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The service user experience of SlowMo therapy: a co-produced thematic analysis of service users’ subjective experience

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Version 2 2023-06-13, 15:29
Version 1 2023-06-10, 03:14
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posted on 2023-06-13, 15:29 authored by Kathryn GreenwoodKathryn Greenwood, Megha Gurnani, Tom Ward, Evelin Vogel, Claire VellaClaire Vella, Alison McGourty, Sam Robertson, Catarina Sacadura, Amy Hardy, Mar Rus-Calafell, Nicola Collett, Richard Emsley, Daniel Freeman, David FowlerDavid Fowler, Elizabeth Kuipers, Paul Bebbington, Graham Dunn, Daniel Michelson, Philippa Garety
Objectives SlowMo is the first blended digital therapy for paranoia, showing significant small-moderate reductions in paranoia in a recent large-scale randomized controlled trial (RCT). This study explored the subjective service-user experience of the SlowMo therapy content and design; the experience of the blended therapy approach, including the triangle of the therapeutic alliance; and the experience of the digital aspects of the intervention. Design Qualitative co-produced sub-study of an RCT. Methods Participants were 22 adult service users with schizophrenia-spectrum psychosis and persistent distressing paranoia, who completed at least one SlowMo therapy session and a 24-week follow-up, at one of 3 sites in Oxford, London, and Sussex, UK. They were interviewed by peer researchers, using a topic guide co-produced by the Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) team. The transcribed data were analysed thematically. Multiple coding and triangulation, and lay peer researcher validation were used to reach a consensus on the final theme structure. Results Six core themes were identified: (i) starting the SlowMo journey; (ii) the central role of the supportive therapist; (iii) slowing things down; (iv) value and learning from social connections; (v) approaches and challenges of technology; and (vi) improvements in paranoia and well-being. Conclusions For these service users, slowing down for a moment was helpful, and integrated into thinking over time. Learning from social connections reflected reduced isolation, and enhanced learning through videos, vignettes, and peers. The central role of the supportive therapist and the triangle of alliance between service user, therapist, and digital platform were effective in promoting positive therapeutic outcomes.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Psychology and Psychotherapy: theory, research and practice

ISSN

2044-8341

Publisher

Wiley

Page range

1-21

Department affiliated with

  • Psychology Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2022-04-26

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2022-04-26

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2022-04-25

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