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Title Psychotherapy mediated by remote communication technologies: a meta-analytic review
Journal BMC Psychiatry
Date July 22, 2008
Authors
  1. Penny E Bee: School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Penny.Bee@manchester.ac.uk; +44 (0)161 306 7652; http://www.manchester.ac.uk/research/penny.e.bee/
  2. Peter Bower: National Primary Care Research and Development Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Pete.Bower@manchester.ac.uk; http://www.medicine.manchester.ac.uk/staff/76571
  3. Karina Lovell: School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Karina.Lovell@manchester.ac.uk; http://www.nursing.manchester.ac.uk/staff/KarinaLovell
  4. Simon Gilbody: Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK; sg519@york.ac.uk; http://www.york.ac.uk/healthsciences/gsp/staff/sgilbody.htm
  5. David Richards: Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK; dr17@york.ac.uk; http://www.york.ac.uk/healthsciences/gsp/staff/drichards.htm
  6. Linda Gask: National Primary Care Research and Development Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Linda.Gask@manchester.ac.uk; http://www.medicine.manchester.ac.uk/staff/lindagask
  7. Pamela Roach: School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Pamela.Roach@manchester.ac.uk; http://www.nursing.manchester.ac.uk/research/researchgroups/mentalhealth/team/
Overview Twelve studies compared the effects of remotely delivered therapy versus traditional face-to-face therapy.
Abstract Patients in six out of twelve studies of tele-therapy for depression or anxiety disorder preferred remotely delivered treatment over the traditional form of delivery. Moreover, the results were comparable for both conditions, though patients with anxiety disorder experienced the best outcomes. These findings are particularly significant in light of the practical, geographical and societal constraints that so often prevent people in need from receiving effective help.
Notable Quote “The ability to deliver more intensive psychological therapy via remote communication media has the potential to confer multiple benefits for patients by combining real time, scheduled contact with increased accessibility.” (Biomed Central, 7/22/2008,  p. 2)
Keywords Tele-therapy, remote, accessibility
Section / Program Depression/Anxiety