JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Digital interventions play an innovative role in the treatment of mental health disorders, offering evidence-based solutions across a wide range of conditions. Blended therapy (BT) - which integrates digitally delivered interventions with face-to-face therapy - has shown significant promise. However, challenges such as low uptake of BT hinder widespread implementation. Therapists are key stakeholders for the successful adoption of BT in routine care settings.

Objective:

This study explores therapists' perspectives on BT, specifically assessing their perceived knowledge, acceptance, usage, and perceptions of different BT types. Additionally, it examines therapists’ perceived advantages and disadvantages of BT, along with challenges associated with implementation and wishes toward future application of BT.

Methods:

A survey study was conducted among 203 psychotherapists and psychiatrists (including those in training) in Switzerland. Data was analyzed using both quantitative methods and qualitative content analysis.

Results:

Participants reported limited knowledge of BT, attitudes toward BT were somewhat positive and acceptance was moderate. Among various digitally delivered interventions, video therapy was most frequently integrated with face-to-face treatment and was also considered more suitable for BT than chat, email or new technologies. More than 70% of respondents deemed BT appropriate for the treatment of Affective (Mood) Disorders (F30-F39) as well as Neurotic, Stress-related and Somatoform Disorders (F40-48). The qualitative analyses highlighted key advantages of BT, including increased treatment flexibility, the ability to outsource therapy components, and enhanced efficiency. However, challenges such as increased treatment effort and potential disruptions to the therapeutic relationship were noted. Participants identified key barriers to BT implementation, including financial constraints and data security concerns. To facilitate BT adoption, respondents emphasized the desire for cost coverage, easy access to digitally delivered interventions, and seamless integration of digital tools into face-to-face therapy.

Conclusions:

The findings indicate that therapists report limited knowledge of BT and consider it more suitable for certain disorders than others. Moreover, while BT offers notable advantages, it also presents significant challenges. Addressing therapist knowledge gaps, alongside resolving perceived implementation barriers, may be key to the successful future implementation of BT in routine mental health settings.