Impact of Remote Therapy on Anxiety Treatment During COVID-19
Author Information
Author(s): Paton Lewis W., Bee Penny, Bosanquet Kate, Bower Peter, Fell Jason, Gellatly Judith, Lidbetter Nicky, Lukoseviciute Beatrice, McMillan Dean, Smithson Dave, Tiffin Paul A.
Primary Institution: Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, UK
Hypothesis
Did the forced switch to remote therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic affect treatment outcomes for clients with anxiety?
Conclusion
Anxiety UK services remained effective throughout the pandemic, with no evidence that any demographic group had worse outcomes following the switch to remote therapy.
Supporting Evidence
- Outcomes from therapy were stable across the pandemic period.
- Only the number of therapy sessions was a significant predictor of outcomes.
- Demographic profiles of clients remained unchanged before and after the pandemic.
Takeaway
The study found that switching to online therapy during the pandemic didn't hurt people's mental health, and many still got better.
Methodology
Data from 2323 individuals who accessed Anxiety UK services were analyzed using regression models to assess therapy outcomes pre- and post-pandemic.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to missing data and reliance on self-reported measures.
Limitations
Missing demographic data and inability to distinguish between therapy preferences and actual delivery methods.
Participant Demographics
{"male_percentage":38.7,"lgbt_percentage":15.5,"bme_percentage":14.6,"mean_age":34.1}
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.02
Confidence Interval
[1.01, 1.99]
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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