodology. Additionally, mechanisms of impact will be explored and data regarding symptoms of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, body dissatisfaction, reactions to social interactions, quality of life, axis I diagnoses according to the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview and healthcare service use will be collected. Exploratory analyses of changes in targeted outcomes will be conducted. Ethics/dissemination This feasibility protocol was approved by the Regional Ethical Review Board in Uppsala, Sweden (ref: 2016/210). Findings will be disseminated to relevant research, clinical, health service and patient communities through publications in peer-reviewed and popular science journals and presentations at scientific and clinical conferences.
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| 6. |
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| 7. |
- Andriopoulos, Thanos, et al.
(författare)
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Commencement of and Retention in Web-Based Interventions and Response to Prompts and Reminders : Longitudinal Observational Study Based on Two Randomized Controlled Trials
- 2021
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Ingår i: Journal of Medical Internet Research. - : JMIR Publications. - 1438-8871. ; 23:3
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Web-based interventions are effective for several psychological problems. However, recruitment, adherence, and missing data are challenges when evaluating these interventions. Objective: This study aimed to describe the use patterns during the commencement phase, possible retention patterns (continuation of data provision), and responses to prompts and reminders among participants in 2 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating web-based interventions. Methods: Data on use patterns logged in 2 RCTs aiming to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression among adult patients recently diagnosed with cancer (AdultCan RCT) and patients with a recent myocardial infarction (Heart RCT) were analyzed. The web-based intervention in the AdultCan trial consisted of unguided self-help and psychoeducation and that in the Heart trial consisted of therapist-supported cognitive behavioral therapy. In total, 2360 participants' use patterns at first log-in, including data collection at baseline (ie, commencement) and at 2 follow-ups, were analyzed. Both the intervention and comparison groups were analyzed. Results: At commencement, 70.85% (909/1283) and 86.82% (935/1077) of the participants in AdultCan and Heart RCTs, respectively, logged in and completed baseline data collection after receiving a welcome email with log-in credentials. The median duration of the first log-in was 44 minutes and 38 minutes in AdultCan and Heart RCTs, respectively. Slightly less than half of the participants' first log-ins were completed outside standard office hours. More than 80% (92/114 and 103/111) of the participants in both trials explored the intervention within 2 weeks of being randomized to the treatment group, with a median duration of 7 minutes and 47 minutes in AdultCan and Heart RCTs, respectively. There was a significant association between intervention exploration time during the first 2 weeks and retention in the Heart trial but not in the AdultCan trial. However, the control group was most likely to retain and provide complete follow-up data. Across the 3 time points of data collection explored in this study, the proportion of participants responding to all questionnaires within 1 week from the prompt, without a reminder, varied between 35.45% (413/1165) and 66.3% (112/169). After 2 reminders, up to 97.6% (165/169) of the participants responded. Conclusions: Most participants in both RCTs completed the baseline questionnaires within 1 week of receiving the welcome email. Approximately half of them answered questions at baseline data collection outside office hours, suggesting that the time flexibility inherent in web-based interventions contributes to commencement and use. In contrast to what was expected, the intervention groups generally had lower completion rates than the comparison groups. About half of the participants completed the questionnaires without a reminder, but thereafter, reminders contributed to both baseline and follow-up retention, suggesting they were effective. Strategies to increase commencement of and retention in eHealth interventions are important for the future development of effective interventions and relevant research.
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| 8. |
- Blomberg, Oscar, et al.
(författare)
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Adaptation of a guided low-intensity behavioral activation intervention for people with dementia in Sweden : a qualitative study exploring the needs and preferences of key stakeholders
- 2024
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Ingår i: BMC Geriatrics. - : Springer. - 1471-2318. ; 24:113
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BackgroundDespite depression being prevalent in people with dementia, contributing to negative health outcomes and placing increased burden on individuals and family members, access to psychological interventions is limited. A potential solution is guided low-intensity behavioral activation, supported by informal caregivers and guided by healthcare professionals. However, it is necessary to adapt interventions to meet the needs and preferences of key stakeholders to enhance acceptability and relevance. Study objectives were to: (1) explore needs and preferences concerning the content and delivery model of the guided low-intensity behavioral activation intervention; and (2) adapt the intervention to ensure cultural appropriateness, relevancy, and acceptability to people with dementia and their caregivers in Sweden.MethodsSemi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with key stakeholders, including healthcare professionals (n = 18), community stakeholders (n = 7), people with dementia (n = 8), and informal caregivers (n = 19). A draft of the written low-intensity behavioral activation intervention and a description of the proposed intervention delivery model were provided to participants. Open-ended questions explored the perceived relevance of the intervention, alongside needs and preferences concerning content and delivery. A manifest content analysis approach was adopted.ResultsContent analysis resulted in three categories: Content, Delivery procedures, and Illness trajectory. Results highlighted a need to consider the intervention Content via increased cultural adaptation to the Swedish context, and increasing the inclusiveness of intervention content. Delivery procedures were identified as needing to be flexible given the unpredictable nature of caring for people with dementia, with the provision of additional guidance to informal caregivers supporting the intervention. Illness trajectory was viewed as essential to consider, with the intervention regarded as suitable for those early in the dementia trajectory, alongside a need to reduce workbook text to minimize burden given dementia symptomology.ConclusionsThe intervention and proposed delivery model were generally well received by all stakeholders. We were able to identify key adaptations to enhance cultural appropriateness, relevancy, and acceptability for a currently neglected population. Results will inform a feasibility study to explore the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention and study procedures to inform the design of a future superiority randomized controlled trial.
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| 9. |
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| 10. |
- Bockgård, Gustav, docent, et al.
(författare)
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Collaborative Interpretation of Researcher-Generated Photo-Elicitation Findings : Insights From Women With Lived Experience of Homelessness
- 2024
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Ingår i: Qualitative Health Research. - : Sage Publications. - 1049-7323 .- 1552-7557. ; 34:7, s. 676-690
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Interviews with individuals experiencing homelessness can be challenging for various reasons, including mental and physical health issues, substance use, and negative experiences with authority figures. Researchers have used photos to facilitate communication and empower participants during data collection. We analyzed data from a previous study to explore the use of researcher-generated photos during interviews about health with 13 women experiencing homelessness. Conversation analysis revealed clear patterns regarding the use of the photos during the interviews. The photos were referred to 118 times over the total interview length, 6 hours and 23 minutes, with the interviewer making 62% of the referrals and the women accounting for 38%. Fifty-nine percent of the referrals occurred within the first 5 minutes of the interviews. The women used the photos to trigger associations and emotions, to describe photo content, or in a minor role during the interview. Interpretations from an advisory board of six women with lived experiences of homelessness suggested that the photos did not engage participants as intended, highlighting the importance of considering participants’ perspectives when designing photo-elicitation methods. The feedback also provided valuable insights into interview locations and incentives in research that may have influenced the women’s willingness to use the photos. This study emphasizes the importance of understanding the complexity of choosing researcher-generated photos in interviews with underserved, hard-to-reach populations.
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| 11. |
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| 12. |
- Brantnell, Anders, 1983-, et al.
(författare)
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Barriers to and Facilitators of the Implementation of Digital Mental Health Interventions as Perceived by Primary Care Decision Makers : Content Analysis of Structured Open-Ended Survey Data
- 2023
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Ingår i: JMIR Human Factors. - : JMIR Publications. - 2292-9495. ; 10
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Digital mental health represents a way to increase access to evidence-based psychological support. However, the implementation of digital mental health in routine health care practice is limited, with few studies focusing on implementation. Accordingly, there is a need to better understand the barriers to and facilitators of implementing digital mental health. Existing studies have mainly focused on the viewpoints of patients and health professionals. Currently, there are few studies about barriers and facilitators from the perspective of primary care decision makers, that is, the persons responsible for deciding whether a given digital mental health intervention should be implemented in a primary care organization.Objective: The objectives were to identify and describe barriers to and facilitators of the implementation of digital mental health as perceived by primary care decision makers, evaluate the relative importance of different barriers and facilitators, and compare barriers and facilitators reported by primary care decision makers who have versus have not implemented digital mental health interventions.Methods: A web-based self-report survey was conducted with primary care decision makers responsible for the implementation of digital mental health in primary care organizations in Sweden. Answers to 2 open-ended questions about barriers and facilitators were analyzed through summative and deductive content analysis.Results: The survey was completed by 284 primary care decision makers—59 (20.8%) decision makers representing implementers (ie, organizations that offered digital mental health interventions) and 225 (79.2%) respondents representing nonimplementers (ie, organizations that did not offer digital mental health interventions). Overall, 90% (53/59) of the implementers and 98.7% (222/225) of the nonimplementers identified barriers, and 97% (57/59) of the implementers and 93.3% (210/225) of the nonimplementers identified facilitators. Altogether, 29 barriers and 20 facilitators of implementation were identified related to guidelines; patients; health professionals; incentives and resources; capacity for organizational change; and social, political, and legal factors. The most prevalent barriers were related to incentives and resources, whereas the most prevalent facilitators were related to the capacity for organizational change.Conclusions: A number of barriers and facilitators were identified that could influence the implementation of digital mental health from the perspective of primary care decision makers. Implementers and nonimplementers identified many common barriers and facilitators, but they differ in terms of certain barriers and facilitators. Common and differing barriers and facilitators identified by implementers and nonimplementers may be important to address when planning for the implementation of digital mental health interventions. For instance, financial incentives and disincentives (eg, increased costs) are the most frequently mentioned barrier and facilitator, respectively, by nonimplementers, but not by implementers. One way to facilitate implementation could be to provide more information to nonimplementers about the actual costs related to the implementation of digital mental health.
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| 13. |
- Brantnell, Anders, 1983-, et al.
(författare)
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Views of Implementers and Nonimplementers of Internet-Administered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression and Anxiety : Survey of Primary Care Decision Makers in Sweden
- 2020
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Ingår i: Journal of Medical Internet Research. - : JMIR Publications Inc.. - 1438-8871. ; 22:8
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Internet-administered cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) has been demonstrated to be an effective intervention for adults with depression and/or anxiety and is recommended in national guidelines for provision within Swedish primary care. However, the number and type of organizations that have implemented ICBT within primary care in Sweden is currently unclear. Further, there is a lack of knowledge concerning barriers and facilitators to ICBT implementation.OBJECTIVE: The two primary objectives were to identify and describe primary care organizations providing ICBT in Sweden and compare decision makers' (ie, directors of primary care organizations) views on barriers and facilitators to implementation of ICBT among ICBT implementers (ie, organizations that offered ICBT) and nonimplementers (ie, organizations that did not offer ICBT).METHODS: An online survey based on a checklist for identifying barriers and facilitators to implementation was developed and made accessible to decision makers from all primary care organizations in Sweden. The survey consisted of background questions (eg, provision of ICBT and number of persons working with ICBT) and barriers and facilitators relating to the following categories: users, therapists, ICBT programs, organizations, and wider society.RESULTS: The participation rate was 35.75% (404/1130). The majority (250/404, 61.8%) of participants were health care center directors and had backgrounds in nursing. Altogether, 89.8% (363/404) of the participating organizations provided CBT. A minority (83/404, 20.5%) of organizations offered ICBT. Most professionals delivering ICBT were psychologists (67/83, 80%) and social workers (31/83, 37%). The majority (61/83, 73%) of organizations had 1 to 2 persons delivering ICBT interventions. The number of patients treated with ICBT during the last 12 months was 1 to 10 in 65% (54/83) of the organizations, ranging between 1 and 400 treated patients across the whole sample. There were 9 significant (P<.05) differences out of 37 possible between implementers and nonimplementers. For example, more implementers (48/51, 94%) than nonimplementers (107/139, 76.9%) perceived few technical problems (P<.001), and more implementers (53/77, 68%) than nonimplementers (103/215, 47.9%) considered that their organization has resources to offer ICBT programs (P<.001).CONCLUSIONS: Despite research demonstrating the effectiveness of ICBT for depression and anxiety and national guidelines recommending its use, ICBT is implemented in few primary care organizations in Sweden. Several interesting differences between implementers and nonimplementers were identified, which may help inform interventions focusing on facilitating the implementation of ICBT.
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| 14. |
- Carlsson, Tommy, et al.
(författare)
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Psychological distress in parents of children treated for cancer : An explorative study
- 2019
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Ingår i: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 14:6
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- ObjectiveTo explore psychological distress experienced by parents who express a need for psychotherapy after curative treatment for their child's cancer.Methods15 parents (eight mothers and seven fathers) of children treated for cancer (median time since end of curative treatment: two years) were recruited via a pediatric oncology center. Each parent was interviewed twice and data was analyzed with inductive latent qualitative content analysis.ResultsTwo overarching themes emerged. One theme, An unfamiliar and frightening situation during treatment, portrayed experiences during the treatment period, and included the sub-themes Initial reactions to the uncontrollable situation, Adjustment to the situation, and Focus on supporting the child. Another theme, Emotional struggles after end of curative treatment, portrayed experiences following curative treatment, and included the sub-themes Transitioning back to life as it was before the diagnosis, Emotional scars, Uncontrollable fears and worries of diseases, and New perspectives on life.ConclusionsParents of children with cancer experience existential, physical, psychological, and social struggles. They describe an unstable situation after diagnosis and having focused their attention towards protecting their child during treatment. After the end of curative treatment, they experience challenges with transitioning back to life as it was before the diagnosis and dealing with their own emotional scars and fears related to the child's cancer. The findings indicate an unmet need for psychological support among parents of children treated for cancer.
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| 15. |
- Cernvall, Martin, 1980-, et al.
(författare)
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Posttraumatic stress and attentional bias towards cancer-related stimuli in parents of children recently diagnosed with cancer
- 2016
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Ingår i: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 11:4
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives: To investigate whether posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) are related to attentional bias towards cancer-related stimuli among parents of children recently diagnosed with cancer.Methods: Sixty-two parents completed questionnaires measuring PTSS, depression, and anxiety and the emotional Stroop task via the Internet. The emotional Stroop task included cancer-related words, cardiovascular disease-related words, and neutral words.Results: Participants were split in two groups based on the median of PTSS: High-PTSS and Low-PTSS. There was a significant interaction between word-type and group and a planned contrast test of this interaction indicated that the High-PTSS group had longer response latencies on cancer-related words compared to the other word-type and group combinations.Conclusions: Findings suggest that PTSS are related to attentional bias towards cancer-related stimuli among parents of children recently diagnosed with cancer. Implications of this finding for the understanding of PTSS in this population, future research, and clinical practice are discussed.
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| 16. |
- Cernvall, Martin, 1980-, et al.
(författare)
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Twelve-Month Follow-Up of a Randomized Controlled Trial of Internet-Based Guided Self-Help for Parents of Children on Cancer Treatment
- 2017
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Ingår i: Journal of Medical Internet Research. - : JMIR Publications Inc.. - 1438-8871. ; 19:7
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: A substantial proportion of parents of children on cancer treatment report psychological distress such as symptoms of post-traumatic stress (PTSS), depression, and anxiety. During their child’s treatment many parents also experience an economic burden.Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term efficacy of Internet-based guided self-help for parents of children on cancer treatment.Methods: This study was a parallel randomized controlled trial comparing a 10-week Internet-based guided self-help program, including weekly support from a therapist via encrypted email, with a wait-list control condition. The intervention was based on cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and focused on psychoeducation and skills to cope with difficult thoughts and feelings. Primary outcome was self-reported PTSS. Secondary outcomes were self-reported symptoms of depression, anxiety, health care consumption, and sick leave during the past month. Outcomes were assessed pre- and postintervention and at 12-month follow-up. Parents of children on cancer treatment were invited by health care personnel at pediatric oncology centers, and parents meeting the modified symptom criteria on the PCL-C were included in the study. Self-report assessments were provided on the Web.Results: A total of 58 parents of children on cancer treatment (median months since diagnosis=3) were included in the study (intervention n=31 and control n=27). A total of 18 participants completed the intervention, and 16 participants in each group participated in the 12-month follow-up. Intention-to-treat analyses revealed significant effects in favor of the intervention on the primary outcome PTSS, with large between-group effect sizes at postassessment (d=0.89; 95% CI 0.35-1.43) and at 12-month follow-up (d=0.78; 95% CI 0.25-1.32). Significant effects in favor of the intervention on the secondary outcomes depression and anxiety were also observed. However, there was no evidence for intervention efficacy on health care consumption or sick leave.Conclusions: Using the Internet to provide psychological interventions shows promise as an effective mode of delivery for parents reporting an increased level of PTSS and who consider Internet-based interventions as a viable option. Future research should corroborate these findings and also develop and evaluate interventions and policies that may help ameliorate the economic burden that parents may face during their child’s treatment for cancer.
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| 17. |
- Chiwanga, Faraja S., et al.
(författare)
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An mHealth Intervention to Improve Guardians' Adherence to Children's Follow-Up Care for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Tanzania (GuardiansCan Project) : Protocol for a Development and Feasibility Study
- 2023
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Ingår i: JMIR Research Protocols. - : JMIR Publications. - 1929-0748. ; 12
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Cancer is a leading cause of death during childhood and in low- and middle-income countries survival rates can be as low as 20%. A leading reason for low childhood cancer survival rates in low- and middle-income countries such as Tanzania is treatment abandonment. Contributing factors include poor communication between health care providers and children's guardians, insufficient cancer knowledge, and psychological distress.Objective: Our aim is to respond to Tanzanian guardians' poor adherence to children's follow-up care after treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia with the help of mobile health (mHealth) technology. Our goal is to increase guardians' adherence to children's medications and follow-up visits and to decrease their psychological distress.Methods: Following the Medical Research Council framework for developing and evaluating complex interventions, we will undertake the GuardiansCan project in an iterative phased approach to develop an mHealth intervention for subsequent testing. Public contribution activities will be implemented throughout via the establishment of a Guardians Advisory Board consisting of guardians of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. We will examine the acceptability, feasibility, and perceived impact of Guardians Advisory Board activities via an impact log and semistructured interviews (study I). In phase 1 (intervention development) we will explore guardians' needs and preferences for the provision of follow-up care reminders, information, and emotional support using focus group discussions and photovoice (study II). We will then co-design the mHealth intervention with guardians, health care professionals, and technology experts using participatory action research (study III). In phase 2 (feasibility), we will examine clinical, methodological, and procedural uncertainties associated with the intervention and study procedures to prepare for the design and conduct of a future definitive randomized controlled trial using a single-arm pre-post mixed methods feasibility study (study IV).Results: Data collection for the GuardiansCan project is anticipated to take 3 years. We plan to commence study I by recruiting Guardians Advisory Board members in the autumn of 2023.Conclusions: By systematically following the intervention development and feasibility phases of the Medical Research Council Framework, and working alongside an advisory board of guardians, we intend to develop an acceptable, culturally appropriate, feasible, and relevant mHealth intervention with the potential to increase guardians' adherence to children's follow-up care after treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, leading to a positive impact on children's health and chances to survive, and reducing distress for guardians.
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| 18. |
- Coumoundouros, Chelsea, et al.
(författare)
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Cognitive behavioural therapy self-help intervention preferences among informal caregivers of adults with chronic kidney disease : an online cross-sectional survey
- 2023
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Ingår i: BMC Nephrology. - : BioMed Central (BMC). - 1471-2369. ; 24:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Informal caregivers (i.e. family and friends) provide essential support to people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Many informal caregivers experience mental health problems such as anxiety and depression due to the caregiving role, and commonly have unmet psychological support needs. One potential solution is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) self-help interventions that are less reliant on extensive involvement of healthcare professionals, which may increase access. Within the intervention development phase of the MRC framework, the study's primary objective was to examine informal caregivers' self-help intervention preferences (e.g. delivery format, content). Secondary objectives were to describe the informal caregiver's situation (e.g. type of care activities) and mental health (symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress).Methods: An online cross-sectional survey conducted in the United Kingdom. Informal caregivers of adults living with CKD were recruited via social media, websites, newsletters, magazine articles, a podcast episode, and paid Facebook advertisements. The survey examined: informal caregiver characteristics; care recipient characteristics; self-help intervention preferences; and informal caregiver's mental health using the DASS-21. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics.Results: Sixty-five informal caregivers participated. The majority (85%) were female, caring for a male (77%) spouse/partner (74%). Responses indicated 58% of informal caregivers were experiencing at least mild depression. In total, 48% indicated they were likely to use a CBT self-help intervention, preferring an intervention provided via internet (e.g. website) (64%), workbook (56%), or individually in-person (54%). Regarding content, interventions should cover a wide range of topics including living with CKD, support services, informal caregiver's physical health, and diet. Overall, 48% reported a preference for a supported intervention, with support delivered in-person or via email by a trained professional at a community organisation.Conclusions: Results suggest CBT self-help interventions may be an acceptable way to provide psychological support to informal caregivers, however the study is limited by the small sample size. A wide range of intervention preferences were identified indicating a need to tailor intervention content and delivery to enhance acceptability and engagement. Results will inform development of a CBT self-help intervention for informal caregivers of people with CKD.
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| 19. |
- Coumoundouros, Chelsea
(författare)
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E-mental health interventions for informal caregivers : Development with a focus on implementation
- 2023
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The four studies within this thesis contributed to the identification of key factors to be considered when designing and implementing e-mental health (e-MH) interventions for informal caregivers. Study I was a mixed-methods systematic review to examine factors related to the effectiveness and implementation of e-MH interventions for informal caregivers of adults with chronic diseases. A thematic synthesis with deductive coding using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) identified 152 implementation barriers and facilitators. Barriers and facilitators primarily related to intervention and user characteristics. Exploration of barriers and facilitators related to the implementation setting or wider context was limited.Study II was a cross-sectional survey to examine contextual factors related to informal caregivers (e.g. intervention preferences, caregiving situation) to inform the development of a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) self-help intervention to support the mental health of informal caregivers of people living with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The majority of participants were caring for a male spouse or partner living with CKD, and over half were experiencing at least mild depressive symptoms. Informal caregivers reported preferences for CBT self-help interventions to be delivered via the internet, a workbook, or individually in-person, with additional support provided in-person or via email by a trained professional at a non-profit organisation.Study III was a qualitative study to explore the perspectives of professionals (i.e. potential implementers) anticipated to play key roles in the future implementation of an e-MH intervention for informal caregivers of people living with CKD regarding the intervention’s design, delivery, and implementation. Manifest content analysis with primarily deductive coding using the CFIR led to identification of 29 generic categories representing implementation determinants. Potential implementers considered an e-MH intervention as fitting within some existing healthcare delivery models and work routines, however, capacity to be involved with intervention delivery was low. Equitable support access was important to ensure intervention acceptability.Study IV was a qualitative study to explore informal caregivers’ experiences of accessing and receiving support while caring for someone living with CKD. Reflexive thematic analysis generated three themes: (1) “Systems seem to get in the way” – challenges within support systems, describing challenges encountered when navigating complex systems; (2) Relying on yourself, describing how informal caregivers relied on their own skills and networks to find support; and (3) Support systems can “take the pressure off”, describing how support systems were perceived as supportive when empathetic and reliable.
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| 20. |
- Coumoundouros, Chelsea, et al.
(författare)
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Implementation of e-mental health interventions for informal caregivers of adults with chronic diseases : a protocol for a mixed-methods systematic review with a qualitative comparative analysis
- 2020
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Ingår i: BMJ Open. - : BMJ. - 2044-6055. ; 10:6
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- INTRODUCTION: Informal caregivers provide the majority of care to individuals with chronic health conditions, benefiting the care recipient and reducing use of formal care services. However, providing informal care negatively impacts the mental health of many caregivers. E-mental health interventions have emerged as a way to provide accessible mental healthcare to caregivers. Much attention has been given to reviewing the effectiveness and efficacy of such interventions, however, factors related to implementation have received less consideration. Therefore, this mixed-methods systematic review will aim to examine factors associated with the effectiveness and implementation of e-mental health interventions for caregivers.METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Eligible studies published since 1 January 2007 will be searched for in several electronic databases (CINAHL Plus with Full Text, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PsycINFO, PubMed and Web of Science), clinical trial registries and OpenGrey, with all screening steps conducted by two independent reviewers. Studies will be included if they focus on the implementation or effectiveness of e-mental health interventions designed for informal adult caregivers of adults with cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, dementia or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Pragmatic randomised controlled trials quantitatively reporting on caregiver anxiety, depression, psychological distress or stress will be used for a qualitative comparative analysis to identify combinations of conditions that result in effective interventions. Qualitative and quantitative data on implementation of e-mental health interventions for caregivers will be integrated in a thematic synthesis to identify barriers and facilitators to implementation. These results will inform future development and implementation planning of e-mental health interventions for caregivers.ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval is not required for this study as no primary data will be collected. Results will be disseminated in the form of a scientific publication and presentations at academic conferences and plain language summaries for various stakeholders.PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020155727.
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| 21. |
- Coumoundouros, Chelsea, et al.
(författare)
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Implementation of e-mental health interventions for informal caregivers of adults with chronic diseases : a systematic review
- 2020
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Ingår i: Implementation Science. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1748-5908. ; 15, s. P10-P10
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background:Many informal caregivers experience mental health difficulties. E-mental health interventions offer effective and accessible mental health support; however, these interventions are often not implemented. To explore implementation of e-mental health interventions for informal caregivers, a systematic review was conducted to (1) examine implementation barriers and facilitators, and (2) identify implementation and intervention features associated with intervention effectiveness.Method:Multiple electronic databases were searched for studies published since 2007 reporting on the implementation and/or effectiveness of e-mental health interventions for informal caregivers of adults with chronic diseases. A thematic synthesis of data related to implementation will be used to identify implementation barriers and facilitators. A qualitative comparative analysis, using data from pragmatic randomized controlled trials, will be used to determine combinations of conditions related to an intervention’s implementation or program features, sufficient for intervention effectiveness.Results:Electronic database searches yielded 9248 unique records to undergo title/abstract screening. The literature screening process is currently underway to identify full-texts eligible for inclusion in the analysis. Preliminary findings will be presented. Implementation barriers and facilitators identified in the thematic synthesis will be presented. These barriers and facilitators will be linked to initial results from the qualitative comparative analysis, as barriers and facilitators may relate to conditions important for intervention effectiveness. Practical applications of these findings will be discussed. If a qualitative comparative analysis cannot be completed prior to the conference, pragmatic trials reporting on intervention effectiveness will be descriptively summarized and analysis plans discussed.Conclusions:This review will identify key factors to consider during implementation of e-mental health interventions for informal caregivers and present potential solutions to overcome implementation barriers. These findings can be used to inform intervention design and implementation strategies to facilitate the implementation of e-mental health services for informal caregivers.Acknowledgements:This work was supported by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie-Sklodowska Curie grant agreement No 814072.
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| 22. |
- Coumoundouros, Chelsea, et al.
(författare)
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Implementation of e–Mental Health Interventions for Informal Caregivers of Adults With Chronic Diseases : Mixed Methods Systematic Review With a Qualitative Comparative Analysis and Thematic Synthesis
- 2022
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Ingår i: JMIR Mental Health. - : JMIR Publications Inc.. - 2368-7959. ; 9:11
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Informal caregivers commonly experience mental health difficulties related to their caregiving role. e–Mental health interventions provide mental health support in a format that may be more accessible to informal caregivers. However, e–mental health interventions are seldom implemented in real-world practice.Objective: This mixed methods systematic review aimed to examine factors associated with the effectiveness and implementation of e–mental health interventions for informal caregivers of adults with chronic diseases. To achieve this aim, two approaches were adopted: combinations of implementation and intervention characteristics sufficient for intervention effectiveness were explored using qualitative comparative analysis, and barriers to and facilitators of implementation of e–mental health interventions for informal caregivers were explored using thematic synthesis.Methods: We identified relevant studies published from January 1, 2007, to July 6, 2022, by systematically searching 6 electronic databases and various secondary search strategies. Included studies reported on the effectiveness or implementation of e–mental health interventions for informal caregivers of adults with cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, dementia, diabetes, heart disease, or stroke. Randomized controlled trials reporting on caregivers’ mental health outcomes were included in a crisp-set qualitative comparative analysis. We assessed randomized controlled trials for bias using the Risk of Bias 2.0 tool, and we assessed how pragmatic or explanatory their trial design was using the Pragmatic Explanatory Continuum Indicator Summary 2 tool. Studies of any design reporting on implementation were included in a thematic synthesis using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to identify barriers to and facilitators of implementation.Results: Overall, 53 reports, representing 29 interventions, were included in the review. Most interventions (27/29, 93%) focused on informal cancer or dementia caregivers. In total, 14 reports were included in the qualitative comparative analysis, exploring conditions including the presence of peer or professional support and key persuasive design features. Low consistency and coverage prevented the determination of condition sets sufficient for intervention effectiveness. Overall, 44 reports were included in the thematic synthesis, and 152 barriers and facilitators were identified, with the majority related to the intervention and individual characteristic domains of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Implementation barriers and facilitators in the inner setting (eg, organizational culture) and outer setting (eg, external policies and resources) domains were largely unexplored.Conclusions: e–Mental health interventions for informal caregivers tend to be well-designed, with several barriers to and facilitators of implementation identified related to the intervention and individual user characteristics. Future work should focus on exploring the views of stakeholders involved in implementation to determine barriers to and facilitators of implementing e–mental health interventions for informal caregivers, focusing on inner and outer setting barriers and facilitators.Trial Registration: PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) CRD42020155727; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020155727
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| 23. |
- Enö Persson, Johanna, et al.
(författare)
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Experiences of nurses and coordinators in a childhood obesity prevention trial based on motivational interviewing within Swedish child health services
- 2022
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Ingår i: International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being. - : Taylor & Francis. - 1748-2623 .- 1748-2631. ; 17:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose: To explore the experiences of nurses and coordinators in the PRIMROSE childhood obesity prevention trial, and to understand the factors that might help to improve the outcome of future primary prevention of obesity.Methods: Using a qualitative approach, data were obtained by interviewing nine intervention nurses and three regional study coordinators. All participants were female. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using content analysis.Results: Two themes emerged: The nurses experienced that it was rewarding to participate in the trial, but challenging to combine the intervention with regular work; and The study coordinators experienced that they were in a difficult position handling the conflicting needs of the research group and the nurses' commitment to usual child health care services. The importance of support, encouragement, briefer and simpler intervention, and adaptation of the training in motivational interviewing to the setting was emphasized. Stress and lack of time were major barriers to deliver the intervention as intended.Conclusions: Although the PRIMROSE intervention was developed in collaboration with representatives from the child health services, and additional research funding was provided to compensate for time spent working with the trial, nurses experienced stress and time constraints.
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| 24. |
- Grönqvist, Helena, 1975-, et al.
(författare)
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Fifteen Challenges in Establishing a Multidisciplinary Research Program on eHealth Research in a University Setting : A Case Study
- 2017
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Ingår i: Journal of Medical Internet Research. - : JMIR Publications Inc.. - 1438-8871. ; 19:5
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND:U-CARE is a multidisciplinary eHealth research program that involves the disciplines of caring science, clinical psychology, health economics, information systems, and medical science. It was set up from scratch in a university setting in 2010, funded by a governmental initiative. While establishing the research program, many challenges were faced. Systematic documentation of experiences from establishing new research environments is scarce.OBJECTIVE:The aim of this paper was to describe the challenges of establishing a publicly funded multidisciplinary eHealth research environment.METHODS:Researchers involved in developing the research program U-CARE identified challenges in the formal documentation and by reflecting on their experience of developing the program. The authors discussed the content and organization of challenges into themes until consensus was reached.RESULTS:The authors identified 15 major challenges, some general to establishing a new research environment and some specific for multidisciplinary eHealth programs. The challenges were organized into 6 themes: Organization, Communication, Implementation, Legislation, Software development, and Multidisciplinarity.CONCLUSIONS:Several challenges were faced during the development of the program and several accomplishments were made. By sharing our experience, we hope to help other research groups embarking on a similar journey to be prepared for some of the challenges they are likely to face on their way.
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| 25. |
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