Dropping out of a transdiagnostic online intervention: A qualitative analysis of client's experiences

Highlights

• CQR was applied to explore subjective experiences of dropped out clients

• Therapists support and lack of individualization appear as predominant aspects

• Expectations management may play an essential role to decrease dropout rates

Abstract

Introduction

An important concern in Internet-based treatments (IBTs) for emotional disorders is the high dropout rate from these protocols. Although dropout rates are usually reported in research studies, very few studies qualitatively explore the experiences of patients who drop out of IBTs. Examining the experiences of these clients may help to find ways to tackle this problem.

Method

A Consensual Qualitative Research study was applied in 10 intentionally-selected patients who dropped out of a transdiagnostic IBT.

Results

22 categories were identified within 6 domains. Among the clients an undeniable pattern arose regarding the insufficient support due to the absence of a therapist and the lack of specificity of the contents to their own problems.

Conclusions

The analyzed content has direct impact on the clinical application of IBTs. A more tailored manage of expectations as well as strategies to enhance the therapeutic relationship in certain clients are identified as the two key elements in order to improve the dropout in IBTs. Going further, in the mid and long run, ideographic interventions would be vital. The present study permits to better grasp the phenomenon of dropout in IBTs and delineate specific implications both in terms of research, training and practice.