Title
(Vi)-rushed into online group schema therapy based day-treatment for older adults by the COVID-19 outbreak in the Netherlands
Reference
van Dijk, S. D. M., Bouman, R., Folmer, E. H., den Held, R. C., Warringa, J. E., Marijnissen, R. M., & Voshaar, R. C. O. (2020, 2020-09). (Vi)-rushed into online group schema therapy based day-treatment for older adults by the COVID-19 outbreak in the Netherlands. The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 28(9), 983-988.
Abstract
Background
Societal measures in context of the COVID-19 outbreak forced us to transform our schema therapy based day-treatment for older adults with chronic affective disorders and personality problems into an online program. The objective of this paper is to present first impressions of this transformation.
Methods
Using over-the-phone instructions initially, all patients were able to participate with the online therapy program. To reduce screen-time for patients, the nonverbal therapies were shortened. Four patients, aged 64–70 years, started our online program.
Results
Therapists were positive about the online capabilities and resilience of patients to adapt to the new situation. Prejudices on limited effectiveness of online psychotherapy were counteracted. Sending homework by email and mail seems to facilitate therapy adherence. Nonverbal therapy could be important to stimulate the online group process.
Conclusion
We were positively surprised by the online capabilities of our geriatric mental healthcare patients and encourage further formal effectiveness studies.
Societal measures in context of the COVID-19 outbreak forced us to transform our schema therapy based day-treatment for older adults with chronic affective disorders and personality problems into an online program. The objective of this paper is to present first impressions of this transformation.
Methods
Using over-the-phone instructions initially, all patients were able to participate with the online therapy program. To reduce screen-time for patients, the nonverbal therapies were shortened. Four patients, aged 64–70 years, started our online program.
Results
Therapists were positive about the online capabilities and resilience of patients to adapt to the new situation. Prejudices on limited effectiveness of online psychotherapy were counteracted. Sending homework by email and mail seems to facilitate therapy adherence. Nonverbal therapy could be important to stimulate the online group process.
Conclusion
We were positively surprised by the online capabilities of our geriatric mental healthcare patients and encourage further formal effectiveness studies.
Keywords
Online multidisciplinary group therapy, schema therapy, aged, cognitive behavior therapy, Covid-19
Country
The Netherlands
Sample type
Clinical
Study focus
Schema therapy effectiveness
Study design
Case study