Feasibility of an online well-being intervention for people with spinal cord injury: a pilot study

Abstract

Study design: Pre-test and post-test designs with 14 participants. Measurements were taken at baseline (T1), immediately after the intervention (T2) and at 3-month follow-up (T3).

Objectives: Psyfit is an online self-help program designed to enhance well-being in persons with depressed mood. We examined the feasibility of Psyfit in people with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Setting: Community, the Netherlands.

Methods: Participants chose two of the six Psyfit modules. The researcher maintained telephone contact with the participants. Feasibility was inferred from the completion rate of the modules and feedback from the participants. Outcome measures were the Mental Health Inventory-5, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale and the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale.

Results: Overall, 75% of the first module and 39% of the second module were completed. Seven participants were considered as study completers and were included in the evaluation. They evaluated Psyfit as a useful program and helpful for persons with SCI. Several technical problems were reported that mainly concerned browser compatibility. An increase in mental health and nonsignificant change of well-being were found at the end of the intervention period, but these were not maintained at follow-up.

Conclusion: Psyfit seems a potentially feasible program. However, adaptation to the SCI population and further study with a controlled design and utilizing a larger sample size are necessary before it can be recommended as part of SCI rehabilitation.