An Open Trial of the Effectiveness, Program Usage, and User Experience of Internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Mixed Anxiety and Depression for Healthcare Workers on Disability Leave

Objective: An open trial of an internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT) program for healthcare workers was conducted.

Methods: Healthcare workers on disability leave who used the iCBT program were assessed on: self-reported depression and anxiety symptoms using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21; and, program usage. Healthcare workers' experience of using iCBT was evaluated in a separate survey.

Results: Of the 497 healthcare workers referred to the iCBT program, 51% logged in, 25% logged in more than once, and 12% logged in more than once and completed at least two assessments. For the latter group, self-reported depression and anxiety symptoms significantly decreased from the first assessment.

Conclusions: This iCBT program was perceived to be of benefit to healthcare workers, with program usage and effectiveness that was similar to what has been previously reported for unguided iCBT.