Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Research Protocols
Date Submitted: Aug 17, 2022
Open Peer Review Period: Aug 17, 2022 - Oct 12, 2022
Date Accepted: Feb 22, 2023
(closed for review but you can still tweet)
A pre-and-post study with a nested randomised controlled trial of a coach-supported versus self-guided digital training course for a problem-solving psychological intervention for non-specialists: Study protocol
ABSTRACT
Background:
Psychosocial interventions delivered by non-specialists can be effective at reducing common adolescent mental health problems in low-resource settings. However, there is a lack of evidence on resource-efficient methods for building capacity to deliver these interventions.
Objective:
This study will evaluate the effects of a digital training course, delivered in a self-guided format or with coaching, on non-specialists’ competency to deliver a problem-solving intervention intended for adolescents with common mental health problems in India.
Methods:
We will conduct a pre-post study with a nested parallel, two-arm, individually randomised controlled trial. The study aims to recruit 262 participants, randomised 1:1 to receive either a self-guided digital training course or a digital training course with weekly individualised coaching provided remotely by telephone. In both arms, the digital training will be accessed over 4-6 weeks. Participants will be non-specialists (i.e., without prior practice-based training in psychological therapies) recruited from among university students and affiliates of non-governmental organisations in Delhi and Mumbai, India.
Results:
Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and six weeks post-randomisation using a knowledge-based competency measure that incorporates a multiple-choice quiz format. The primary hypothesis is that the digital training course (irrespective of coaching) improves knowledge-based competency scores. The secondary hypothesis is that provision of coaching alongside the digital training course will have an incremental effect on competency scores.
Conclusions:
The study will address an evidence gap on the effectiveness of training methods for non-specialist providers of adolescent mental health interventions in low-resource settings. The findings will be used to support wider efforts to scale up evidence-based mental health interventions for young people Clinical Trial: The study was registered on 11th March 2022 at www. clinicaltrials.gov, NCT05290142.
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