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Assessing the Critical Parameters of eSMART‐MH : A Promising Avatar‐Based Digital Therapeutic Intervention to Reduce Depressive Symptoms
Author(s) -
Pinto Melissa D.,
Greenblatt Amy M.,
Hickman Ronald L.,
Rice Heather M.,
Thomas Tami L.,
Clochesy John M.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
perspectives in psychiatric care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.538
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 1744-6163
pISSN - 0031-5990
DOI - 10.1111/ppc.12112
Subject(s) - fidelity , intervention (counseling) , avatar , depressive symptoms , psychology , the internet , therapeutic relationship , medicine , clinical psychology , psychotherapist , computer science , psychiatry , anxiety , world wide web , human–computer interaction , telecommunications
Purpose To assess, from the young adults' ( YA s') perspectives, the critical parameters (necessity, acceptability, feasibility, fidelity, and safety) of an avatar‐based intervention, e SMART ‐ MH , to reduce depressive symptoms. Design and Methods YA s ( n = 60) were randomly assigned to e SMART ‐ MH or control and observed for 12 weeks. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected. Findings Necessity, acceptability, fidelity, and safety of e SMART ‐ MH were supported. Feasibility results were mixed. When benchmarked against usual care, e SMART ‐ MH demonstrated greater feasibility. Practice Implications e SMART ‐ MH is a promising digital therapeutic for depressive symptoms. Feasibility can be strengthened through “on the go” access via mobile devices and Internet delivery.