Language

English

Publication Date

1-1-2024

Journal

European Journal of Psychotraumatology

DOI

10.1080/20008066.2024.2421614

PMID

39513298

PMCID

PMC11552251

Abstract

Background: Accessible, low-cost digital programmes are emerging as a means by which to address high rates of mental health problems. However, the development and assessment of scalable training programmes for effective use of digital interventions has lagged. This is particularly important, as coach-supported digital interventions provide benefits that substantially and consistently exceed those of programmes that are entirely self-guided.

Objectives: This report describes the evaluation of a brief coach training programme consisting of a two-hour workshop and six 1-hour consultation sessions for delivery of webSTAIR, a 10-module transdiagnostic web-based programme for trauma-exposed populations.

Method: The training was provided to 68 mental health counsellors at Veteran Health Administration Readjustment Counselling Services, who delivered the treatment to 99 veteran clients.

Results: A total of 51% of the coaches completed the programme. Client outcomes were encouraging. Veterans enrolled in the programme demonstrated significant and clinically meaningful improvements in functioning (Cohen's d = 0.88), emotion regulation (Cohen's d = 0.97), posttraumatic stress disorder (PCL-5 Cohen's d = 0.61; ITQ Cohen's d = 0.60), and depression (Cohen's d = 0.53).

Conclusions: The study contributes much needed information regarding evidence for the effectiveness of 'light-touch' training strategies. The data support the integration and testing of brief training programmes in the implementation and dissemination of evidence-based digital interventions. Strategies for improving training completion rates among busy providers and resource-burdened clinical services need to be considered.

Keywords

Humans, Pilot Projects, Veterans, Male, Female, Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic, Adult, Mentoring, Middle Aged, Counseling, Counselors, United States Department of Veterans Affairs

Published Open-Access

yes

Share

COinS
 
 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.