Internet-based psychoeducation for bipolar disorder: a qualitative analysis of feasibility, acceptability and impact

BMC Psychiatry

Research Article

Daniel J Smith¹  Ria Poole²  Sharon A Simpson³ 

[1] Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Academic Unit of Mental Health and Wellbeing, Gartnavel Royal Hospital, 1055 Great Western Road, G12 0XH, Glasgow, UK;Institute of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Monmouth House, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, CF14 4DW, Cardiff, UK;South East Wales Trials Unit, Institute of Translation, Innovation, Methodology and Engagement, Cardiff University School of Medicine, 7th floor Neuadd Meirionnydd, Heath Park, CF14 4YS, Cardiff, UK;

关键词: Bipolar disorder;    Patient education;    Internet;    Feasibility;    Patient experiences;    Qualitative;   

DOI  :  10.1186/1471-244X-12-139

 received in 2012-05-17, accepted in 2012-09-11,  发布年份 2012

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundIn a recent exploratory randomised trial we found that a novel, internet-based psychoeducation programme for bipolar disorder (Beating Bipolar) was relatively easy to deliver and had a modest effect on psychological quality of life. We sought to explore the experiences of participants with respect to feasibility, acceptability and impact of Beating Bipolar.MethodsParticipants were invited to take part in a semi-structured interview. Thematic analysis techniques were employed; to explore and describe participants’ experiences, the data were analysed for emerging themes which were identified and coded.ResultsThe programme was feasible to deliver and acceptable to participants where they felt comfortable using a computer. It was found to impact upon insight into illness, health behaviour, personal routines and positive attitudes towards medication. Many participants regarded the programme as likely to be most beneficial for those recently diagnosed.ConclusionsAn online psychoeducation package for bipolar disorder, such as Beating Bipolar, is feasible and acceptable to patients, has a positive impact on self-management behaviours and may be particularly suited to early intervention. Alternative (non-internet) formats should also be made available to patients.

【 授权许可】

Unknown   
© Poole et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. 2012. This article is published under license to BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.