A MINIMALLY GUIDED EHEALTH PROGRAM FOR INDIVIDUALS WAITING FOR MENTAL HEALTH CARE

Sanne BOOIJ1, Rogier HOENDERS1,2, Chantal VAN DER WERF1, Katharina GOZDZIK1, Thomas VAN HOORN1, Christien SLOFSTRA1

1Lentis Psychiatric Institute, Groningen, Netherlands
2University of Groningen, Faculty of Religion, Culture and Society, Groningen, Netherlands

Background: The long waiting time in (specialist) mental health care (MHC) presents an important problem and causes much suffering for those waiting (reduced hope, connectedness and empowerment), clinicians and referrers (perceived stress and work pressure). To address this suffering, in 2020 Wacht@ctief has been developed; an eHealth program for individuals who are on the waiting list for specialist MHC. Using action research, Wacht@ctief has since been adapted based on user evaluations, by for example, adding solution-oriented coaching. This substudy examines whether (1) use and evaluation of Wacht@ctief has improved over time, and (2) how Wacht@ctief could be adapted to better meet the needs of clinicians and referrers.  

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Methods: Wacht@ctief is currently implemented at nine departments of a large MHC in the Netherlands, and consists of an informative basic module, elective modules on positive health (e.g., lifestyle, purpose/meaning), self-help modules, coaching by an applied psychologist, and (possible) contact with an experience expert. User evaluations entail usage data (n=2565) and evaluation questionnaires at intake (n=500). (Trends in) usage and evaluation data are described. The needs of practitioners have been examined with semi-structured interviews. Interview data were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. Interviews with referrers are ongoing (results expected March 2024). 



Results: In total, 58% of the individuals invited (n=1481) started Wacht@ctief, and 506 (34%) fully completed the basic module. Completion rates increased over time. User evaluations of Wacht@ctief did not change over time (mean ≈ 7, min-max= 1- 10). Practitioners expressed the need for an easy way for the client to transfer personally important lessons learned from Wacht@ctief to the intake.



Discussion: Wacht@ctief is increasingly used over time. A new round of qualitative interviews is necessary to assess (further) needs of users. Practitioner's suggestions fit with the goal to empower clients in their recovery process.