Patient perspectives on strengths and challenges of therapist-assisted internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy: using the patient voice to improve care

Therapist-assisted internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy (T-ICBT) involves patients reading online treatment materials, completing relevant exercises, and receiving therapist support. This study aimed to understand the preferences and recommendations of 225 patients enrolled in a T-ICBT course for depression and anxiety via an online therapy unit in collaboration with community mental health clinics dispersed across one Canadian province. An open-ended survey asked participants their opinions of the course and responses were analyzed using a content analysis approach. Patient comments addressed many strengths of the course (64%), with some opportunities for improvement (36%). Most-appreciated features included ability to download content for future use, reading other patients’ experiences, and content of lessons. Patients made suggestions for improving the breadth of patient stories, timeline of the course, and matching availability of the therapist to patient need. Patient feedback regarding preferences provides valuable information for improving the patient-centered nature of T-ICBT.