Location
Philadelphia, PA
Start Date
10-5-2021 12:00 AM
End Date
13-5-2021 12:00 AM
Description
Introduction: Adults with visual impairment are at increased risk of developing depression and experiencing a decreased quality of life, as compared to vision intact adults. However, there are many barriers to accessing health problems for this population.
Purpose: The purpose of the study is to explore the impact of a virtual group-based intervention utilizing strategies from motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral problem-solving therapy to improve attendance and treatment outcome for adults with visual impairment. Specifically, the study will focus on improving previously demonstrated low rates of attendance, as well as improving depression, quality of life, problem-solving skills; and reducing cognitive distortions.
Hypotheses: H1: It is hypothesized that the virtual group treatment, based on problem-solving therapy, will lead to an increase in attendance for adults with visual impairment, as compared to similar in vivo intervention. H2: It is hypothesized that the intervention will result in improvement in problem-solving skills and quality of life for adults with visual impairment. H3: It is hypothesized that the virtual group-based intervention will reduce depressive symptoms and frequency of cognitive distortions in visually impaired adults.
Proposed Methods: Participants will be recruited on a voluntary basis from a non-profit organization that provides services for adults with visual impairment and blindness in a large metropolitan city in the Northeastern United States. Attendance will be operationalized as the percent of sessions attended by participants. Problem-solving skills will be operationalized as scores on the Social Problem-Solving Inventory, Revised (SPSI-R). Quality of life is operationalized as scores on the Quality of Life Inventory (QOLI). Depression will be operationalized as scores on the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Cognitive distortions will be operationalized as total scores on the Inventory of Cognitive Distortions (ICD).
Proposed Analyses: The study will be a single subject, multiple-baseline design observed across group participants. This feasibility study was designed to examine the effect of a PST intervention on individuals with visual impairment to increase attendance, problem-solving skills, and quality of life, and to decrease depression and cognitive distortions. Attendance from this group will be compared to a previous, brief PST pilot group to determine if the more accessible teletherapy platform will increase engagement/attendance in the current group.
Implications: It is hoped that results from this study will inform how teletherapy can be used to reduce barriers to attending treatment for adults with visual impairment. Additionally, it is hoped that the study will inform clinical assessment and treatment for adults with visual impairment.
Embargo Period
6-14-2021
Problem-solving teletherapy for adults with visual impairment: A feasibility study to improve access and treatment
Philadelphia, PA
Introduction: Adults with visual impairment are at increased risk of developing depression and experiencing a decreased quality of life, as compared to vision intact adults. However, there are many barriers to accessing health problems for this population.
Purpose: The purpose of the study is to explore the impact of a virtual group-based intervention utilizing strategies from motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral problem-solving therapy to improve attendance and treatment outcome for adults with visual impairment. Specifically, the study will focus on improving previously demonstrated low rates of attendance, as well as improving depression, quality of life, problem-solving skills; and reducing cognitive distortions.
Hypotheses: H1: It is hypothesized that the virtual group treatment, based on problem-solving therapy, will lead to an increase in attendance for adults with visual impairment, as compared to similar in vivo intervention. H2: It is hypothesized that the intervention will result in improvement in problem-solving skills and quality of life for adults with visual impairment. H3: It is hypothesized that the virtual group-based intervention will reduce depressive symptoms and frequency of cognitive distortions in visually impaired adults.
Proposed Methods: Participants will be recruited on a voluntary basis from a non-profit organization that provides services for adults with visual impairment and blindness in a large metropolitan city in the Northeastern United States. Attendance will be operationalized as the percent of sessions attended by participants. Problem-solving skills will be operationalized as scores on the Social Problem-Solving Inventory, Revised (SPSI-R). Quality of life is operationalized as scores on the Quality of Life Inventory (QOLI). Depression will be operationalized as scores on the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Cognitive distortions will be operationalized as total scores on the Inventory of Cognitive Distortions (ICD).
Proposed Analyses: The study will be a single subject, multiple-baseline design observed across group participants. This feasibility study was designed to examine the effect of a PST intervention on individuals with visual impairment to increase attendance, problem-solving skills, and quality of life, and to decrease depression and cognitive distortions. Attendance from this group will be compared to a previous, brief PST pilot group to determine if the more accessible teletherapy platform will increase engagement/attendance in the current group.
Implications: It is hoped that results from this study will inform how teletherapy can be used to reduce barriers to attending treatment for adults with visual impairment. Additionally, it is hoped that the study will inform clinical assessment and treatment for adults with visual impairment.