A Randomized Waitlist-controlled Pilot Trial of Voice Over Internet Protocol-delivered Behavior Therapy for Youth with Chronic Tic Disorders

Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Format of Original

10 p.

Publication Date

4-2016

Publisher

SAGE Publications

Source Publication

Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare

Source ISSN

1357-633X

Abstract

Introduction

Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) has been shown to be efficacious for chronic tic disorders (CTDs), but utilization is limited by a lack of treatment providers and perceived financial and time burden of commuting to treatment. A promising alternative to in-person delivery is voice over Internet protocol (VoIP), allowing for remote, real-time treatment delivery to patients’ homes. However, little is known about the effectiveness of VoIP for CTDs. Therefore, the present study examined the preliminary efficacy, feasibility, and acceptability of VoIP-delivered CBIT (CBIT-VoIP).

Methods

Twenty youth (8–16 years) with CTDs participated in a randomized, waitlist-controlled pilot trial of CBIT-VoIP. The main outcome was pre- to post-treatment change in clinician-rated tic severity (Yale Global Tic Severity Scale). The secondary outcome was clinical responder rate (Clinical Global Impressions – Improvement Scale), assessed using ratings of ‘very much improved’ or ‘much improved’ indicating positive treatment response.

Results

Intention-to-treat analyses with the last observation carried forward were performed. At post-treatment (10-weeks), significantly greater reductions in clinician-rated, (F(1,18) = 3.05, p < 0.05, partial η2 = 0.15), and parent-reported tic severity, (F(1,18) = 6.37, p < 0.05, partial η2 = 0.26) were found in CBIT-VoIP relative to waitlist. One-third (n = 4) of those in CBIT-VoIP were considered treatment responders. Treatment satisfaction and therapeutic alliance were high.

Discussion

CBIT can be delivered via VoIP with high patient satisfaction, using accessible, low-cost equipment. CBIT-VoIP was generally feasible to implement, with some audio and visual challenges. Modifications to enhance treatment delivery are suggested.

Comments

Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, Vol. 22, No. 3 (April 2016): 153-162. DOI.

Douglas W. Woods was affiliated with Texas A&M University at the time of publication.

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