Predeductible Coverage and Receipt of Telemental Health Visits.

This cohort study examines the utilization changes associated with the reintroduction of cost sharing for patients receiving telemental health services.

Large Language Models Versus Expert Clinicians in Crisis Prediction Among Telemental Health Patients: Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND: Due to recent advances in artificial intelligence, large language models (LLMs) have emerged as a powerful tool for a variety of language-related tasks, including sentiment analysis, and summarization of provider-patient interactions. However, there is limited research on these models in the area of crisis prediction. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the performance of LLMs, specifically OpenAI's generative pretrained transformer 4 (GPT-4), in predicting current and future mental health crisis episodes using patient-provided information at intake among users of a national telemental health platform. METHODS: Deidentified patient-provided data were pulled from specific intake questions of the Brightside telehealth platform, including the chief complaint, for 140 patients who indicated suicidal ideation (SI), and another 120 patients who later indicated SI with a plan during the course of treatment. Similar data were pulled for 200 randomly selected patients, treated during the same time period, who never endorsed SI. In total, 6 senior Brightside clinicians (3 psychologists and 3 psychiatrists) were shown patients' self-reported chief complaint and self-reported suicide attempt history but were blinded to the future course of treatment and other reported symptoms, including SI. They were asked a simple yes or no question regarding their prediction of endorsement of SI with plan, along with their confidence level about the prediction. GPT-4 was provided with similar information and asked to answer the same questions, enabling us to directly compare the performance of artificial intelligence and clinicians. RESULTS: Overall, the clinicians' average precision (0.7) was higher than that of GPT-4 (0.6) in identifying the SI with plan at intake (n=140) versus no SI (n=200) when using the chief complaint alone, while sensitivity was higher for the GPT-4 (0.62) than the clinicians' average (0.53). The addition of suicide attempt history increased the clinicians' average sensitivity (0.59) and precision (0.77) while increasing the GPT-4 sensitivity (0.59) but decreasing the GPT-4 precision (0.54). Performance decreased comparatively when predicting future SI with plan (n=120) versus no SI (n=200) with a chief complaint only for the clinicians (average sensitivity=0.4; average precision=0.59) and the GPT-4 (sensitivity=0.46; precision=0.48). The addition of suicide attempt history increased performance comparatively for the clinicians (average sensitivity=0.46; average precision=0.69) and the GPT-4 (sensitivity=0.74; precision=0.48). CONCLUSIONS: GPT-4, with a simple prompt design, produced results on some metrics that approached those of a trained clinician. Additional work must be done before such a model can be piloted in a clinical setting. The model should undergo safety checks for bias, given evidence that LLMs can perpetuate the biases of the underlying data on which they are trained. We believe that LLMs hold promise for augmenting the identification of higher-risk patients at intake and potentially delivering more timely care to patients.

Assessing Telemental Health Uptake and Associated Health Care Resource Implications among Mississippi Medicaid Enrollees with Major Depression.

Objective: Investigate the association between Telemental Health (TMH) uptake and sociodemographic characteristics, and how TMH uptake relates to health care resource utilization and Medicaid expenditures among Mississippi Medicaid enrollees with major depression. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted (2019-2020), comparing those who utilized TMH and those who did not. Results: Among the 21,239 identified enrollees, 806 (3.79%) utilized TMH. The TMH cohort was more likely to be of older age, non-Hispanic White, comprehensive managed care organization enrollees, rural residents, and from areas with a higher area deprivation index, and have higher Charlson comorbidity index scores. The TMH cohort also exhibited higher mental health-related and all-cause outpatient and emergency department utilization, along with higher Medicaid expenditures. Conclusion: As the first study investigating telehealth utilization among Mississippi Medicaid enrollees, this study highlights sociodemographic disparities in telehealth adoption. Addressing barriers hindering telehealth adoption among vulnerable populations and ensuring the availability of quality data are vital for future research.

Education and training of telemental health providers: a systematic review.

Objective: To conduct a systematic literature review of education and training (E&T) programs for telemental health (TMH) providers in the past 10 years to qualitatively clarify field offerings and methodologies, as well as identify areas for future growth. Methods: We searched five major electronic databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, CINAHL, and Web of Science for original publications on TMH E&T from January 2013 to May 2023. We extracted information from each publication and summarized key features of training programs including setting, target group, study aims, training modality, methods of assessing quality, and outcomes. Results: A total of 20 articles were selected for the final review. Articles meeting inclusionary criteria were predominantly comprised of case studies and commentaries, focused on a TMH service/practice for a specific region/population, and were performed after 2020. All of the selected studies demonstrated a significant increase in the measured knowledge, skills, and abilities of the participants after TMH training. Nevertheless, there remains a lack of standardization of training methodologies, limited sample sizes and demographics, variability in study methodologies, and inconsistency of competency targets across studies. Conclusion: This systematic review highlighted the diversity of methods for TMH E&T. Future research on this topic could include more varied and larger-scale studies to further validate and extend current findings, as well as explore potential long-term effects of TMH training programs on both provider attitudes and patient outcomes.

Provision of Telepsychological Care Via Email during COVID-19 Confinement: An Exploratory Study.

Within teletherapy, email interventions have been studied scarcely. For this reason, this exploratory study aims to characterize the assistance provided by email in a university telepsychology service and to compare the data with the assistance provided by telephone in the same service and period. For this purpose, the records of 81 users assisted via email during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in Spain were analyzed. The data were compared with those of the 338 users assisted by telephone in the same period. Despite its many limitations, results indicate high satisfaction with the email modality. Users express that they prefer a preference for using email when they do not feel safe in other ways. We found a lot of variation between the number of emails exchanged and the days that each case was active. Additionally, differences were found with telephone users in aspects such as age (email users being younger) and in a depression screening (email users scoring more positively). This study concludes on the high potential of this channel for the application of certain techniques (e.g., psychoeducation) or for people with certain characteristics.

The Efficacy of Telemental Health Interventions for Mood Disorders Pre-COVID-19: A Narrative Review.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic saw a significant surge in the utilization of telemental health (TMH) services. This narrative review aimed to investigate the efficacy of TMH for serious mood disorders prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. A search across databases was conducted for randomized controlled trials focusing on TMH interventions for mood disorders, encompassing major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD). Study and patient characteristics, interventions, and outcomes were extracted. From a pool of 2611 papers initially identified, 17 met the inclusion criteria: 14 focused on MDD, while 4 addressed BD. Among these, 6 papers directly compared TMH interventions to in-person of same treatment, revealing improved access to care and higher rates of appointment follow-up with TMH. Additionally, 6 papers comparing TMH to treatment as usual demonstrated improvements in mood outcomes. Conversely, 3 papers comparing different TMH interventions found no discernible differences in outcomes. Notably, 3 studies evaluated TMH as an adjunct to usual care, all reporting enhancements in depression outcomes. Overall, preliminary evidence suggests that prior to COVID-19, TMH interventions for serious mood disorders facilitated improved access to care and follow-up, with comparable clinical outcomes to traditional in-person interventions. The discussion addresses limitations and provides recommendations for future research in this domain.

Factors Associated with Acute Telemental Health Consultations in Older Veterans.

Introduction: The United States Veterans Health Administration is a leader in the use of telemental health (TMH) to enhance access to mental healthcare amidst a nationwide shortage of mental health professionals. The Tennessee Valley Veterans Affairs (VA) Health System piloted TMH in its emergency department (ED) and urgent care clinic (UCC) in 2019, with full 24/7 availability beginning March 1, 2020. Following implementation, preliminary data demonstrated that veterans ≥65 years old were less likely to receive TMH than younger patients. We sought to examine factors associated with older veterans receiving TMH consultations in acute, unscheduled, outpatient settings to identify limitations in the current process. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted within the Tennessee Valley VA Health System. We included veterans ≥55 years who received a mental health consultation in the ED or UCC from April 1, 2020-September 30, 2022. Telemental health was administered by a mental health clinician (attending physician, resident physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant) via iPad, whereas in-person evaluations were performed in the ED. We examined the influence of patient demographics, visit timing, chief complaint, and psychiatric history on TMH, using multivariable logistic regression. Results: Of the 254 patients included in this analysis, 177 (69.7%) received TMH. Veterans with high-risk chief complaints (suicidal ideation, homicidal ideation, or agitation) were less likely to receive TMH consultation (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.24-0.95). Compared to attending physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants were associated with increased TMH use (AOR 4.81, 95% CI 2.04-11.36), whereas consultation by resident physicians was associated with decreased TMH use (AOR 0.04, 95% CI 0.00-0.59). The UCC used TMH for all but one encounter. Patient characteristics including their visit timing, gender, additional medical complaints, comorbidity burden, and number of psychoactive medications did not influence use of TMH. Conclusion: High-risk chief complaints, location, and type of mental health clinician may be key determinants of telemental health use in older adults. This may help expand mental healthcare access to areas with a shortage of mental health professionals and prevent potentially avoidable transfers in low-acuity situations. Further studies and interventions may optimize TMH for older patients to ensure safe, equitable mental health care.

Patient Satisfaction and Willingness to Continue with Telemental Health Care During and After the Early Period of SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: A User Survey.

Objective: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and related lockdown periods generated an increase in the use of virtual care for mental health (MH). This study aimed to assess patient satisfaction with Telemental Health services (TMH) during first lockdown and factors related to their willingness to continue using this service. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 364 MH outpatients from 9 centers in the Barcelona region (Spain), who received TMH between April 20 and May 22, 2020. We assessed sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, prior experience, and familiarity with technologies and satisfaction with TMH. Willingness to receive TMH after the lockdown was measured separately for telephone and videoconferencing. We performed descriptive statistics and bivariate and multivariate regression models to predict TMH willingness. Results: From 450 patients contacted, 364 were interviewed. Satisfaction with TMH was high (mean 9.24, standard deviation 0.07); 2.47% preferred only TMH visits after lockdown, 23.08% preferred mostly TMH visits, 50.82% accepted some TMH visits, and 23.63% would prefer in-person consultations. Female patients and those having received TMH during lockdown showed higher odds of willingness to receive TMH in the future, while patients unfamiliar with technologies showed lower odds. Concerning TMH through telephone, willingness was more likely in patients living with more persons. Videoconferencing willingness was more likely for people living with depression. Conclusions: TMH was well accepted during the first lockdown and patients were willing to maintain it after lockdown. Low familiarity with new technologies is an important barrier to TMH willingness, which needs to be addressed for appropriate implementation going forward.

The association between quality of therapeutic alliance and treatment outcomes in teletherapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The strength of the therapeutic alliance is widely understood to impact treatment outcomes, however, the alliance-outcome relationship in teletherapy has remained relatively unexamined. The aim of this meta-analysis is to systematically summarize the relationship between therapeutic alliance and treatment outcomes in teletherapy with adult patients conducted via videoconferencing or telephone. METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of the databases PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, ProQuest Dissertation Databases, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and PubMed for studies published before June 26, 2023. We identified 31 studies with 34 independent samples (4862 participants). RESULTS: The average weighted effect size was 0.15, p = .001, 95% CI [0.07, 0.24], k = 34. reflecting a small effect of therapeutic alliance on mental health outcomes. There was significant heterogeneity in the effect sizes, which was driven by between-study differences in the alliance-outcome correlation. The alliance-outcome effect was larger when the alliance was measured late in treatment and when the outcome was measured from the patient's perspective. CONCLUSION: Very few teletherapy treatment studies were identified that initially reported on alliance-outcome associations, underlining that this is an under-researched area. The association between alliance-teletherapy outcomes in this meta-analysis was small but significant, and somewhat weaker than the alliance-outcome associations reported for in-person treatments and other online interventions. This might indicate that there are other processes at play in teletherapy that explain variance of treatment outcomes, or that the therapist (and the relationship) has less influence on the treatment outcomes than in in-person therapy.

Parent-Led Cognitive Behavioral Teletherapy for Anxiety in Autistic Youth: A Randomized Trial Comparing Two Levels of Therapist Support.

Parent-led cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an efficient, promising form of therapy that may be well suited for autistic youth with anxiety disorders, though to date it has been minimally tested. In this study, 87 autistic youth (7 to 13 years old) with anxiety disorders and their parents were randomized to two forms of parent-led CBT in which parents led their child through a guided CBT workbook across 12 weeks: one with low therapist contact (four 30-minute telehealth calls), and one with standard therapist contact (ten 60-minute telehealth calls). Anxiety, functional impairment, and autism features significantly declined across therapy, without differences between groups. High satisfaction was reported in both groups, though significantly higher satisfaction ratings were reported in standard-contact CBT. Responder rates were 69% of completers at posttreatment (70% in standard contact, 68% in low contact) and 86% at 3-month follow-up (86% in standard contact, 87% in low contact). Low-contact CBT was estimated to incur an average cost of $755.70 per family compared with $1,978.34 in standard-contact CBT. Parent-led CBT with minimal or standard therapist contact both appear to be effective CBT delivery formats for autistic youth with anxiety disorders, with significant cost savings for low-contact CBT.

Telemental Health Services Usage and Association with Health Care Utilization and Expenditures Among Vulnerable Medicare Beneficiaries in 2019: A Comparative Study Using Propensity Score Matching.

Background: Telemental health (TMH) offers a promising approach to managing major depressive disorder (MDD). The objective of our work was to evaluate TMH usage among a vulnerable population of MDD Medicare beneficiaries and its association with health care utilization and expenditures. Methods: This cohort study analyzed 2019 Mississippi Medicare fee-for-service data for adult beneficiaries with MDD. Subjects were matched by the use of TMH following 1:1 propensity score matching. Comparisons between TMH and non-TMH cohorts were made on health care utilization and expenditure outcomes, adjusting for provider types postmatching. Results: Among 7,673 identified beneficiaries, 551 used TMH and 7,122 did not. Prematching, TMH cohort showed greater proportions of dual beneficiaries, rural residents, subjects with income below $40,000, those with disability entitlement, and higher Charlson comorbidity index scores, compared to the non-TMH cohort (all p < 0.001). Moreover, the TMH cohort had fewer outpatient visits, but more inpatient admissions, emergency department (ED) visits, and higher medical, pharmacy, and total expenditures (all p < 0.001). Postmatching, TMH was associated with a 25% reduction in outpatient visits (p < 0.001) and a 20% reduction in pharmacy expenditures (p = 0.01), with no significant effect on inpatient admissions, ED visits, medical expenditures, or total expenditures. Conclusions: These results underscore the potential of TMH in enhancing accessible health care services for vulnerable populations and affordable services for Medicare. Our results provide a robust baseline for future policy discussions concerning TMH. Future studies should consider identifying barriers to TMH use among vulnerable populations and ensuring equitable and high-quality patient care.

Teletherapy Used to Breakdown Access Barriers.

The studies presented in this literature review reveal the numerous ways that teletherapy can be used to treat patients with mental health issues. The literature includes six research articles from published scientific journals that span from 2005 to 2020. The three types of telehealth therapy reviewed include mobile telehealth, telephone, and video technology. The six research articles focus on the ways that telehealth can reach communities of lower socioeconomic status (SES) and those suffering from access barriers. The benefits of teletherapy include cost savings, time efficiency, easier access, and a reduction in recidivism. Challenges include access barriers, financial difficulties, anxiety, and fear of stigmatization. Limitations of the studies presented include a lack of accessibility to internet and technology, privacy issues, and insurance coverage. Overall, results show that teletherapy provides an affordable, accessible alternative to traditional in-person mental health therapy, especially in reaching lower SES groups, Veterans, and patients with access restrictions.

Barriers to accessing telepsychology services questionnaire: Structure and language-based performance in a sample of Latinx caregivers.

A lack of validated measures to examine barriers to youth telepsychology services among Latinx families limits research that could identify targets for reducing mental health disparities. We developed and validated the Latinx Barriers to Accessing Telepsychology Services (Latinx BATS) questionnaire, a brief multidimensional measure for caregivers of youths. Participants included 511 Latinx caregivers of youths Ages 6-18 (English n = 275, Spanish n = 236) who completed the Latinx BATS and reported on telepsychology service utilization and youth mental health problems. Caregivers whose youths had clinically elevated mental health problems were more likely to report barriers to accessing youth telepsychology services compared to nonclinical youths. Commonly endorsed barriers included concerns that the child would be distracted and not get much benefit, and that providers would be unfamiliar with the family's culture or would not pick up on nuances and emotions. Loadings from an exploratory graph analysis returned four-factors: relational, acceptability, quality, and access concerns. Network centrality measures identified provider knowledge regarding community resources and Latinx culture as important targets for reducing barriers to youth telepsychology services. Confirmatory factor analyses were then conducted and found that the four-factor structure outperformed a single-factor solution. The four-factor structure was similar for the English and Spanish versions of the Latinx BATS, but the strength of item loadings varied across languages. Implications for the use of the Latinx BATS in research and clinical practice are discussed including specific strategies for reducing these obstacles to care among Latinx families. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Exploring Clients' Experiences of Transitioning Mental Health Nursing Care from an In-Person to a Virtual Format due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic led mental health professionals to change the way they engaged with clients, often replacing in-person consultations with virtual ones via telephone or videoconferencing. While studies have investigated the delivery of virtual physical health care, only a handful have investigated the delivery of virtual mental health. These specifically focussed on the outcomes of virtual care whether experiential, practical, or empirical. The transition from in-person to virtual care delivery due to the COVID-19 pandemic has been unexplored. Accordingly, the purpose of the study was to: (1) Explore the experiences of clients who had to transition from an in-person to a virtual provision of mental health care due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and; (2) Explore the nurses' experiences of this technological transition. Using an interpretive phenomenology methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted with nurses and clients who have experienced the in-person to virtual transition of service delivery at a tertiary mental health hospital in Ontario, Canada. In this article, we focus on the results stemming from our interviews with clients. The themes generated from the analysis of client experiences are 1) the psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on clients, (2) mixed feelings of clients towards nursing care delivered via technological means and (3) the role of nurses regarding transitioning of in-person care to technology-mediated care. These findings are relevant as mental health care hospitals are considering how they will deliver services once concerns with the transmission of the COVID-19 virus are resolved.

Psicoterapia online durante a fase inicial da pandemia de COVID-19: desafios e benefícios percebidos / Online psychotherapy during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic: perceived challenges and benefits / Psychothérapie en ligne pendant la phase initiale de la pandémie de COVID-19: défis et avantages perçus / Psicoterapia en línea durante la fase inicial de la pandemia de COVID-19: retos y beneficios percibidos

Resumo: Este estudo tem como objetivo identificar os desafios e benefícios percebidos da psicoterapia online durante a fase inicial da pandemia de COVID-19. Trata-se de pesquisa exploratória e descritiva, com abordagem quanti-qualitativa. A amostra foi composta por 385 psicólogas(os) que preencheram um formulário online. Os dados quantitativos foram submetidos à análise estatística descritiva e as questões abertas à análise temática reflexiva. As categorias elencadas foram: (1) Aprendendo a lidar com a crise, que abarca os desafios identificados no ambiente online, com destaque para a insegurança dos profissionais devido à falta de domínio de aspectos técnicos, preocupações com questões éticas e resistência dos pacientes ao atendimento remoto; e (2) Expandindo as fronteiras da atuação, que concerne aos benefícios percebidos com o uso das plataformas digitais, como ampliação da oferta de atendimento psicológico e vantagens financeiras. A passagem da modalidade presencial para a psicoterapia online nos primeiros meses da pandemia de COVID-19 evidenciou tanto limites como possibilidades, além da necessidade de desenvolver competências específicas para a oferta de cuidado psicoterapêutico mediado por tecnologia digital.

Abstract: This study aims to identify the perceived challenges and benefits of online psychotherapy during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is an exploratory and descriptive research with a quali-quantitative approach. The sample consisted of 385 psychologists who completed an online form. The data were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis and the open questions to reflective thematic analysis. The categories listed were: (1) Learning to deal with the crisis , which encompasses the challenges identified in the online setting, with emphasis on professionals' insecurity due to lack of mastery of technical aspects, concerns about ethical issues, and patients' resistance to remote care; and (2) Expanding the frontiers of practice , which refers to the benefits perceived with the use of digital platforms, such as expanding the offer of psychological care and financial advantages. The shift from face-to-face to online psychotherapy in the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted both limits and possibilities, as well as the need to develop specific skills to offer technology-mediated psychotherapeutic care.

Résumé : Cette étude vise à identifier les défis et les avantages perçus de la psychothérapie en ligne pendant la phase initiale de la pandémie de COVID-19. Il s'agit d'une recherche exploratoire et descriptive, avec une approche quanti-qualitative. L'échantillon était composé de 385 psychologues qui ont répondu à un formulaire en ligne. Les données numériques ont été soumises à une analyse statistique descriptive et les questions ouvertes à une analyse réflexive thématique. Les catégories énumérées étaient les suivantes: (1) Apprendre à faire face à la crise , qui englobe les défis identifiés dans la thérapie en ligne, notamment l'insécurité des professionnels due au manque de maîtrise des aspects techniques, les préoccupations liées aux questions éthiques et la résistance des patients aux soins à distance; et (2) Élargir les frontières de l'action, qui renvoie aux avantages perçus de la psychothérapie en ligne, tels que l'élargissement de l'offre de services de soins psychologiques et les avantages financiers. La transition de la psychothérapie présentielle vers la psychothérapie en ligne au cours des premiers mois de la pandémie de COVID-19 a mis en évidence les limites et les possibilités, ainsi que la nécessité de développer des compétences spécifiques pour l'offre de psychothérapie médiatisée par les technologies de la communication.

Resumen: Este estudio tiene como objetivo identificar los retos y beneficios percibidos de la psicoterapia en línea durante la fase inicial ola de la pandemia de COVID-19. Se trata de una investigación exploratoria y descriptiva, con enfoque cuanticualitativo. La muestra estaba compuesta por 385 psicólogos(as) que respondieron a un formulario en línea. Los datos numéricos se sometieron a un análisis estadístico descriptivo, y las preguntas abiertas, a un análisis temático reflexivo. Las categorías enumeradas fueron las siguientes: (1) Aprender a hacer frente a la crisis , que abarca los retos detectados en la terapia en línea, especialmente la inseguridad de los profesionales debido a la falta de dominio de los aspectos técnicos, las preocupaciones por las cuestiones éticas y la resistencia de los pacientes a la atención a distancia; y (2) Ampliar las fronteras de actuación , que se refiere a los beneficios percibidos con el uso de las plataformas digitales, como la ampliación de la oferta de atención psicológica y las ventajas financieras. La transición a la psicoterapia en línea en los primeros meses de la pandemia de la COVID-19 puso de relieve tanto los límites como las posibilidades, así como la necesidad de desarrollar habilidades específicas para la prestación de atención psicoterapéutica mediada por las tecnologías de la información y comunicación.

Mediação remota das afecções do corpo: reflexões sobre virtualidade e corporeidade / The remote mediation of body affections: reflections on virtuality and corporeity / La mediación a distancia de los afectos del cuerpo: reflexiones sobre la virtualidad y la corporeidad

Este ensaio teórico se propõe a pensar o corpo sob a ótica da pluralidade e das afecções, para compreender como o trabalho da psicologia na modalidade remota atinge a corporeidade e a sua potência de existir. Tais questões foram evocadas num Grupo de Escuta e Acolhimento na modalidade remota. O olhar teórico parte da concepção espinosana das afecções, articulada com a noção de cuidado de si. A solidão relatada nos grupos foi tomada como analisador para refletir sobre o enfraquecimento da produção do encontro. Isso nos levou a pensar os impactos da perda do corpo na presença on-line, a (im)possibilidade do encontro com a diferença e sobre o papel da virtualidade na atualidade do modelo econômico liberal aplicado à psicologia. É necessário considerar as possibilidades de atuação e mediação que não se abstenham perante as demandas da atualidade, mas que reconheçam também os perigos dos aparelhos de captura. (AU)

This theoretical study proposes to think about the body from the plurality and the affections' perspectives, in an attempt to understand how the psychology works, on the virtual modality, reaches corporeity and the expansion of its power to exist. These questions were raised from a Group for Listening and Welcoming Services o the virtual modality. The theoretical perspective starts from Spinoza's conception of the affections, articulated with the notion of self-care. The loneliness reported on the group was our analyzer, in an attempt to reflect about the encounter's weakening. This led us to reflect about the impacts of the body's loss on the online presence, the (im)possibility of encountering the difference and the role of virtuality in the liberal economic model applied to psychology. It is necessary to cover the possibilities of action that do not abstain from present time demands, but also to recognize the dangers of capture devices. (AU)

Este ensayo teórico propone pensar el cuerpo desde la perspectiva de las afecciones, intentando comprender cómo el trabajo de la psicología en la modalidad a distancia alcanza la corporeidad y su potencia de existir. Tales interrogantes surgieron en la experiencia de un Grupo de Escucha y Acogida en la modalidad a distancia. Orientó el trabajo la concepción Spinozista de los afectos, articulada con la noción de cuidado de sí. La soledad relatada en los grupos fue el analizador para reflexionar sobre la producción del encuentro y nos llevó a pensar en los impactos de la pérdida del cuerpo en la presencia online, la (im)posibilidad de encontrar la diferencia y a reflexionamos sobre la virtualidad en el modelo económico liberal aplicado a la psicología. Es necesario abarcar las posibilidades de acción que no se abstengan de las exigencias de hoy, pero que también reconozcan los peligros de los dispositivos de captura. (AU)

Effectiveness of mobile applications as intervention tools in suicidal ideation: a systematic review and meta-analysis / Eficácia dos aplicativos móveis como ferramentas de intervenção na ideação suicida: uma revisão sistemática e meta-análise

Objective Evaluate the effectiveness of mobile applications developed for intervention in suicide risk in adults. Method Searches for articles were carried out in four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and PsychINFO). For the meta-analyses, we used fixed effect modelling to assess the primary outcome. The PROSPERO register is CRD42020163876. Results After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, six studies remained in the systematic review, of which four were eligible to the meta-analysis. There was no difference, or a little tendency in favor of control condition (usual treatment) comparing with applications. Conclusion Applications can be as effective as standard treatments in reducing suicide ideation. The results should be interpreted with caution once all studies presented at least one bias in their study design.

Objetivo Avaliar a eficácia dos aplicativos desenvolvidos para intervenção no risco de suicídio em adultos. Método As buscas por artigos foram realizadas em quatro bancos de dados (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus e PsychINFO). Para a meta-análise, utilizamos modelagem de efeito fixo para avaliar o desfecho primário. O registro no PROSPERO é CRD42020163876. Resultados Após aplicação dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão, seis estudos permaneceram na revisão sistemática, dos quais quatro foram elegíveis para a meta-análise. Não houve diferença, ou uma pequena tendência a favor da condição de controle (tratamento usual) em comparação com aplicativos. Conclusão Os aplicativos parecem ser tão eficazes quanto os tratamentos padrões na redução de ideação suicida. Os resultados devem ser interpretados com cautela, pois todos os estudos apresentaram viés em seu desenho.

Reflexões sobre a construção de uma pesquisa qualitativa em psicoterapia on-line / Reflexiones sobre la construcción de una investigación cualitativa en psicoterapia online / Reflections on the construction of a qualitative research in online psychotherapy

RESUMO. Os serviços mediados pela internet oferecem uma diversidade de formas de conexão e interatividade e, em decorrência, surgem novas intervenções em saúde mental, exigindo pesquisas que fundamentem e avaliem tais práticas. Entretanto, os estudos na área são escassos, especialmente diretrizes que auxiliem na condução de pesquisas que envolvam as intervenções baseadas na internet. Nesse sentido, o objetivo deste artigo é indicar orientações para o desenho de pesquisas de intervenção psicológica na internet, tendo como ilustração a construção de uma pesquisa interventiva em psicoterapia on-line, qualitativa, descritiva e longitudinal. São abordados seis aspectos significativos para pesquisas em intervenção digital, incluindo contato com colaboradores, critérios de participação, alcances da pesquisa, monitoramento e avaliação das intervenções, critérios tecnológicos e aspectos éticos no campo digital. São levantados aspectos técnicos, qualitativos e de cuidados necessários para manter a qualidade dos atendimentos e das pesquisas mediadas pelas tecnologias digitais. É urgente à psicologia consolidar um campo de saber que se ocupe tanto das influências das tecnologias nas subjetividades, também, delinear estudos que avaliem com rigor científico o uso da internet para o tratamento e cuidado em saúde mental.

RESUMEN. Los servicios mediados por Internet ofrecen una diversidad de formas de conexión e interactividad y, como resultado, surgen nuevas intervenciones en salud mental, que requieren investigaciones que corroboren y evalúen dichas prácticas. Sin embargo, los estudios en el área son escasos, especialmente las directrices que ayudan a realizar investigaciones que involucran intervenciones basadas en Internet. En este sentido, el objetivo de este artículo es indicar directrices para el diseño de investigación de intervención psicológica en Internet, teniendo como ilustración la construcción de una investigación intervencionista en psicoterapia online, cualitativa, descriptiva y longitudinal. Se abordan seis aspectos significativos para la investigación en intervención digital, incluyendo el contacto con colaboradores, los criterios de participación, el alcance de la investigación, el seguimiento y evaluación de las intervenciones, los criterios tecnológicos y los aspectos éticos en el campo digital. Se plantean aspectos técnicos, cualitativos y asistenciales necesarios para mantener la calidad asistencial y la investigación mediada por las tecnologías digitales. Es urgente que la Psicología consolide un campo de conocimiento que se ocupe tanto de las influencias de las tecnologías en las subjetividades como de esbozar estudios que evalúen con rigor científico el uso de Internet para el tratamiento y cuidado en salud mental.

ABSTRACT Internet-mediated services offer a variety form of connection and interactivity, from this, new mental health interventions emerge, requiring research to validate and evaluate such practices. However, studies in the area are scarce, especially guidelines that assist in conducting research involving Internet-based interventions. The purpose of this study was to indicate guidelines for the design of psychological intervention research mediated by the Internet, based on the construction of an interventional research in online, qualitative, descriptive and longitudinal psychotherapy. Six significant aspects for digital intervention. Six significant aspects for research in digital intervention are addressed, including contact with collaborators, criteria for participation, scope of research, monitoring and evaluation of interventions, technological criteria and ethical aspects in the digital field. Technical, qualitative and care aspects necessary to maintain the quality of care and research mediated by digital technologies are raised. It is urgent for Psychology to consolidate a field of knowledge that deals with the influence of technologies on subjectivities, as well as to design studies that scientifically assess the use of the internet for treatment and care in mental health.

Perspectiva del cuidado en la ciberpsicología: reflexiones éticas / Care Approach to Cyberpsychology: Ethical Considerations / Perspectiva do cuidado em ciberpsicologia: reflexões éticas

Introducción. El despliegue de nuevas tecnologías de la información y la comunicación lleva a plantear la ciberpsicología como la integración de los medios digitales a la vida y las relaciones humanas, así como la inmersión tecnológica en la práctica profesional; esto implica retos en la comprensión de los cambios que ha producido la tecnología en el desarrollo individual y social. El objetivo del presente artículo fue plantear una reflexión sobre los aspectos éticos en la ciberpsicología y las implicaciones prácticas, a la luz de una perspectiva del cuidado que integra el principio del bienestar en un entorno virtual. Temas de reflexión. En primer lugar, se analizan las principales normativas en el marco de los principios éticos y bioéticos, con énfasis en el contexto colombiano. En segundo lugar, se reflexiona sobre la perspectiva del cuidado y algunas consideraciones en los medios digitales. Finalmente, se revisan algunas implicaciones prácticas de la ciberpsicología. Conclusiones. La perspectiva del cuidado y su aplicación en la ciberpsicología es uno de los anclajes éticos orientados a la promoción de relaciones basadas en el bienestar. Las discusiones éticas desde la perspectiva del cuidado en medios digitales integra la competencia técnico-profesional a la competencia ética. Esto implica un constante análisis de la apropiación de las tecnologías como espacio de encuentro y también como parte del compromiso con el cuidado propio y de los usuarios

Introduction. The spread of new information and communication technologies results in cyberpsychology being proposed as the integration of new digital media into human relationships and life, also, as technological immersion in professional practices. This implies challenges in understanding the changes that technology has produced in individual and social development. The objective of this article was to propose a reflection on the ethical aspects of cyberpsychology and its practical implications, according to a care approach which integrates the wellbeing principle in a virtual environment. Topics of reflection. Firstly, the main regulations for cyberpsychology are analyzed in the framework of the ethical and bioethical principles, with emphasis on the Colombian context. Secondly, we reflect on the care approach and some considerations for digital media. Finally, some practical implications of cyberpsychology are reviewed. Conclusions. The care approach and its application to cyberpsychology is one of the ethical anchors aimed at the promotion of wellbeing-based relationships. Ethical discussions from the care approach to digital media integrate technical-professional competency with ethical competency. This implies a constant analysis of the appropriation of technologies as a meeting space and as part of the commitment to self and user care.

Introdução. A implantação de novas tecnologias de informação e comunicação leva a postular a ciberpsicologia como a integração das mídias digitais na vida e nas relações humanas, bem como a imersão tecnológica na prática profissional. Isso implica desafios na compreensão das mudanças que a tecnología tem produzido no desenvolvimento individual e social. O objetivo deste artigo foi propor uma reflexão sobre os aspectos éticos na ciberpsicologia e as implicações práticas, à luz de uma perspectiva assistencial que integre o princípio do bem-estar no ambiente virtual. Tópicos de reflexão. Em primeiro lugar, analisamse as principais regulamentações no marco dos princípios éticos e bioéticos, com ênfase no contexto colombiano. Em segundo lugar, reflete-se sobre a perspectiva do cuidado e algumas considerações nos meios digitais. Finalmente, são revisadas algumas implicações práticas da ciberpsicologia. Conclusões. A perspectiva do cuidado e sua aplicação na ciberpsicologia é uma das âncoras éticas voltadas à promoção de relações baseadas no bem-estar. As discussões éticas na perspectiva do cuidado em mídia digital integram competência técnico-profissional com a competência ética. Isso implica uma análise constante da apropriação das tecnologias como espaço de encontro, assim como parte do compromisso com o autocuidado e dos usuários

Experiência perceptiva e o sentido da vida em psicólogos voluntários que atendem por telepsicologia no contexto da pandemia de Covid-19: um estudo em Viktor Frankl / Perceptual experience and the meaning of life in volunteer psychologists working via telepsychology in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic: a study on Viktor Frankl

Em meio ao surgimento da pandemia de Covid-19 a psicologia precisou se adequar, prestando atendimento através de Telepsicologia. Vários profissionais uniram-se para prestar atendimento voluntariamente e desafios precisaram ser superados. A construção deste projeto deu-se a partir de pesquisa, análise e coleta de informações e percepções de psicólogos voluntários que atenderam de maneira virtual a população durante a pandemia. Objetivo geral: desvelar compreensivamente a percepção e o sentido da vida para psicólogos voluntários que atuaram por meio da Telepsicologia no contexto da pandemia de Covid-19. Objetivos específicos: descrever a experiência perceptiva de psicólogos voluntários que atenderam pela Telepsicologia no contexto da pandemia de Covid-19. Identificar qual o sentido da vida para esses profissionais e quais as estratégias de enfrentamento utilizadas no cuidado de si. Método: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo com abordagem qualitativa e respaldo da fenomenologia existencial de Merleau-Ponty. O marco filosófico, conceitual e teórico usado é o da Logoterapia de Viktor Frankl. Após a aprovação do projeto pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa (CEP) e com publicação do parecer consubstanciado, CAAE: 39944620.8.0000.5243, iniciou-se o estudo. Foi empregado um questionário semi estruturado e auto aplicável, repassado através de email e pela mídia social WhatsApp, utilizando-se da técnica de snowball. A coleta dos dados ocorreu entre os meses de abril e junho de 2021, encerrando-se quando da percepção de saturação dos dados. As questões levantadas abrangeram os seguintes aspectos: conhecimento e preparo para atender de forma remota, motivação e o sentido dado a experiência de atendimento voluntário e o cuidado de si e a espiritualidade. O cenário da pesquisa foi totalmente virtual. Resultados: Foram identificadas três categorias: Conhecimento e preparo para atender pela telepsicologia; Percepção e sentido da vida através do altruísmo e vivência de dificuldades e Estratégias de enfrentamento e a espiritualidade no trabalho voluntário. Doar-se como voluntário é dar uma resposta a um chamado interior, independente de religião. Prestar atendimento psicológico é ter, acima de tudo, uma postura diante da vida, em que apesar das dificuldades, consegue-se elaborar as dores e construir estratégias de superação utilizando-se da espiritualidade como fonte de auxílio. Conclusão: Os resultados validam as questões da pesquisa, mostrando que o voluntário apreende o significado da conjuntura vivida e consegue extrair o sentido do que representa o ato de acolher o outro. A espiritualidade foi apontada como fundamental para o bem estar existencial e, com seu auxílio, o profissional encontra um sentido para sua vida, fato que o impulsiona a continuar em seu trabalho. A identificação de certas dificuldades técnicas permitiu desenvolver um produto que contemple checar a segurança dos atendimentos virtuais. Limitações: A coleta de dados foi realizada em um curto período. Observou-se uma evidente lacuna de conhecimento na literatura sobre o tema.

Amid the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, psychology had to adapt, providing care through Telepsychology. Several professionals got together to provide volunteer assistance and challenges had to be overcome. The construction of this project was based on research, analysis and collection of information and perceptions of volunteer psychologists who provided virtual services to the population during the pandemic. General objective: to comprehensively unveil the perception and meaning of life for volunteer psychologists who worked through Telepsychology in the context of the Covid19 pandemic. Specific Aims: To describe the perceptual experience of volunteer psychologists who worked with telepsychology in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. To identify the meaning of life for these professionals and the coping strategies used in self-care. Method: This is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach and supported by Merleau-Ponty's existential phenomenology. The philosophical, conceptual and theoretical framework used is Viktor Frankl's Logotherapy. After the project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee (CEP) and with the publication of the consubstantiated opinion, CAAE: 39944620.8.0000.5243, the study began. A semistructured and self-applicable questionnaire was used, sent by e-mail and by the social media WhatsApp, using the snowball technique. Data collection took place between April and June 2021, and ended when data saturation was reached. The questions covered the following aspects: knowledge and preparation to attend remotely, motivation and meaning given to the experience of volunteer service, and self-care and spirituality. The research scenario was entirely virtual. Results: Three categories were identified: Knowledge and preparation to attend by telepsychology; Perception and meaning of life through altruism and experience of difficulties and Coping strategies and spirituality in volunteer work. To donate yourself as a volunteer is to respond to an inner calling, regardless of religion Providing psychological care is, above all, having an attitude towards life, in which, despite the difficulties, it is possible to elaborate the pain and build strategies for overcoming them, using spirituality as a source of help. Conclusion: The results validate the research questions, showing that the volunteer grasps the meaning of the situation he goes through and is able to extract the meaning of what the act of welcoming the other represents. Spirituality was pointed out as fundamental to the existential well-being, and with its help, the professional finds meaning to his life, a fact that impels him to continue his work. The identification of certain technical difficulties allowed the development of a product that includes checking the safety of virtual assistance. Limitations: The data collection was entirely virtual and carried out in a period of severe measures of social isolation. An evident knowledge gap was observed in the literature on the subject.

En medio del surgimiento de la pandemia del Covid-19, la psicología necesitaba adaptarse, brindando servicio a través de la Telepsicología. Varios profesionales se unieron para brindar atención de forma voluntaria y hubo desafíos que superar. La construcción de este proyecto se basó en la investigación, análisis y recopilación de información y percepciones de psicólogas voluntarias que brindaron asistencia virtual a la población durante la pandemia. Objetivo general: develar de manera integral la percepción y sentido de vida de psicólogas voluntarias que trabajaron a través de la Telepsicología en el contexto de la pandemia de la Covid-19. Objetivos específicos: describir la experiencia perceptiva de psicólogas voluntarias que cursaron Telepsicología en el contexto de la pandemia de la Covid-19. Identificar el sentido de la vida de estos profesionales y qué estrategias de afrontamiento se utilizan en el autocuidado. Método: Se trata de un estudio descriptivo con abordaje cualitativo y sustentado en la fenomenología existencial de Merleau-Ponty. El marco filosófico, conceptual y teórico utilizado es el de la Logoterapia de Viktor Frankl. Luego de que el proyecto fuera aprobado por el Comité de Ética en Investigación (CEP) y con la publicación del dictamen fundamentado, CAAE: 39944620.8.0000.5243, se inició el estudio. Se utilizó un cuestionario semiestructurado y autoaplicado, transmitido por correo electrónico y redes sociales WhatsApp, utilizando la técnica de bola de nieve. La recolección de datos se realizó entre abril y junio de 2021, finalizando cuando se percibió saturación de datos. Las preguntas planteadas abarcaron los siguientes aspectos: conocimiento y preparación para brindar cuidado a distancia, motivación y significado que se le da a la experiencia de cuidado voluntario y autocuidado y espiritualidad. El escenario de la investigación fue totalmente virtual. Resultados: Se identificaron tres categorías: Conocimiento y preparación para atender a través de la telepsicología; Percepción y sentido de la vida a través del altruismo y la vivencia de dificultades y Estrategias de afrontamiento y espiritualidad en el voluntariado. Entregarse como voluntario es dar respuesta a una llamada interior, independientemente de la religión. Brindar atención psicológica es, ante todo, tener una actitud ante la vida, en la que, a pesar de las dificultades, sea posible elaborar el dolor y construir estrategias de superación utilizando la espiritualidad como fuente de ayuda. Conclusión: Los resultados validan las preguntas de investigación, mostrando que el voluntario aprehende el sentido de la coyuntura vivida y logra extraer el sentido de lo que representa el acto de acoger al otro. La espiritualidad fue identificada como fundamental para el bienestar existencial y, con su ayuda, el profesional encuentra un sentido a su vida, hecho que lo impulsa a continuar en su trabajo. La identificación de ciertas dificultades técnicas permitió el desarrollo de un producto que incluye la verificación de la seguridad de los servicios virtuales. Limitaciones: La recolección de datos fue completamente virtual y se llevó a cabo en un período de severas medidas de aislamiento social. Había una brecha de conocimiento evidente en la literatura sobre el tema.