Integrating theory-based and data-driven methods to case conceptualization: A functional analysis approach with ecological momentary assessment.

Objective Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) and network analysis are promising empirical developments for psychotherapy research and practice, but they lack a therapeutic rationale that could guide case conceptualization and treatment planning. We developed an assessment strategy that aims to assess functional analysis with EMA. Method: The assessment strategy was applied to a series of three N-of-1 assessments in a proof-of-concept study. After selecting a personalized set of items, EMA was implemented with three measurement time points per day for a period of 30 days. The participants evaluated feasibility and acceptance. Practicing psychotherapists discussed clinical implications in a focus group. Results: The implementation of the assessment strategy seemed feasible and accepted; participants did not report any side effects. Principal component and network analyses indicated interpretable components (e.g., participant 1: hopelessness, procrastination, coping, avoidance). The focus group pointed out potentials (e.g., efficient profit of the waiting time, empowering patients) and challenges (e.g., prioritize and interpret all the information). Conclusion: The presented assessment strategy may enhance the scientific quality of case conceptualization empowering therapists' decision-making regarding treatment planning. At the same time, it is a concrete demonstration of the challenges that need to be addressed in future research.

The QOLIBRI--towards a quality of life tool after traumatic brain injury: current developments in Asia.

INTRODUCTION: There is no disease-specific health-related quality of life (HRQoL) tool devoted to traumatic brain injury (TBI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Over 1500 TBI patients from 10 countries filled out a preliminary version of the QOLIBRI taking TBI specificities into account. 3 successive versions and consecutive statistical analyses were necessary to get a psychometrically-reliable tool. RESULTS: The QOLIBRI final version, filled out in 15 min, consists of 2 parts. The first part assesses satisfaction with HRQoL and is composed of 6 overall items and 29 items allocated to 4 subscales: thinking, feelings, autonomy and social aspects. The second part, devoted to "bothered" questions, is composed of 12 items in 2 subscales: negative feelings and restrictions. The 6 subscales meet standard psychometric criteria. In addition, 2 items evaluate medical-oriented aspects. The questionnaire is validated in German, Finnish, Italian, French, English, Dutch. CONCLUSION: TBI patients may now be assessed, beyond more "objective" measures including handicap and recovery, with a new measure of assessing the TBI patient's own opinion on his/her HRQoL, applicable across different populations and cultures. Validations in China Mainland, Hong-Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Egypt, Poland, Norway, Indonesia, and Malaya are on the way.