Internet-based health interventions. Evaluation from the perspective of patients before and in outpatient psychotherapy

Background. Internet-based health interventions can serve as a useful supplement to regular face-to-face therapy only if they are accepted by the clients. Objective. This aim of the current study was to examine the attitudes and opinions of potential users on internet-based health interventions in Germany. This information could make a useful contribution to the development and promotion of measures which target their requirements. Material and methods. To address this issue psychotherapy patients and persons on a waiting list for outpatient psychotherapy were interviewed about their attitudes towards internet-based interventions and compared with the results from a matched control group. Results. Compared with the control group, waiting list candidates in particular declared a reduced interest in engaging in internet-based interventions and both patient groups perceived few advantages. All groups appreciated the enhanced flexibility associated with internet-based interventions, but both patient groups thought that the increased anonymity and reduced inhibition threshold for seeking treatment were less advantageous than the control group. Compared to the controls, both patient groups worried more about privacy issues and a possible misinterpretation of their written statements. Both patient groups considered internet-based psychotherapy as conceivable for the treatment of fewer kinds of psychopathological symptoms than the control group. Patients considered that internet-based treatment of panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, depression and generalized anxiety disorder was least imaginable although, to date, relatively many internet-based options are available for these disorders. There appears to be interest in the treatment of sexual dysfunctions through the internet. Conclusion. To address the reservations concerning privacy protection, paper and pencil registration procedures could be provided. In addition, by clearly emphasizing that there is the possibility of establishing personal contact to a therapist either face to face or by video conference, internet-based services could also be more useful in satisfying patient needs.