“A greatest hits compilation of mental health support”: A qualitative study of health professionals’ perceptions of modular CBT in paediatric epilepsy services

Anna E. Coughtrey, Sophie D Bennett, Alice Sibelli, Bruce Chorpita, Emma Dalrymple, Peter Fonagy, Tamsin Ford, Isobel Heyman, Rona Moss-Morris, MICE Study Team, Roz Shafran

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objectives: The primary aim of this qualitative study was to explore the views of health professionals, with little previous clinical mental health training, of an adapted modular cognitive-behavioural intervention (MATCH-ADTC) for common mental health problems in children and young people with epilepsy.
Methods: Health Care Professionals (HCPs) and their supervisors were interviewed at the start (n=23) and end (n=15) of the six-month training period. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis.
Results: Three higher order themes with sub-themes were identified: (1) strengths of the MATCH-ADTC content and manual; (2) expectations of the treatment; and (3) improving practice with MATCH-ADTC. Overall impressions of the training and treatment were largely positive, with HCPs viewing MATCH-ADTC as an acceptable treatment for the families that they worked with. HCPs highlighted some challenges in delivering an integrated service, particularly relating to the time commitment involved and their own confidence in delivering the intervention, as many participants did not have a mental health background.
Conclusions: The findings suggested that the intervention and training was acceptable to HCPs working in paediatric epilepsy services, and confidence grew over the six-month training period. Further research is needed to understand how to best train, supervise and support HCPs in paediatric epilepsy services to deliver mental health treatments.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages37
JournalEpilepsy & Behavior
Publication statusAccepted/In press - 2 Aug 2021

Keywords

  • Cognitive-behavioural therapy
  • paediatric epilepsy
  • supervision and training

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