Patient perceptions of digital and therapist-led CBT for insomnia: A qualitative study

Technology has the potential to increase access to evidence-based insomnia treatment. Patient preferences/perceptions of automated digital cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia (CBTI) and telehealth-delivered CBTI remain largely unexplored among middle-aged and older adults. Using a qualitative approach, the current study describes patients' reasons for participating in the clinical trial, preferences for digital CBTI (dCBTI) versus therapist-led CBTI, patient attitudes toward dCBTI, and patient attitudes toward telehealth-delivered therapist-led CBTI.

Middle-aged and older adults (N = 80) completed a semi-structured interview before CBTI exposure. Qualitative responses were coded, and themes were inductively extracted.

Most (62.5%) of the participants expressed a preference for therapist-led CBTI to dCBTI. Convenience was the most commonly reported advantage of dCBTI (n = 55) and telehealth-delivered CBTI (n = 65). Decreasing transit time and pandemic-related health concerns were identified as advantages to dCBTI and telehealth-delivered CBTI. Lack of human connection and limited personalization were perceived as disadvantages of dCBTI. Only three participants reported technological barriers to dCBTI and telehealth-delivered CBTI.

Findings suggest that, despite an overall preference for therapist-led treatment, most middle-aged and older adults are open to dCBTI. As both dCBTI and telehealth-delivered CBTI are perceived as convenient, these modalities offer the potential to increase access to insomnia care.