Currently submitted to: JMIR Formative Research
Date Submitted: Sep 12, 2025
Open Peer Review Period: Oct 27, 2025 - Dec 22, 2025
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Patients’ attitudes and expectations towards a digital inpatient-like psychotherapy concept: A qualitative interview study
ABSTRACT
Background:
In recent years, digital mental health interventions have become increasingly important due to the rising demand for psychotherapy and the shortage of resources. Digital inpatient-like psychotherapy (DIPT) is a therapeutic concept that allows patients to receive inpatient-like psychotherapy in a digital environment.
Objective:
This qualitative interview study sheds light on patients' attitudes and expectations towards digital inpatient-like psychotherapy in terms of acceptance, perceived benefits and barriers, as well as suggestions for initial implementation steps
Methods:
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 patients receiving day-patient or inpatient psychotherapy in a university hospital. Iterative thematic analysis and inductive coding were conducted by three independent researchers following Braun and Clarke’s approach to thematic analysis. Three main categories emerged with multiple subsidiary themes and subthemes.
Results:
Interviewees included individuals with various mental health disorders. The analysis of the interviews revealed three categories ((1) requirements for effective implementation of DIPT, (2) influence of familiar environment and digital communication on the interpersonal level, and (3) patients’ benefits from DIPT) with seven themes. The overall attitude and acceptance towards digital inpatient-like psychotherapy was predominantly positive, with interviewees recognizing numerous benefits including location independency, time flexibility, and increased openness towards personal mental health issues. However, potential barriers such as lack of personal prioritization, tendencies for social withdrawal or insufficient relationship building must be addressed and considered.
Conclusions:
Interviewees included individuals with various mental health disorders. The analysis of the interviews revealed three categories ((1) requirements for effective implementation of DIPT, (2) influence of familiar environment and digital communication on the interpersonal level, and (3) patients’ benefits from DIPT) with seven themes. The overall attitude and acceptance towards digital inpatient-like psychotherapy was predominantly positive, with interviewees recognizing numerous benefits including location independency, time flexibility, and increased openness towards personal mental health issues. However, potential barriers such as lack of personal prioritization, tendencies for social withdrawal or insufficient relationship building must be addressed and considered.
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