Understanding User Reactions and Interactions With an Internet-Based Intervention for Tinnitus Self-Management:...

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Psychological Interventions
• Tinnitus Management

Background:

• Tinnitus significantly impacts quality of life, with psychological therapies offering benefits but facing accessibility challenges.
• Internet-based interventions present a scalable solution to improve access to psychological support for tinnitus.
• Limited evidence exists on the acceptability and efficacy of these digital interventions, necessitating process evaluations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a study protocol examining user experiences with the Tinnitus E-Programme.
• To explore reactions and interactions of past, current, and new users with the internet-based tinnitus self-management program.

Main Methods:

• Two parallel mixed-methods studies involving different user populations.
• Study 1: Online survey for past and current users' perspectives.
• Study 2: Interviews and relaxation logs with new users to assess skill implementation.

Main Results:

• Study 1 is recruiting, targeting completion in June 2016 (36 participants recruited).
• Study 2 was completed in November 2015 (12 participants).

Conclusions:

• Results will inform the optimization of the Tinnitus E-Programme.
• Findings will guide future research on the program's effectiveness as a tinnitus therapy.