title: Efficacy of telehealth treatments for posttraumatic stress-related symptoms: a meta-analysis.
abstract: This meta-analysis summarizes the findings of outcome research on the degree to which telehealth treatments reduce posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-related symptoms. In a search of the literature, 13 studies were identified for inclusion in the meta-analysis and were coded for relevant variables. A total of 725 participants were included. Results indicate that telehealth treatments are associated with significant pre- to postreduction in PTSD symptoms (d = 0.99, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.87-1.11, p < .001), and result in superior treatment effects relative to a wait-list comparison condition (d = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.76-1.26, p < .001). However, no significant findings were obtained for telehealth intervention relative to a supportive counseling telehealth comparison condition (d = 0.11, 95% CI: - 0.38 to 0.60, p = .67), and telehealth intervention produced an inferior outcome relative to a face-to-face intervention (d = - 0.68, 95% CI: - 0.39 to - 0.98, p < .001). Findings for depression symptom severity outcome were generally consistent with those for PTSD outcome. Telehealth interventions produced a significant within-group effect size (d = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.86 to 1.10, p < .001) and superior effect relative to wait-list comparison condition (d = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.56-1.05, p < .001). Relative to face-to-face interventions, telehealth treatments produced comparable depression outcome effects (d = 0.13, 95% CI: - 0.55 to 0.28, p = .53). Taken together, these findings support the use of telehealth treatments for individuals with PTSD-related symptoms.
authors.affiliation: a National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System , Boston , MA.
authors.forename: Denise M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Sloan
authors.forename: Matthew W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Gallagher
authors.forename: Brian A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Feinstein
authors.forename: Daniel J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Genevieve M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Pruneau
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome