title: Patients' experiences of a computerised self-help program for treating depression - a qualitative study of Internet mediated cognitive behavioural therapy in primary care.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to explore primary care patients' experiences of Internet mediated cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) depression treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative study. Data were collected from focus group discussions and individual interviews.
  
  
  METHODS
  Primary care.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were analysed by systematic text condensation by Malterud.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirteen patients having received iCBT for depression within the PRIM-NET study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Analysis presented different aspects of patients' experiences of iCBT.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The informants described a need for face-to-face meetings with a therapist. A therapist who performed check-ups and supported the iCBT process seemed important. iCBT implies that a responsibility for the treatment is taken by the patient, and some patients felt left alone, while others felt well and secure. This was a way to work in privacy and freedom with a smoothly working technology although there was a lack of confidence and a feeling of risk regarding iCBT.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  iCBT is an attractive alternative to some patients with depression in primary care, but not to all. An individual treatment design seems to be preferred, and elements of iCBT could be included as a complement when treating depression in primary care. Such a procedure could relieve the overall treatment burden of depression. Key points Internet mediated cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) can be effective in treating depression in primary care, but patients' experiences of iCBT are rarely studied • Most patients express a need for human contact, real-time interaction, dialogue and guidance when treated for depression. • The patient's opportunity to influence the practical circumstances about iCBT is a success factor, though this freedom brings a large responsibility upon the receiver. • An individual treatment design seems to be crucial, and elements of iCBT could be included as a complement to face-to-face meetings.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Primary Health Care/Public Health and Community Medicine , Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg , Sweden.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Holst
authors.affiliation: a Department of Primary Health Care/Public Health and Community Medicine , Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg , Sweden.
authors.forename: Shabnam
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nejati
authors.affiliation: a Department of Primary Health Care/Public Health and Community Medicine , Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg , Sweden.
authors.forename: Cecilia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Björkelund
authors.affiliation: a Department of Primary Health Care/Public Health and Community Medicine , Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg , Sweden.
authors.forename: Maria C M
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Eriksson
authors.affiliation: a Department of Primary Health Care/Public Health and Community Medicine , Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg , Sweden.
authors.forename: Dominique
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hange
authors.affiliation: b Department of Psychology , University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg , Sweden.
authors.forename: Marie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kivi
authors.affiliation: a Department of Primary Health Care/Public Health and Community Medicine , Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg , Sweden.
authors.forename: Carl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wikberg
authors.affiliation: a Department of Primary Health Care/Public Health and Community Medicine , Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg , Sweden.|c Närhälsan Research and Development Primary Health Care , Region Västra Götaland , Gothenburg , Sweden.
authors.forename: Eva-Lisa
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Petersson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001290:Attitude; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003201:Computers; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D003863:Depression / Q000628:therapy*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011320:Primary Health Care; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012648:Self Care
keywords: Depression; Internet based treatment; Sweden; focus groups; general practice; iCBT; primary care; qualitative research