Blending Cognitive Analytic Therapy With a Digital Support Tool: Mixed Methods Study Involving a User-Centered Design...

Area of Science:

• Psychotherapy research
• Digital health interventions
• Clinical psychology

Background:

• Patients often face challenges in psychotherapy due to awareness deficits.
• Current Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) relies on paper worksheets for relational awareness tasks.
• Digital technologies supporting patient awareness are highly sought after.

Purpose of the Study:

• To co-design a prototype digital mobile app with therapists and patients.
• To enhance patient engagement in the

Main Methods:

• National online survey of 50 CAT therapists regarding app adoption.
• Development of a prototype mobile app based on existing worksheets.
• Initial user testing with 3 therapists and 3 CAT ex-patients.

Main Results:

• 72% of therapists surveyed do not currently use digital tools in CAT.
• Therapists and ex-patients widely endorsed the potential value of a mobile app.
• Key concerns included data security, governance, and access, leading to five design changes.

Conclusions:

• A user-centered design process yielded a prototype CAT-App to improve relational awareness in therapy.
• The app allows for unobtrusive practice and dynamic feedback on patient progress.
• Further research is needed to test clinical acceptability, feasibility, and address data protection challenges.