Internet-based aftercare for patients with personality disorders and trauma-related disorders: A pilot study

Preventing readmission after hospital discharge is a major issue with regard to the continuity of patients' recovery process and the financial burden on the healthcare system, but adequate aftercare services are lacking. Therefore, a pilot study was conducted to examine the feasibility and acceptability of an Internet-based aftercare program for patients with personality disorders (PD) and / or trauma-related disorders as well as to obtain a preliminary estimate of effects on symptomatology and readmission. Patients' satisfaction with the program and symptomatology (KPD-38, BDI-II) were assessed prior to hospital discharge (t₁) and after three months of participation (t₂). Log data on program utilization (i.e., logins, page hits, and chat use) were automatically assessed via server logs. N = 31 of 45 eligible patients consented to participate. 84% used the intervention at least once. The average duration of participation was 63 days (SD = 4.6). Patients attended on average 7.2 out of 12 group chat sessions (SD = 4.0). Findings indicate very high acceptance of and satisfaction with the intervention. Symptomatology on all outcomes was stable, no deteriorations could be observed. 20% reported readmission within the aftercare period. Efficacy and cost-effectiveness should be tested with a large-scale randomized controlled trial.