DEVELOPING E-HEALTH SERVICES (DES): THE FEASIBILITY AND ACCEPTABILITY OF GROUP BASED VIDEO-CONFERENCING FOR ADULTS WITH DEPRESSION

Background and aims: Video Conferencing (VC) has shown to be effective in the treatment of mental health conditions as well as increasing engagement for groups who would otherwise struggle to do so using face-to-face services. However, VC services for mental health are not widely available. As such, the full risks and benefits for clinical purposes are unknown. The primary aim of this study is to test the acceptability and feasibility of delivering a peer led support group for adults with depression using VC technology in co-production with users. The secondary aim is to evaluate the potential effectiveness of this service.
Materials and methods: Phase one focused on intervention development via interviews and observations with facilitators, staff and service users. Phase two involved delivery of an eight week group based VC support service. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), EQ-5D-5L measures of health outcomes and the Mental Health Literacy Scale (HMLS) for economic appraisal were recorded at baseline, week eight and at six months for the intervention and control arms (n=100).
Results: Data collection commenced summer 2017. Data will be analysed and the results presented at this conference. Challenges in relation to acceptability and feasibility will also be discussed.
Conclusions: Findings will inform the design of a phase III multi-site RCT. Findings in relation to the potential effectiveness will provide support for National Health Service and third sector Mental Health commissioners and service providers to make an evidence-based decision on whether to incorporate a VC support service in Mental Health services.