Pilot of a therapist‐guided digital mental health intervention (eHealth CF‐CBT) for adults with cystic fibrosis

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundeHealth CF‐CBT is the first digital mental health intervention for depression/anxiety in adults with cystic fibrosis (awCF); an 8‐session therapist‐guided internet‐delivered program that was developed in English and Dutch with stakeholder input and evaluation indicating high acceptability and usability.MethodsDutch eHealth CF‐CBT was piloted in awCF with mild‐moderate symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. Feasibility, usability, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy were assessed, measuring pre‐post changes in depression (PHQ‐9), anxiety (GAD‐7), perceived stress (PSS), and health‐related quality of life (CFQ‐R).ResultsAll participants (n = 10, seven female, mean age 29 [range 21–43], mean FEV1 71%pred [range 31–115]) completed all sessions. Patient‐rated feasibility, usability, and acceptability of eHealth CF‐CBT were positive on validated scales, as were qualitative assessments of content and format. GAD‐7 improved in 90% of participants; in 50% by ≥the minimally important difference (MID) of four points. PHQ‐9 improved in 90%; 40% by ≥the MID of 5. PSS improved in 80%. CFQ‐R improved in the domain health perceptions (70%).ConclusionseHealth CF‐CBT demonstrated feasibility, usability, acceptability, and promising preliminary efficacy in this pilot trial with Dutch awCF with mild to moderate symptoms of depression and anxiety.