[Internet-based self-management interventions : Quality criteria for their use in prevention and treatment of mental disorders]

Abstract

Background: Internet-based self-management interventions are effective in the prevention and treatment of mental disorders; however, for those affected as well as treating clinicians and decision makers in the healthcare sector, it is difficult to identify safe and effective interventions.

Aim: Development of quality criteria for self-management interventions.

Methods: Based on a non-specific assessment matrix, a task force from two scientific societies formulated specific quality criteria for self-management interventions for mental disorders. Patients and other relevant stakeholders were involved in the process.

Results: A total of 8 key criteria with 17 subordinate points were developed. These must be met for the certification of an intervention. The criteria focus on therapeutic quality requirements, patient safety, data protection and security as well as proof of efficacy in at least one randomized study. A further five criteria are only descriptive and are not required for certification.

Discussion: These quality criteria serve as a starting point for the establishment of a certification process. This could help to make internet-based self-management interventions for mental disorders part of routine care in the German healthcare system.

Keywords: Internet-based interventions; Mental disorders; Prevention; Quality criteria; Treatment.