PILOT OF A THERAPIST-GUIDED DIGITAL MENTAL HEALTH INTERVENTION (EHEALTH
CF-CBT) FOR ADULTS WITH CYSTIC FIBROSIS
Abstract
Background: eHealth CF-CBT is the first digital mental health
intervention for depression/anxiety in adults with cystic fibrosis
(awCF); an 8-session therapist-guided internet-delivered program that
was developed in English and Dutch with stakeholder input and evaluation
indicating high acceptability and usability. Methods: Dutch
eHealth CF-CBT was piloted in awCF with mild-moderate symptoms of
depression and/or anxiety. Feasibility, usability, acceptability, and
preliminary efficacy were assessed, measuring pre-post changes in
depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), perceived stress (PSS) and
health-related quality of life (CFQ-R). Results: All
participants (n=10, 7 female, mean age 29 (range 21-43), mean FEV1
71%pred (range 31-115)) completed all sessions. Patient-rated
feasibility, usability and acceptability of eHealth CF-CBT was positive
on validated scales, as were qualitative assessments of content and
format. GAD-7 improved in 90% of participants; in 50% by ≥ the
minimally important difference (MID) of 4 points. PHQ-9 improved in
90%; 40% by ≥ the MID of 5. PSS improved in 80%. CFQ-R improved in
the domain Health Perceptions (70%). Conclusions: eHealth
CF-CBT demonstrated feasibility, usability, acceptability and promising
preliminary efficacy in this pilot trial with Dutch awCF with mild to
moderate symptoms of depression and anxiety.