The dissemination of computer-based psychological treatment: a preliminary analysis of patient and clinician perceptions

Abstract

Computerized cognitive behavioral therapy is an efficacious treatment for anxiety and depression with the potential to improve access to evidence-based care. However, its adoption in clinical practice in the US has been low and thus there is a need for identification of barriers to its use. We examined treatment-seeking patient (n = 55) and clinician (n = 26) perceptions of computer-based psychological treatment (CBPT) using Diffusion of Innovations theory as a conceptual framework. Diffusion of Innovations theory emphasizes potential adopter perceptions as being key to understanding adoption decisions, thus making it an ideal framework for evaluating barriers to use. Overall, treatment-seeking patients held slightly negative perceptions of CBPT, while clinicians' perceptions were more neutral. In both groups, perceptions of observability (seeing or hearing about the treatment in use) were rated lowest. Implications for dissemination efforts and suggestions for future research are discussed.