Andrew Watson1, Harriet Mellotte2, Amy Hardy1,2, Emmanuelle Peters1,2, Nadine Keen2, Fergus Kane2. 1. Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK. 2. Psychological Interventions Clinic for Outpatients with Psychosis (PICUP), South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Remote therapy promises a cost-effective way of increasing delivery of psychological-therapy in underserved populations. However, research shows a "digital divide", with some groups experiencing digital exclusion. AIMS: To assess whether technology, accessibility, and demographic factors influence remote therapy uptake among individuals with psychosis, and whether demographic factors are associated with digital exclusion. METHODS: Remote therapy uptake and demographics were assessed in people (n = 51) within a psychology-led service for psychosis, using a survey of access to digital hardware, data and private space. RESULTS: The majority of individuals had access to digital devices, but 29% did not meet minimum requirements for remote therapy. Nineteen (37%) individuals declined remote therapy. Those who accepted were significantly younger and more likely to have access to technology than those who declined. The mean age of those with access to smartphones and large screen devices was younger than those without access. CONCLUSIONS: A subgroup of people with psychosis face barriers to remote therapy and a significant minority are digitally excluded. Older age is a key factor influencing remote therapy uptake, potentially related to less access to digital devices. Services must minimize exclusion through provision of training, hardware and data, whilst promoting individual choice.
BACKGROUND: Remote therapy promises a cost-effective way of increasing delivery of psychological-therapy in underserved populations. However, research shows a "digital divide", with some groups experiencing digital exclusion. AIMS: To assess whether technology, accessibility, and demographic factors influence remote therapy uptake among individuals with psychosis, and whether demographic factors are associated with digital exclusion. METHODS: Remote therapy uptake and demographics were assessed in people (n = 51) within a psychology-led service for psychosis, using a survey of access to digital hardware, data and private space. RESULTS: The majority of individuals had access to digital devices, but 29% did not meet minimum requirements for remote therapy. Nineteen (37%) individuals declined remote therapy. Those who accepted were significantly younger and more likely to have access to technology than those who declined. The mean age of those with access to smartphones and large screen devices was younger than those without access. CONCLUSIONS: A subgroup of people with psychosis face barriers to remote therapy and a significant minority are digitally excluded. Older age is a key factor influencing remote therapy uptake, potentially related to less access to digital devices. Services must minimize exclusion through provision of training, hardware and data, whilst promoting individual choice.
Entities:
Keywords:
Digital therapy; digital divide; psychosis; remote therapy; teletherapy
Authors: Amy Hardy; Thomas Ward; Richard Emsley; Kathryn Greenwood; Daniel Freeman; David Fowler; Elizabeth Kuipers; Paul Bebbington; Philippa Garety Journal: JMIR Hum Factors Date: 2022-07-01
Authors: Emmanuelle Peters; Amy Hardy; Robert Dudley; Filippo Varese; Kathryn Greenwood; Craig Steel; Richard Emsley; Nadine Keen; Samantha Bowe; Sarah Swan; Raphael Underwood; Eleanor Longden; Sarah Byford; Laura Potts; Margaret Heslin; Nick Grey; Doug Turkington; David Fowler; Elizabeth Kuipers; Anthony Morrison Journal: Trials Date: 2022-05-23 Impact factor: 2.728