Evaluating How Course Delivery and Social Learning Affect Internet Therapy for Canadian Public Safety Workers

What this Trial Is About

Public Safety Personnel PSP face an increased risk of mental health disorders and often encounter barriers to accessing care, such as stigma and time constraints. Researchers are evaluating an internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy ICBT course tailored specifically for PSP. This randomized factorial trial investigates how different methods of delivering course content and the addition of social learning resources affect user experience, engagement, and mental health outcomes like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Participants receive the Self-Guided PSP Wellbeing Course, an online program consisting of five lessons usually completed over eight weeks, with access extended up to 26 weeks. The trial compares four groups based on two factors course delivery method either tunneled, where lessons unlock in order, or personalized, where participants choose their pace and order and resource type standard resources or enhanced social learning resources that include additional motivational content and homework aids. During the study, participants complete questionnaires at screening, 4 weeks, 8 weeks post-treatment, and 20 weeks post-treatment to measure symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and engagement with the course. Automated reminders encourage lesson completion and questionnaire responses. The study monitors mental health outcomes and participant adherence over the 26-week access period to understand the impact of delivery and resource variations on treatment experience and effectiveness.

Assessing Social Learning and Course Delivery Timing in Internet-delivered Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Public Safety Personnel