RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Op Koers Online, a protocolled online psychosocial group intervention for adolescents with a chronic illness (CI). METHODS: Adolescents (12-18 years) with different types of CI (N = 59; Mean age = 15.1 years, SD = 1.7; 54% female) participated in a parallel multicenter randomized controlled trial comparing Op Koers Online (N = 35) with a waitlist control group (N = 24). Assessments (online questionnaires) took place at baseline (T0), 6-months (T1) and 12-months follow-up (T2). Primary outcomes were internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems and disease-related coping skills. Health-Related Quality of Life was secondary. Efficacy was tested with linear mixed models. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, the intervention had a significant positive effect (p < .05) on disease-related coping skills T1 vs T0 (use of relaxation, ß = 0.68; social competence, ß = 0.57) and T2 vs T0 (information seeking, ß = 0.61), and on HRQoL (social-, school-, psychosocial functioning and total HRQoL) T1 vs T0 (ß = 0.52 to ß = 0.60). No intervention effects on internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems were found. CONCLUSION: The results of this randomized controlled trial indicate a positive effect of Op Koers Online. The intervention had beneficial effects on disease-related coping skills and HRQoL. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The next step is to implement Op Koers Online for adolescents in clinical practice.
RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of an online psychosocial group intervention for parents of children with a chronic illness, in terms of anxiety and depression, and disease-related coping skills. METHODS: Parents (N = 73) participated in a parallel multicenter randomized controlled trial comparing an intervention group to a waitlist control group. In the group intervention Op Koers Online (English: On Track Online) parents learned how to use adaptive coping strategies taught with cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy techniques. Assessments (online questionnaires) took place at baseline (T0), 6-months (T1), and 12-months (T2) follow-up. Mixed-model analyses were performed to test the difference in change in outcomes between intervention (N = 34) and waitlist control group (N = 33). RESULTS: When compared with the waitlist control group, the intervention had a significant positive effect (p < .05) on changes in anxiety, depression, and total score T1 versus T0 (ß = -.47 to -.51) and T2 versus T0 (ß = -.39 to -.46), the coping skills open communication, relaxation, social support, acceptance, predictive control (ß = .42-.88) and helplessness (ß = -.47) T1 versus T0 and relaxation and positive thinking T2 versus T0 (ß = .42-.53). CONCLUSIONS: Parental anxiety and depression decreased, and use of adaptive coping skills improved after the intervention. The online character, the focus on parents themselves instead of on their child and the possibility for parents of children with rare illnesses to participate, are innovative and unique aspects of Op Koers Online for parents. The next step is to implement the intervention in clinical practice.